CREJ

94 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / December 2021 / Patrinely / geometrically articulated structural columns were built early and remained in place through- out construction. Likewise, as a core/shell build- ing, beyond the lobby, the building’s restrooms were a focal point of the interior experience. Here Swinerton assembled a team of 20 different sub- contractors to build full-scale restroom mock-ups in the building’s basement to coordinate works is- sues and sequencing to secure approval for the final assembly for a fraction of the cost of making chang- es on 30 floors. “This is the largest and most important project in Patrinely’s nearly 40-year history,” says Haltom of the accomplishment. “An architecturally significant landmark on a major American skyline is no small feat under any circumstances, but delivering this building at this level of quality during a pandemic required an exceptional team and successful collab- oration.” Like their contribution to context, Patrinely Group’s project partnerships are also based on long-term com- mitments and an insistence on best in class. For Block 162 those begin with investment partners USAA Real Estate, which backed the decision to go purely specula- tive on the development; longtime architectural partner, Gensler; and the trusted, respected, relationship-builders at Swinerton for construction. Like Haltom, Raffael Scasserra, design director and prin- cipal for Gensler, has lived a life enmeshed in design. In his work, he finds special satisfaction in blurring bound- aries between spaces to create user-centric experiences. An international practice, Gensler is one of the largest design firms in the world, creating what Scasserra describes as a network of entrepreneurial innovators striving to continu- ally improve the hu- man experience of architecture. “At Gensler, design starts with the com- munity the building will serve. The people, the context, and the envi- ronment surrounding the project are the key drivers in solution building,” says Scasserra. Among many ac- colades, Scasserra was a key member of the winning Gens- ler team in NAIOP’s inaugural Office Building of the Future de- sign competition and is continu- ally invigorated by looking for the next level. “Previously, Block 162’s site was a parking lot, a lost corner that did not stitch the city together. G. Lyon Photography Bob Dickey Photography