Alo Yoga – 5th Ave

KPFF provided structural engineering services for the newest Alo Yoga store located at 164 Fifth Avenue in the Flatiron district of Manhattan. KPFF collaborated with Lalire March Architects to remove an existing mezzanine level to increase the first-floor clear height. The removal of the mezzanine required the reinforcing and strengthening of the end brick-bearing walls.  The existing building was built circa 1910 and utilized reinforced concrete for slabs and beams. KPFF provided a new steel framing to introduce a new rear stairwell and an elevator to connect all 5 levels.  The top-level houses a beautiful restaurant/health bar with access to an outdoor terrace. KPFF also designed the first-floor feature stair that connects to the second floor. Careful consideration of the window and exterior façade had to be taken as this is a historic district.  The new feature stair intermediate landing had to fit within the existing front window encasement to preserve and accentuate them both from the interior and the exterior.   The biggest challenge with this project was the discovery of field conditions as the contractor was erecting the interior structure. KPFF’s engineers were actively involved during the construction phase as responsiveness and adaptability were necessary to deal with the many unforeseen field conditions with such an old building.