Crystal Pacific Provides Energy Efficient Views for New California Townhouse Development
– Manufacturer Supplies nearly 350 Windows and Doors for La Verne Project – Crystal Pacific supplied 349 energy efficient vinyl windows and sliding doors for a new townhouse development in La Verne, CA, providing great thermal performance and views for residents. The new Crystal windows and doors at Heritage on First have extruded beige vinyl frames and many notable features. RIVERSIDE, CA, May 7, 2026 – Crystal Pacific Window & Door Systems, the west coast production arm of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, continued its expansion into the commercial multifamily market with a Southern California new construction townhouse development. The 17 semi-attached 3-story rental townhouses at Heritage on First are located at the corner of First Street and White Avenue in the city of La Verne, CA. Crystal Pacific supplied the project with 349 windows and sliding patio doors from its quality, energy efficient vinyl lines. For the new Heritage on First homes, Crystal Pacific supplied 319 single-hung, fixed, sliding, and casement windows from its Vista and Vista Plus series. In addition, the project called for 30 Buena Vista vinyl sliding patio doors. All the Crystal Pacific products used meet California Title 24 requirements. “Crystal has a very broad line of fenestration products to suit every property and a vast network of window dealers and distributors with the expertise to bring visions to reality,” said Ed Watkins, Territory Manager. “We were pleased to work with Western Window Distribution of San Diego for this exciting project in La Verne.” The three styles of Crystal Pacific Vista products used are constructed with multi-chambered 3-¼” fusion welded vinyl frames, offering superior energy performance and durability. To facilitate installation in the frame construction buildings at the Heritage on First project, all the Vista windows were specified with the optional 1” nailing flange frame. The Crystal Vista single-hung windows feature an operating lower sash, an auto sash lock, and an LC-30 rating. The Vista 2-lite sliding windows deliver an LC-25 structural rating, an auto sash lock, and large dual brass rollers for easy operation. Finally, the Vista fixed/picture window is similarly LC-25 rated. Upscale Crystal Pacific Vista Plus vinyl casement windows were also supplied. This casement is rated LC-40/LC-45, has a 3-¼” frame depth, and was specified with a 1” nailing flange. Since most of the casement windows for this project were installed next to single-hung windows, these casement windows were specified with a single simulated divided light (SDL) horizontal grid to continue the horizontal line across the center of the windows to maintain visual aesthetics. Crystal Pacific also supplied its popular Buena Vista vinyl 2-light sliding patio door. This 5-¼” frame depth door offers strength, durability, and functionality, and it is rated LC-25/LC-30. For Heritage on First, the sliding patio door was specified in the 5’ wide configuration with a 1” nailing flange. Other features include adjustable sash rollers and a dual-point locking handle. A new extruded beige color was selected for all the Crystal Pacific products used at the La Verne project. The Crystal Pacific Vista single-hung, fixed, and sliding windows all have ¾” insulated glass unit (IGU) glazing pockets. The Vista Plus casement windows and Buena Vista sliding doors offer 1” IGUs. All the windows and doors for Heritage on First were specified with dual-pane Cardinal LoĒ3-366, tempered for the sliding patio doors, sliding windows, and select fixed windows. With this advanced glass package, all the Crystal Pacific products achieved outstanding thermal performance, with U-values of 0.27 to 0.30 and solar heat gain coefficient (SGHC) values of 0.17 to 0.22. Firms involved in the Heritage on First project include architect Victor Lockett, Estudio Lockett of Long Beach, CA, and general contractor WF Construction of La Verne, CA. The general contractor also performed fenestration installation for the project. Crystal Pacific products were provided through longtime window dealer customer Western Window Distribution of San Diego. The Heritage on First development consists of 17 townhomes with 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms, situated in 9 buildings. Each individual rental unit includes two balconies and 2-car garages, upscale appliances and counters, overhead lighting, and designer fixtures. La Verne is located east of Los Angeles and just north of Pomona at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. The new development is very near the University of La Verne and the LA Fairplex facility, which hosts many notable annual events. Convenient transportation is afforded by proximity to major highways and the La Verne Gold/Metro A Line Rail Station with easy access to downtown LA.
