Red Hook, Brooklyn
Armand Corporation, in conjunction with NYCEDC, has been contracted
to manage the complete renovation of Red Hook Library through the
competitive procurement of the design and construction teams for the
$20MM project.
Initially constructed in 1975, the library underwent renovations to address
damages incurred during Super-storm Sandy and reopened in 2013. The
neighborhood library serves families by offering programming for toddlers,
children, and teens in its community. Renovation improvements to the facility will
provide upgraded interior and exterior space to serve the many contemporary
uses in the library and the visitors’ needs.
The building is undergoing a gut renovation and is designed to satisfy New York City
Building Code Appendix G, which requires the building to be Dry Flood Proofed,
since the building is located in the 1% FEMA floodplain. The new mechanical and
electrical equipment will be placed on the library’s roof, as well as the installation of photovoltaic panels (PV Panels). Additionally, flood-resistant walls and windows will create a ‘flood wall’ of 3.5 feet around the building. The exterior will feature permeable landscaping that integrates stormwater management through rain garden planters and bioswales, planted with salt-tolerant species. Notably, the roof slab is being raised six feet, protecting critical systems from future flood events, increasing sustainability measures, and allowing greater flexibility for interior space planning.
The library will also become a net-zero building; it will meet its own annual energy
consumption requirements by incorporating renewable energy components
into the design. The project is designed to achieve a minimum of LEED Silver
certification (most likely will be GOLD certification).
The project scope includes the redesign of the entrance vestibule to create an
open and inviting atmosphere as well as provide natural light to the interior
facility’s programs, reconfiguration of interior space to accommodate additional
meeting rooms, expansion of various existing rooms, and remodeled counter/
desk space; construction of ADA-compliant entry/egress points to access
existing garden; renovation of existing bathrooms and pantry area; upgrades
to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; a new fire safety system and IT/
security upgrades; and interior and exterior signage, site work, landscaping, and
flood mitigation.
Brooklyn, NY
The project was placed on hold during COVID-19 and underwent a redesign to accommodate a budget reduction. Armand worked with the architect and engineer in a design-build relationship to help expedite the preconstruction phase. Armand’s personnel is providing constructability reviews as part of our preconstruction services. Armand contributes a construction-informed perspective on the long-term return on investment to extend the life of the renovation. Armand reviews the design documents and provides progress cost estimates during different design development stages. Armand’s analysis has supported the need for acoustic tile and sufficient meeting space as the library forecasts an increase in its use as a training site and community meeting space. Armand also reviewed and supported the development of cost-effective improvements to an outdoor garden space, a feature in keeping with the evolving role of libraries as an inviting space to relax and learn in a natural environment.
The project received the New York City Public Design Commission Award for Excellence in Design (2020), which recognizes outstanding public projects that inspire us towards a better future.
View other projects
New York City Economic Development
Corp.
$20 Million
The project prioritized material reuse over full structural demolition. Floor and ceiling slabs, along with support columns, were retained to align with circular economy principles—reducing construction waste and preventing carbon-emitting concrete from entering landfills.
Shamsell Abdill brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry to her role as Vice President at Armand Corporation. She oversees the company’s building and infrastructure programs, serving as Project Executive, and is renowned for her expertise in contract administration, project management, problem resolution, and M/WBE compliance. Her career highlights include contributing to the rebuilding of the World Trade Center as part of the Procurement and Change Order Management Team, where she gained extensive experience in procurement and negotiation. Shamsell leverages her comprehensive industry knowledge to build strong professional relationships with agencies and utility companies, minimizing impacts on construction schedules. Her diverse project portfolio spans corporate, correctional, healthcare, educational, and landmark building restorations, as well as masonry renovations. She is adept in various project delivery methods, including construction manager as agent, construction manager at risk, design-bid-build, and design-build, making her an invaluable leader in delivering successful projects for Armand Corporation.
Robert “Bob” Mello is a seasoned construction professional with over 35 years of experience managing both new construction and renovation projects. As Associate Vice President of Pre-Construction at Armand Corporation, Bob specializes in overseeing planning and construction-related services for public and private clients.
A licensed Professional Engineer in New York State, Bob’s extensive expertise includes managing projects across urban environments and on-call contracts. His skill set encompasses facility planning, property condition assessments, constructability reviews, quality control and compliance, energy efficiency initiatives, and scope and schedule reviews.
Bob’s comprehensive approach ensures effective construction management from initial phases through project close-out, making him an invaluable leader in delivering successful outcomes for Armand’s clients.
CariAnn Palmese is a senior program manager with nearly 20 years of experience delivering program management and administrative support for large, complex, multi-million-dollar projects. Her expertise includes developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the successful execution of challenging initiatives.
A highlight of CariAnn’s career was guiding the Nassau County Department of Public Works in managing community reconstruction projects under a $36 million CDBG-DR capital program. Currently, she works alongside Armand’s team to provide construction management services for disaster recovery capital programs, showcasing her dedication to driving successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.
Jerome Wright is a seasoned financial analyst with nearly 20 years of accounting experience across diverse industries. As Associate Vice President of Operations at Armand Corporation, Jerome excels in managing and tracking vendor invoices, ensuring timely processing using project-specific templates, and providing hands-on assistance to vendors with invoice submissions.
Jerome’s expertise includes preparing detailed invoice summary reports for Program Manager approvals and collaborating with Program Managers to resolve billing discrepancies. He has a proven ability to reconcile financial data, comparing and correcting invoice details while working closely with project management and accounting teams to address invoicing issues.His commitment to precision and collaboration makes him an integral part of the operations team.
At Armand Corporation, We are committed to maintaining a secure and transparent hiring process. Please be aware of potential job scams that misuse our name to solicit sensitive or personal information. We do not request Social Security numbers, bank account details, or payment of any kind during the initial stages of the hiring process. Additionally, we never offer employment without a formal interview process. All applicants are required to participate in one or more interviews before any job offer is extended. While we may request verification of education, certifications, or licenses during the later stages of the hiring process.
If you receive suspicious communication claiming to be from Armand Corporation or are uncertain about the legitimacy of a job offer, please contact us directly at careers@armandcorp.com for confirmation. Protecting your privacy and ensuring a fair and professional hiring experience is our top priority.
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Phillip Grant is responsible for overseeing the company’s daily operations and driving the execution of strategic initiatives. He manages key relationships with stakeholders, including boards, owners, consultants, and contractors. Phillip is also responsible for negotiating contracts, resolving budget and schedule challenges, and integrating innovative technologies. He has over 20 years of extensive expertise in economic development, engineering, and public infrastructure. Phillip has successfully managed multi-billion dollar capital construction programs, focusing on sustainability, compliance, and efficiency. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, a Certified Construction Manager and holds a BS in engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MBA from Mercy University. He is also a member of the Construction Management Association of America, National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
