BAUMGARTEN WINS ARCHI AWARD FOR PRATT PAVILION RENOVATIONS

LongIsland.com

John W. Baumgarten Architect, P.C. takes a prestigious Long Island AIA Archi Award for renovations at former Gold Coast mansion that merge five-star luxury and gentility with cutting edge healthcare and technology.

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Jericho, N.Y. (Oct. 28, 2011) - The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Long Island Chapter presented its 2011 Archi Award Commendation for Health Care to John W. Baumgarten Architect, P.C., for its renovation of the Glengariff Healthcare Center's Pratt Pavilion for Rehabilitation and Healing in Glen Cove, N.Y.

The AIA presented the Jericho-based Baumgarten firm, one of Long Island's premier architectural design firms, with this prestigious award for the firm's work at the one-time Gold Coast manse after a juried competition. The award was presented at the AIA chapter's 47th Annual Awards Celebration on Oct. 19 at Oheka Castle, an event space in Huntington, N.Y.

"It is very rewarding for our work to be recognized by our peers," said John Baumgarten, the firm's president.

"The design for the renovation of the Pratt Pavilion embraces a sense of style normally associated with a fine hotel. It also takes advantage of its unique setting to provide a positive, resident centered care environment that respects the building's past while embracing state-of- the- art technology," Baumgarten said. "The new Pratt Pavilion synthesizes proud history, architectural design and a passion to deliver the highest caliber rehab experience in an extraordinary setting."

The award was all the more significant, because Baumgarten is a graduate of the Pratt Institute School of Architecture in Brooklyn, which was founded by Frederic Pratt, whose former home is now the Pratt Pavilion.

"Our design goal was simple: to merge five-star luxury and gentility with cutting edge health care and technology," said Baumgarten. "We carried this theme throughout the newly appointed lobby and amenity areas and into the new therapy spaces."

The Baumgarten firm, a major player in the design of healthcare facilities throughout the tri-state area for many years, encountered a myriad of challenges in remodeling the mansion.
The original building, which dates to 1912 and sits on12 acres on the shore of the Long Island Sound, was converted to a skilled nursing facility in the 1970s. The property was sold to its current owner, Sanjay Ahuja, in 2008. The project started with the carefully engineered removal of a 2-foot thick brick-bearing wall in order to expand the building's main lobby. The removal of this circa 1912 construction involved a logistically sophisticated sequence of bracing, shoring and underpinning, along with the threading in of new supporting steel to carry the floors above. The next phase of the project involved the conversion of an underutilized dining room into a physical therapy suite modeled after an upscale health club.

As a result of the renovation, the lobby became a significant focal point with its open and airy feeling inviting residents/patients and their families to a comfortable and warm area to socialize and congregate.

"The balance of the ground floor public and amenity spaces bridge the gap between the historic mansion and the modern health club," Baumgarten said.

The two-story lobby features inlaid marble floors and wood-paneled wainscoting that pays homage to the
building's history, Baumgarten said.

The existing grand lobby stair with its ornamental railings and ceilings were preserved, as was an original marble fireplace. Capturing abutting office suites and creating distinct seating areas defined by inlaid carpeting, further expanded the lobby footprint. "Neutral lobby walls allow vibrant artwork, furnishings and a large aquarium to give the space punch," Baumgarten noted.

The AIA Archi Award jury praised the project for creating a "bright environment" and for its "interesting use of furnishings."

About J. W. Baumgarten Architect, P.C.
Founded in 1997, John W. Baumgarten Architect, P.C., has developed design expertise in the corporate, senior care, healthcare, education and commercial markets. The firm specializes in the master planning of complex, phased projects and provides an integrated approach to architecture, interiors and engineering. For more information call (516) 939-2333 or visit www.jwbarch.com
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