Crystal Windows Provide Comfort at Magnolia Gardens
— Manufacturer Supplies Sustainable Windows for New Transitional Housing Property — QUEENS, NY, April 17, 2026 – Crystal Window & Door systems, the award-winning national manufacturer, continued to demonstrate its leadership in the commercial vinyl uPVC window market with its latest project, Magnolia Gardens. Located in Flushing, NY, at 39-03 College Point Boulevard, this new construction project provides 90 units of critically needed transitional housing for families and children without permanent homes. For the project, Crystal supplied top quality, highly energy efficient casement and fixed commercial vinyl uPVC windows from its premier MAGNUS line. With frontage on both College Point Boulevard and 39th Street, the L-shaped structure has a colorful modern 6-story façade for its corner element, flanked by more traditional design 7-story components. As such, the building provides tastefully appointed apartments and amenities in a beautiful, dignified, and sustainable facility for housing-insecure families. Unplasticized polyvinyl chloride, or uPVC, has been a common window frame material in Europe for decades. Now uPVC is popular with American architects and developers because it offers strength similar to aluminum frame windows with the superior thermal efficiency and sound attenuation of traditional vinyl windows. “For several years, Crystal has been a national leader in the fabrication of windows with this superior material,” said Steven Yu, Crystal Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “With so many uPVC commercial vinyl projects across the country, it’s nice to supply this special project which benefits New York City residents in need of stable housing so close to our factory.” Crystal’s commercial uPVC MAGNUS Series windows are a key component for the building’s environmental sustainability. The outstanding thermal efficiency of the Crystal MAGNUS windows contributes to the overall energy performance of Magnolia Gardens, designed to meet Enterprise “Green Communities” requirements and PHius Passive House design criteria. Overall, the Magnolia Gardens project used 273 Crystal MAGNUS Series 4500 uPVC windows. Most were specified for wide or tall openings as multiple-lite units using master frames and impost mullions. The vast majority of these were combinations of inswing casements with fixed lites, HVAC louvers, or insulated panels. Individual MAGNUS Series 4500 casements and fixed picture windows were also supplied. The Crystal MAGNUS Series 4500 uPVC in-swing casement windows for this project were specified with the product’s 2-⅜” depth frame option, and feature multi-point locks, sash perimeter compression seals, top quality Roto hardware, and optional window opening limit devices. The casements for Magnolia Gardens are AW-PG70 rated; even higher ratings for this product are also available. In most openings for this project, the MAGNUS Series 4500 fixed window was flanked by or atop a MAGNUS Series 4500 casement window, combined using a T-mullion impost and common frame. The side-by-side arrangement spanned large building openings up to 72” wide by 72” tall, while the vertical arrangement was used in tall openings 48” wide by 82” tall. Both configurations afford great light and views for the building residents. For a handful of openings, Crystal sourced and installed HVAC louver panels or aluminum insulated panels in place of fixed windows over casement windows. The 1” bronze color PTAC louver model AEL-42 panels were supplied by Reliable, of Geneva, AL, and the 1” bronze color insulated aluminum panels were supplied by Laminators of Hatfield, PA. All the Crystal MAGNUS windows for Magnolia Gardens were outfitted with 1-¼” insulated glass units (IGUs). The dual-pane IGUs were specified with Cardinal low-E i89 laminated glass for the interior pane; depending on whether the IGUs are fitted with a window screen, either Cardinal LoĒ3-366 glass or bird-collision deterring Guardian DX-22 SNX 62/67 glass for the exterior pane. These IGUs provide outstanding thermal performance and safety, in keeping with the goals of new construction. Installation accessories from Crystal for the new windows included T-bracket and strap anchors. All the window frames and sashes were finished with Brown 8972 smooth Renolit Exofol for interior and exterior surfaces. Key players in the Magnolia Gardens transitional housing project include owner Asian Americans for Equity (AAFE) of New York, NY, which collaborated with Urban Resources Institute (URI), also of New York, NY, and New York City Department of Homeless Services to develop the project. The architect was Urban Architectural Initiatives, and the general contractor was Archstone Builders, both of New York, NY. The fenestration installation subcontractor was Luxintec, Inc. of Maspeth, NY. Building amenities include a landscaped rear yard, community room, and 24-hour security. Magnolia Gardens is also pet-inclusive, with designated apartments set aside for pet owners. Mindful of the Asian-American culture of the families predominantly served by the property and the surrounding Flushing neighborhood, a Feng Shui consultant assisted with the building orientation, space planning, and color selection of exterior and interior components. As a transitional housing facility, Magnolia Gardens provides unique supporting programs for residents, such as case management, housing navigation, job readiness training, financial coaching, and therapeutic counseling. Other major programs utilize the building’s STEAM-based empowerment center and FabLab digital fabrication learning center.
