Update: October 8

COUNTDOWN TO GMHC's MOVE - Biweekly Update
October 7, 2010

 

Greetings!

We have broken ground!  As you can see by the photo, demolition has begun which is very exciting.  While it may look chaotic, this is the beginning of what will soon be a larger, welcoming and beautiful dining room, living room and kitchen.  Check out all those windows.  Let the sunshine in!

As always, we welcome your feedback and please be sure to let us know of any questions or concerns you might have about this.  It's an important move for our clients, our staff, our volunteers — for all of us.  We are building the next phase of GMHC's work to end HIV/AIDS and to serve those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Janet Weinberg
Chief Operating Officer

---

 

The Project Dream Team

In this update, we would like to introduce our lighting coordinator, Gerard Blandina, Region Vice President, Metro New York, Philips Lightolier.    Gerard worked with us when GMHC's offices were located on West 20th Street.

---

 

A Note from Gerard Blandina, Phillips Lightolier
 

Dear Friends:

I have been working with Phillips Lightolier, which is a lighting fixture manufacturer, for 23 years.  In 1991, I had the chance to work with GMHC to provide lighting.  It was a different world back then, a dark time in the epidemic.  When I went to GMHC on West 20th Street, I saw people living with HIV and AIDS for the first time.  As a 25-year-old kid from New Jersey, I had never been to an AIDS service organization.  When I met with the Facilities staff, they didn't want fluorescent lighting because it irritated the eyes of people who were in final stages of AIDS.  That kind of lighting was too bright.  So we brought in softer lighting.

As I worked with GMHC, I wanted to do more.  My obligation to help was realized by lowering the lighting costs so that more money was spent on caring for the clients.  Throughout the years, I have done a lot of work with non-profit organizations as Phillips Lightolier is into health and wellness. 

This year, my colleagues at Lehr Corporation invited me to help GMHC again.  On this particular project, I'm in charge of project coordination because I wasn't working with a distributor or contractor.  My goal was to select lighting that interacted well with the people in the new office space.  Successful design today is about not noticing the lighting rather than it being a form of art work.  You don't want your eyes to be drawn to the fixtures.  I also picked lighting that was less expensive without affecting performance.  My commitment to save money for GMHC is stronger than ever. 

The main lobby will have a large light fixture that will feature the new GMHC logo.  This fixture will really stand out, so that you can see it from the street — a beacon to all who enter.

And that's what GMHC is, a beacon of light for people.  I still think of GMHC as a grassroots organization.  Even with this big move and as the organization expands, I am glad to be a part of the team that has come together to help build GMHC's new home. 

If GMHC needs help 10 years from now, I want to help.

Gerard

---

 

What We Are Working on Now

The construction workers have been tearing out the walls on the 7th floor.  Demolition is needed in order to start building the kitchen, dining room and living room.  We have met the construction superintendent and project manager whose offices are on the 7th floor.  The construction team is working well and we are on track in terms of the building schedule.

 

Going the Extra Mile

The vendors have continued to be generous by discounting their respective fees for consulting services and supplies for the new space.   Four examples include the following:  Levien & Company, for the Project Manager; Lehr Construction Corporation, for the Construction Managers;  Phillips Lightolier, for the lighting fixtures; and Post & Grossbard, for the Kitchen Designers.  Post & Grossbard also helped GMHC with the design of the current kitchen. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by companies that have been proud to help.

The Search for a Prevention and Wellness Center

We continue to be in negotiation with a focus now on one building.  Conceptual architectural drawings of the Chelsea Center have been completed.  The landlord is in discussion with our real estate broker to make sure he would be able to complete renovation, within a specific timeframe, and deliver a building that is ready for us to move in.  The landlord appears to be interested in working with us and has shown a few good-faith efforts demonstrating his commitment.  

Questions???

If you have any questions about our updates, please call Krishna Stone in the Communications Department at (212) 367-1016 or send an e-mail to krishnas@gmhc.org.  Thank you.

#  #  #

GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS.  We provide prevention and care services to men, women and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City.  We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.