Crystal Windows Add Elegance to South Orange, NJ Project
— Upscale New Development Uses 323 Crystal Windows and Doors — QUEENS, NY, March 10, 2026 – The Mosaic, a new upscale boutique multifamily development, tapped Crystal Window & Door Systems’ products to bring elegance, style, and class to the project. The national award-winning manufacturer furnished the new development with 323 quality energy efficient large windows and doors. The Mosaic is a modern design 5-story brickface and EIFS panel façade structure located at 88 Sloan Street, between Second and Third Streets in South Orange, NJ. Across the street from the NJ Transit South Orange rail station and within the designated South Orange Transit Village, the new luxury apartment building is part of the ongoing redevelopment and rejuvenation of this community. “Crystal fenestration products are playing an important role across the nation to bring more housing online,” said Blaise Benevenga, Regional Sales Manager. “The Mosaic in South Orange is an example of the company meeting the design and functionality needs of a new upscale property.” For the South Orange project, Crystal supplied eight different products from its vast portfolio of aluminum and vinyl windows and doors. Aluminum sliding, double-hung, fixed, and casement windows, along with sliding patio doors, sidelights, and swing terrace doors were specified. In most cases, twin and triple window units were mulled atop other multiple units, creating large, tall combinations, some spanning openings 96” wide by 88” tall. The Crystal sliding window used at The Mosaic was the heavy-commercial aluminum Series 5600, in both two- and three-lite versions. This is a 3-¼” frame depth window rated AW-PG40. The Crystal sliding windows feature dual stainless steel sash rollers and stainless steel reinforced roller tracks. To facilitate installation, the windows were specified with an optional nailing fin. The double- and triple-lite sliding windows were field-mulled atop two- and three-lite Series 2100 fixed windows to maximize views. The South Orange project included an extensive number of Crystal Series 2600 aluminum double-hung windows. Rated CW-PG50, the 3-¼” window features tilt-in sashes, metal tilt latches, and anti-drift clip locks at the top sash head and integrated with the lower sash lift rail. Most of the Series 2600 windows were fabricated into twin and triple units utilizing the product’s continuous master frame and impost option. To span large openings, the twin and triple units were typically field-mulled atop matching twin and triple Series 2100 fixed window combinations. All the double-hung windows were fitted with decorative between glass grids. Complementing the sliding and double-hung windows on this project were the Crystal Series 2100 fixed windows, also a 3-¼” frame depth product which is rated CW-PG60. A master frame sash impost option makes two- and three-lite horizontal and vertical arrangements possible. On The Mosaic building, the Series 2100 fixed windows included matching decorative between glass grids when paired with the Series 2600 double-hung windows. Completing the windows specified for the project, Crystal provided its heavy-commercial aluminum Series 8500 outswing casement and Series 8510 fixed windows. Both products have narrow sightline 2-⅝” frames, strong 0.125” thick frame and sill extrusions, and architectural ratings of AW-PG70 (casement) and AW-PG85 (fixed). The outswing casement features double weatherstripping on the sash perimeter and a 4-bar stainless steel hinge. Both window models are compatible with one another, and using the continuous master frame impost option, can be fabricated in multiple horizontal or vertical combinations. In a few instances at The Mosaic, large Series 8510 fixed triples were field-mulled atop other fixed triples to span large openings 91” wide by 88” tall. Access to apartment terraces and balconies is provided by Crystal Series 1280 aluminum sliding patio doors or Series 1460 aluminum swing terrace doors. Both the Crystal Series 1280 and the Crystal Series 1460 are architecturally rated heavy-commercial doors with 1” insulated glass and multi-point locks. Most of the doors used on the project are two-lite Series 1280 sliding patio doors, which has 4-9⁄16” jamb depth and is AW-PG50 rated. The door features heavy-duty adjustable tandem quad ball bearing rollers. The Crystal sliding doors were specified as large custom sized 82” wide by 97” tall and furnished in a “knock-down” (KD) package for easy handling and job site assembly. Approximately half of the Crystal sliding doors were ordered with the full-compatible matching sidelight Series 1270A. This fixed transom/sidelight window has a 4-9⁄16” frame and is rated AW-PG75. Combined, the Series 1280 sliding door and Series 1270A sidelight spanned openings 112” wide by 97” tall. A handful of Crystal Series 1460 inswing terrace doors were also supplied. With heavy-duty extrusion profiles 0.093” thick, this 3-¼” jamb depth aluminum door achieves an AW-PG60 rating. Owing to its polyamide insulated strut thermal break design, this product offers superior energy efficient performance. Depending on the window or door model, the Crystal products used either ⅞” or 1” insulated glass units. In all cases, the dual-pane IGUs were fitted with Vitro SB60 low-E glass and argon gas. Where code required or otherwise appropriate, tempered glass was used. All the window, door, and sidelight frames were finished on both exterior and interior surfaces with a sustainable 2604 black powder coat paint. Crystal supplied several installation accessories, including anchor clips, stack mullions, and covers. Sash stops and limit opening devices were factory installed on the operating casement, double-hung, and sliding windows. All the Crystal Series 2600 double-hung windows and many of the Series 2100 fixed windows were supplied with between-the-glass ⅝” colonial style grids. Partners for The Mosaic South Orange project include architect Appel Design Group of Florham Park, NJ, and developer 8 Second Street Urban Renewal, LLC, of Union, NJ. Mark-Built Homes of Union, NJ, was the general contractor for the project. The luxury 42-unit Mosaic South Orange offers 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments, most with their own private balcony or terrace. Ten-foot ceilings, custom window shades, high-end appliances, quartz countertops, and other luxury apartment features bring elegance to the property. Common area amenities include a spacious lobby full gym, work and entertainment spaces, and
Crystal Windows Provide Great Views for New Dallas Luxury Development
— Manufacturer Supplies Over 700 Windows for Park at Katy Trail — QUEENS, NY, February 24, 2026 – Crystal Window & Door Systems, the award-winning national manufacturer, continues to be the supplier of choice for new Dallas area developments. Crystal recently supplied over 700 expansive quality, energy efficient windows for the new construction mid-rise residential project The Park at Katy Trail. Located in the Uptown Dallas neighborhood on Carlisle Street, The Park at Katy Trail consists of two 6-story brick face multi-family buildings with luxury rental apartments “Our commercial aluminum windows are increasingly popular in Dallas and other growing markets for their versatility, functionality, and many custom design possibilities,” said Frank Ganninger, Regional Sales Manager. “In addition to our broad product line, we offer architects, developers, and general contractors design and value engineering services that help make their projects come to life.” The new development was supplied with a total of 738 Crystal double-hung and picture windows in single and twin configurations. The most common window for the project was the popular Series 2000A double-hung, a mainstay of the Crystal product line. This 3-¼” aluminum frame depth window is strong, energy efficient, and functional. With frame and sill extrusion wall thicknesses of 0.62” and 0.78” respectively, the window is structurally rated CW-PG50. Functionally, the Crystal Series 2000A has tilt-in sashes for easy cleaning and an ergonomic curved lift rail for the lower sashes. For safety and security, the window also features an anti-drift head sash clip lock. To ease operation of larger window sashes for this project, an optional enhanced balance system was used. The majority of the Crystal Series 2000A were specified as horizontal twin units using the product line’s T-mullion impost and continuous master frame option. In some cases, double-hung twin combinations spanned openings 72” wide by 72” tall. To facilitate installation, all the double-hung windows were equipped with an optional nailing fin. Crystal also supplied Series 2100 fixed picture windows for The Park at Katy Trail. With 0.062” extrusion wall thickness, this 3-¼” jamb aluminum frame window is CW-PG60 rated. Most of the Series 2100 windows for the project were fitted with the optional impost and continuous frame and were specified in two-lite twin horizontal and vertical configurations. In some instances, the project design called for twin double-hung window combinations to be stacked atop twin fixed window combinations, spanning large openings 72” wide by 95” tall. Like the double-hung windows, all the Crystal Series 2100 fixed windows were specified with optional installation nailing fins. All the Crystal windows used ⅞” double-pane insulated glass units (IGUs) with Vitro low-E SB70 coating and argon gas. Where appropriate, the glass was also tempered. All the project’s window frames and H-mullion accessories were finished in a modern sustainable 2604 powder coat black paint. The developer and builder for The Park at Katy Trail is Willow Bridge Property Company, headquartered in Dallas, TX. Crystal supplied its windows directly to Willow Bridge for this project. The Park at Katy Trail features 300 one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments with open floor plans, upscale finishes, and many amenities. Located at 3255 Carlisle Street, the property offers residents many indoor and outdoor common spaces: a resort style pool, outdoor grills, a fitness center, conference rooms, dining areas, and secure underground parking garages. The property provides direct access to scenic Katy Trail, is adjacent to Turtle Creek Park, and is walkable to restaurants, shops, offices, and museums in this upscale vibrant community. The Katy Trail, in the heart of Dallas, was once an abandoned railroad line. In 2000, it was repurposed and designed as a 3.5-mile linear urban park and is now one of the most popular walking trails in Dallas. Community events, concerts, and races are scheduled throughout the year on the trail. Plans are underway for extending the trail another three miles.
Crystal Windows Brings OPUS Masterpieces to the Market
— Manufacturer Introduces New High-End Aluminum Product Lines — QUEENS, NY, January 30, 2026 – Award winning national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems continued its product line expansion with the recent launch of the high-end aluminum OPUS lines. Introduction of the elite OPUS windows and doors catapults the firm into the upper echelons of window manufacturers. Three major model lines, each with several styles of windows and doors, are initially offered with the OPUS products, with more to be introduced in the coming months. “Born in Belgium, Built in America,” the Crystal OPUS products are the result of a strategic partnership with Reynaers, a leading European fenestration system designer and extruder. An “Official US Certified Fabricator for Reynaers”, the Crystal OPUS aluminum window and door fabrication as well as insulated glass assembly is all performed at Crystal’s American factories by its skilled American workforce. All three of the new OPUS window and door model lines – SL38, ML8, and MP – are noted for their narrow sightlines, slim but strong frames, robust high-performance thermal breaks, and several designer options for frame profiles. With clean lines, crisp details, and precise finishes, each Crystal OPUS product is a work of art. The OPUS windows and doors are perfectly tailored for high-rise luxury properties, elite institutions, superior commercial buildings, as well as unique premium homes. From grand historic restorations and lofty towers to cutting-edge modern projects, the Crystal OPUS windows and doors are perfectly suited for all applications. “The introduction of the OPUS window and door product lines opens the door for Crystal to serve the highest tiers of the fenestration market,” said Steve Chen, CEO for Crystal. “This expansion of the product line means Crystal will truly be able to supply all types of projects with products that range from modest residential window replacement jobs to ultra sophisticated luxury high-rises and elite residences.” First among the three new Crystal OPUS lines are the 3-⅞” jamb depth Crystal SL38 aluminum models. With a slim design and narrow sightlines, its minimalist aesthetic can replicate the iconic industrial look of steel frame windows. Available styles include fixed, casement, hopper, awning, and a terrace door, with a choice of four frame profiles: functional, classic, cubic, and ferro. The SL38 window products are top performers across the board. The casement window is rated AW-PG100. Polyamide insulating thermal struts provide outstanding performance with U-values as low as 0.23 with double glass IGUs and 0.16 for triple glass IGUs. Sound attenuation ratings are 44 STC and 35 OITC. The Crystal SL38 aluminum terrace door has a 4-5∕16” frame depth and is CW-PG40 rated. Thermal performance achieves U-values of 0.30 with double glass and 0.25 with triple glazed IGUs. Acoustic ratings are STC of 38 and OITC of 34. Available with several frame profiles, the SL38 terrace door also offers a “zero threshold” option. The new Crystal OPUS ML8 aluminum windows and doors have a 3-7∕16” jamb. This flagship quality model line offers great thermal and acoustic performance, as well as countless design options. The Crystal ML8 line strikes the right balance between sleek aesthetics and strong function. All the Crystal ML8 windows and doors use polyamide insulating strut thermal break technology. The ML8 windows are available in several styles – fixed, in-swing casement, project-out hopper, project-in awning, and even a center-pivot – with four frame profile options. Key aesthetic features of the ML8 window line include hidden operating sash sightlines, concealed hinges and drainage, and glass corner options. Outstanding structural, thermal, and acoustic characteristics are demonstrated with an AW-PG70 rating for the casement style, U-values of 0.23 with double glass and 0.16 with triple glass, and STC of 50 and OITC of 44. The aluminum ML8 swing terrace door offers numerous great performance, function, and aesthetic features. Available in sizes up to 5’-7” wide and 10’ tall, the ML8 terrace door utilizes a “soft operation” integrated closer in the head, concealed hinges, and low and zero ADA thresholds. Optionally, the door’s pivot point can be adjusted out from the jamb for unique functionality and style. The AW-PG70 rated terrace door’s thermal performance can reach U-values of 0.26 with double glass and 0.20 with triple glass IGUs. Sound attenuation performance ratings are similarly excellent with STC of 43 and OITC of 35. The new Crystal OPUS MP Lift-Slide door is rated AW-PG60, has a 7-⅛” jamb, offers outstanding strength and performance, and is readily compatible with the ML8 products. The door features a zero threshold, multiple nesting panels and tracks, and can be fabricated in sizes up to 9’-10” wide and 12’ tall. Insulated or monolithic glass sizes range from ⅝” to 2-⅜” thick. The polyamide thermal strut design can deliver U-values of 0.30 for double glass and 0.21 for triple glass IGUs. With top strength, durability, thermal performance, and using premium recycled aluminum extrusion materials, the MP door is an exemplary sustainability performer. The Crystal OPUS model line frames are currently available in a variety of colors in a standard AAMA 2604 powder coat finish, with an optional upgrade to AAMA 2605. Future plans call for the color choice, for large quantity orders, to be expanded to hundreds of colors. All finish coatings meet strict European standards and receive the “Qualicoat Class 2 Coating Certified” official quality label. The Crystal OPUS products receive a full US warranty from Reynaers, which is only available through US-based certified fabricators like Crystal Windows. As such, the installed OPUS windows and doors receive on-site and virtual technical support from Crystal and the US-based Reynaers technical assistance teams. Additionally, Crystal supports design and construction professionals through all stages of their OPUS projects, from initial consultation for concept, design, and product selection, all the way to job delivery, installation training, and inspection.
Crystal Window Wall System Named a Top Building Product
— New Crystal Fenestration Selected for National Construction Product List — QUEENS, NY, December 16, 2025 – National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door System’s award-winning products continue to be recognized by the national design and construction industry. The company’s new aluminum Series W50i Window Wall System was named to the Building Design+Construction (BD+C) Magazine 2025 Top 75 Building Products List in the November/December 2025 issue. The published annual list covers not just fenestration-related, but all recently introduced building products used in new and rehab commercial construction projects, adding to the prestige of this recognition for Crystal. Several Crystal products have been selected for the annual BD+C list in the past. The 2025 BD+C Top Products List has eight categories, assessed by a panel of practicing architects, specifiers, engineers, and construction professionals, as well as the BD+C editorial team. The Crystal Series W50i is one of seven products in the window and door category, and one of only two window products, to make the list. Products are evaluated on their overall potential benefit to construction project teams; usefulness to clients in terms of performance and maintenance; impact on building occupants’ health, safety, wellness, and productivity; and degree of innovation in the product category. The Crystal Series W50i Window Wall System scored high on all these key characteristics. The Series W50i Window Wall System is an elegant, feature-rich product with many advantages. The window wall system replicates the look of curtain wall with the benefits of easier handling, faster and safer installation, less on-site labor requirements, enhanced thermal performance, outstanding aesthetics, and greater cost effectiveness. In addition to standard high-end features, the Crystal W50i offers many design options such as operating windows and doors, spandrel glass, aluminum panels, floor slab bypass modules, upgraded glazing, many finishes, and designer hardware. This is the third Crystal product in recent years to be a BD+C Top 75 Building Product award winner. Other Crystal products named to the BD+C Magazine list include the aluminum Series 1450 Swing Terrace Door with ADA-compliant low sill, perfect for multifamily and institutional properties, and the aluminum Series AC85 Acoustic Casement Window, a high-performance window especially designed for urban and high noise level areas.
New Times Square Attraction – Crystal’s Window Wall
QUEENS, NY, November 4, 2025 – Guests at the new VOCO Times Square Hotel will enjoy fantastic floor-to-ceiling views courtesy of Crystal Window & Door Systems. The 32-story high-rise hotel features over 31,000 sq. ft. of Crystal’s new W50i Window Wall system on its west and north facing glass facades. Located at 711 7th Avenue in the northeast corner of Manhattan’s famous Times Square, the 343-ft. tall slender hotel sits on an L-shaped parcel and has frontage on both 7th Avenue and West 48th Street while “surrounding” a separate low-rise corner building. “This is another exciting Manhattan project to specify our new W50i Window Wall system,” said Steve Chen, Crystal’s President. “It is a testament to the product’s value and performance that the architect for this new hotel selected our window wall system to provide outstanding guest room views overlooking Times Square.” The Crystal W50i is a feature- and option-rich window wall system. It is an attractive alternative to curtain wall, and it is suitable for all types of buildings, including luxury mid- and high-rise multifamily, office, institutional, and hospitality properties. Fully installed from within the building’s interior, with floor-to-ceiling glass and a slab bypass option, the unitized Crystal product replicates the look and function of curtain wall with the benefits of easier handling, faster and safer installations, less on-site labor requirements, enhanced thermal performance, outstanding aesthetics, and greater cost effectiveness. The VOCO Hotel floors 3 through 32 used 31,466 sq. ft. of Crystal window wall with 392 operable casement window panels. The unitized, pre-glazed W50i window wall system easily spans floor slab to floor slab openings up to 10 feet in height. The system framing features minimal 2-½” sightlines and a 5” frame depth, with a polyamide insulating thermal break. The system is structurally rated at AW-PG70 and AW-PG55. Installation of the Crystal system is speeded by integrated snap-in panels, and EPM triple-gasketed male/female joints assure a durable, waterproof seal. An integral part of the window wall system, the operating in-swing casement window panels were fitted with opening limit devices. The casement windows are operated with a sash lock handle. To provide a continuous curtain wall-like façade appearance for the VOCO Hotel, this project included the floor slab bypass option. The bypass spandrel panels cover the façade of the building floor slabs while seamlessly joining floor-to-ceiling panels above and below. The bypass spandrel panels were specified with back painted glass, 20-gauge aluminum back panels, and 5” of foam insulation to fill the cavity between glass and back panels. Insulated glass units (IGUs) were specified for all the fixed vision, operable vision, and non-bypass spandrel window wall panels. The IGUs were either 1” for fixed panels or 1-¼” for operable panels and used double glass, Technoform spacers, and argon gas filling. The vision panels used low-E Guardian SN68 glass, while the non-bypass spandrel glass was tempered and back painted a custom Ford Blue color. As required by New York City code, bird-friendly patterns were used on all the vision glass for the lower floors of the hotel. The slab bypass panels used single pane ¼” monolithic tempered glass with a custom Ford Blue back painted interior facing surface. The Crystal W50i framing was finished in a two-tone color scheme, Timeless Gold on the exterior and white for the interior surfaces. Installation accessories provided included receptors, subsills, anchor clips, and snap trim. Bringing the VOCO Times Square Hotel project to reality was a team of notable New York design and building professionals. The developer is 711 Seventh Hotel Association LLC, which is a joint venture of Atlas Hospitality of Albertson, NY (Long Island) and Flintlock Construction Services of New York, NY, and the architecture firm is Gene Kaufman Architects of New York, NY. Flintlock Construction Services served as the project’s general contractor, and Vista Skywall Systems of Flushing, NY, installed the façade fenestration. The new hotel is owned by IHG Hotels and Resorts premium VOCO brand. The Times Square South VOCO Hotel has 422 guest rooms, conference rooms, and 7,500 sq. ft. set aside for restaurant and bar space, including a rooftop indoor/outdoor bar. A distinct feature of the hotel’s Seventh Avenue façade, the cantilevered top floor balcony sports the VOCO name emblazoned across the underside, plainly visible to the street below.
Crystal Canada Windows Add Style and Performance for New Townhouse Development
RICHMOND HILL, ON, October 1, 2025 – One of the newest residential developments in the Toronto area benefits from quality energy efficient windows and sliding patio doors manufactured by Crystal Canada. Located at 243 16th Avenue in the Toronto suburb of Richmond Hill, new construction project Nexus Towns entails eleven 3-story townhomes. For the low-rise residential development, Crystal Canada supplied a total of 400 vinyl windows and sliding patio doors. “The Nexus Towns project demonstrates the ability of Crystal Canada to expand beyond traditional 1- and 2-family home projects and supply commercial projects,” said Justin Chen, President of Crystal Canada. “Our beautiful and functional Rhema window line complements the architectural design aesthetics and resident lifestyle of these new modern townhouses perfectly.” For the Nexus Towns development, Crystal Canada fabricated vinyl casement and fixed windows from its Rhema line and eleven vinyl sliding patio doors. Most of the windows were arranged in large double or triple combinations, with some spanning 98” wide x 66” tall openings. Quad- and 6-unit configurations plus a handful of single casement windows were also supplied. Ten of the eleven sliding doors for the project were fitted with a transom window. The Rhema 4500 Series casement and fixed windows feature a fusion-welded multi-chamber vinyl frame with a sloped sill. Window frame and sash vinyl profiles were sourced from highly regarded Canadian extruder Vision Extrusions. The strong, durable windows are also very energy efficient. The casement and fixed/picture provide large unobstructed views and excellent ventilation, and they are easy to clean and low maintenance. Crystal Canada is one of the select few Canadian window manufacturers to offer the premium Evolu nesting handle/lock option for its operating windows; the Nexus Towns casement windows were fitted with this upgrade as specifically requested by the developer. Other window options supplied include wood interior jamb extensions and a two-tone color scheme with a Kaycan Gloss Black exterior and a Dove White interior. The project’s sliding patio doors are similar premium vinyl multi-chamber 5-½” frame depth products specified in 6-foot wide single-sliding panel style. For strength and weather tightness, the doors feature reinforced sash panels and full perimeter triple weatherstripping. Assuring smooth, effortless operation, the Crystal patio doors incorporate zinc-plated double tandem steel rollers with corrosion resistant anodized aluminum tracks. A stylish locking handle is standard with a key lock option available. The doors were finished in the same two-tone black exterior and white interior colors as the windows. The 1” insulated glass units (IGUs) for both the windows and doors used dual pane Cardinal 180 low-E glass and argon filling. Tempered glass was specified for the patio doors. This superior glass package provides outstanding thermal energy performance: the windows have a U-factor of 1.33, Energy Rating (ER) of 35, and SHGC of 0.42 and the sliding patio doors have a U-factor of 1.48, ER of 34, and SHGC of 0.49. Assuring top thermal performance, all the windows and doors for Nexus Towns are certified Energy Star Canada compliant, as is the entire Crystal Canada product line. Black color IGU Super Spacers were used throughout the Nexus Towns development to match the black exteriors of the windows and doors. In keeping with the modern aesthetic, the patio door transom window IGUs were fitted with black tempered glass to create a contemporary spandrel effect. The developer and general contractor for the new Nexus Towns project is Conder Developments of Markham, ON.
AIA Seminar: Specifying Windows and Doors Using Performance Standards
Crystal is pleased to offer learning opportunities for the design and construction community. Architects and specifying professionals can use performance standards for characteristics such as energy efficiency, strength, sound attenuation, and light transmission to specify windows and doors for any project. This webinar will provide attendees with an understanding of standards and codes and how to apply them. Objectives for the Seminar – Understand the evolution of window and door standards and code references – Learn how to use the standard to specify product type, performance level, and key performance attributes – Analyze special requirements for different window and door types – Learn to use the short form specification A certificate of continuing education credit will be issued to attendees completing the webinar. Course Code: CWDS-1 Credits: 1 LU/HSW Length: 1 Hour Upcoming Dates: October 22 at 1:45 pm November 19 at 1:45 pm December 17 at 1:45 pm About the Presenter Vincent Grieco, the Metro Regional Sales Manager at Crystal, has almost three decades of experience delivering innovative, high-quality window solutions that enhance both aesthetics and performance. About Crystal Founded in Queens, New York, Crystal Window & Door Systems is a leading U.S. manufacturer of windows and doors, with state-of-the-art facilities located country wide. The company produces a comprehensive range of high-quality window and door products, with a national reputation for craftsmanship and innovation. To register or get more information, contact Crystal Windows at marketing@crystalwindows.com, or call (718) 961-7300.
Crystal Window Wall “Crowns” Historic Manhattan Restoration
— Commercial to Residential Conversion Features Glass Enclosed 4-Story Rooftop Expansion — QUEENS, NY, August 14, 2025 – National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems played a transformative role in the restoration and vertical expansion of an historic New York City building. Located at 650 First Avenue on Manhattan’s east side, the brick edifice built in 1894 now features a new four-story addition atop the original seven floors. Crystal’s Series W50i Window Wall System was used to completely encase the four new floors. In addition, Crystal supplied over 200 heavy-commercial replacement windows for the historic structure’s rehabilitation as the property was converted from a commercial building to a multifamily residential one. “Adding such a dramatic new aesthetic feature to this historic property demonstrates the flexibility, adaptability, and value of the Crystal W50i Window Wall System,” said Sabrina Leung, Crystal Architectural Sales/Engineering Manager. “The curved glass corners of the four-story window wall enclosure truly accent this architectural crown.” The 650 First Avenue vertical expansion portion of the project called for over 11,000 sq. ft. of glass façade. The window wall used for the building was Crystal’s new unitized Series W50i system. This state-of-the-art aluminum frame window wall system features a 5” deep European style frame with a polyamide insulating strut thermal break. The system is structurally rated at AW-PG55. With minimal 2-¼” sightlines, this fenestration product offers fabulous floor-to-ceiling views from the inside, fantastic aesthetics for the façade exterior, and truly replicates the look and function of curtain wall. However, unlike traditional curtain wall, the Crystal W50i is easier, faster, and safer to install from the building’s interior. The unitized window large wall panels for the 4-story vertical expansion were approximately 80-90” in width with heights up to 120” (10 feet), depending on the floor. The project also called for the window wall enclosure to use curved frame sections and glass on all four corners of each floor. The Crystal window wall system is dry glazed and offers glazing pocket options of 1”, 1-¼”, or 1-½” to accept double- or triple-pane IGUs or monolithic glass. With specific glass packages, U-values range from 0.419 to an outstanding 0.215, complying with the latest New York City energy code. Well suited for noise-prone urban settings, the system’s sound attenuation OITC ratings range from 26 to 37 and STC ratings range from 32 to 43. The Crystal Series W50i window wall system for this Manhattan project incorporated operable in-swing casements (with limit opening devices) and terrace doors, as well as fixed vision and spandrel panels. The building addition was specified with the integral floor slab bypass option, providing a continuous vertical exterior for the new glass façade. Installation is speeded by the system’s integrated snap-in panels. Triple gasketed male/female joints assure a durable, weatherproof seal. Other installation accessories included receptors, subsills, F-clips, and anchor plates. Capitalizing on the W50i’s polyamide strut thermal break feature, all frame members were finished in a two-tone paint scheme. Durable, sustainable AAMA 2604 powder coat paint was used to finish all window wall frame components, in Charcoal Grey for exterior sides and white for the interior. The renovation of the historic original building at 650 First Avenue also called for the installation of 238 high-end Crystal windows. The windows selected were in-swing casement and fixed picture styles of the architecturally rated aluminum Crystal Series 9200. The Crystal Series 9200 aluminum window has a 3-¼” jamb depth, polyamide strut thermal break, zero-sightline sash, European sleek design, and is rated AW-PG100. Operating styles of the Series 9200 feature concealed heavy-duty hinges, triple gasket seals, and for this project, optional limit opening devices. Compliant with the New York City 2020 Energy Code, the Series 9200 window U-values range from 0.35 to 0.23, depending on the glass package specified. Besides the fixed and in-swing casement styles, the Series 9200 is also available in a dual-action tilt-and-turn version. The Crystal Series 9200 windows used for the 650 First Avenue original building were finished in two-tone Charcoal Grey exterior and white interior AAMA 2604 powder coat paint. Installation accessories included external mullions for combining multiple window assemblies and Crystal custom extruded anchor clips. The Crystal Series W50i window wall system as well as the replacement windows on the original base building were specified with two basic glazing packages. Vision glass fixed, operable, and curved window wall panels used WHTB’s dual-pane tempered low-E SDF178 glass with argon gas in 1-¼” IGUs. The slab bypass panels and a handful of replacement windows were glazed with ¼” tempered monolithic spandrel glass using an Eisengrau Grey back paint. To meet new aspects of the New York City Building Code, replacement windows from the ground floor through the 6th floor were specified with bird-friendly glass, using an applied collision-deterring white frit. Ismael Leyva Architects, of New York, NY, provided the design services for the base building renovation and the glass enclosed 4-story rooftop vertical expansion. The developer is First and River, LLC, of Lake Success, NY, part of the Lalezerian Properties organization. Window wall installation and window replacements were handled by Façade Improvement of Brooklyn, NY. Built in 1894, the 131-year-old structure, along with its virtually identical building to the north, were originally the home to the Kips Bay Brewing Company. Seeing several commercial uses over the years, it most recently provided medical and veterinary offices. It is now part of the new urban real estate trend of converting and repurposing older under-utilized commercial and office buildings into multifamily residential apartments. The newly rehabilitated and expanded 650 First Avenue offers 100,000 sq. ft. of space with 111 luxury residential units. Amenities include on-site resident lounges, a fitness center, a furnished roof deck with spectacular views, and a 24-hour lobby attendant
