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Crystal Windows Defy Northern Climate for Wisconsin Projects

Crystal Window & Door Systems recently supplied two new multifamily projects in Wisconsin – City Center in Brillion. -Energy Efficient Vinyl WindowsEnhanceAffordable Housing Options – QUEENS, NY, November 8, 2021 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently completed supplying energy-efficient vinyl windows for two new construction mid-rise multifamily residences in Wisconsin.  The Crescent Lofts project at 315 West Franklin Street in Appleton comprised the historic renovation and conversion of a nearly 90-year old building (the former home of the Appleton Post-Crescent newspaper)to 33 unique apartments, and a newly constructed 4-story addition with 36 units.  Crystal supplied windows for the new addition; the windows in the original building were preserved. The City Center project at 230 North Main Street in Brillion features 40 apartments in a newly constructed 4-story building. “Crystal has a good reputation with builders throughout the Midwest and northern states for quality manufacturing and a wide selection of products for every type of project,” said Frank Ganninger, Central West Regional Manager.  “We have supplied several projects in the past with Northcentral Construction and ABC Supply in the region and were pleased to participate again in new projects with them. We used enhanced glass packages for these windows and doors, making them ideal for the colder northern climate in Wisconsin.” From its Chicago production facility, Crystal Windows supplied 186 window and door products for the City Center project and 157 for the Crescent Lofts building.  Both of the new construction projects in Wisconsin used a similar mix of Crystal products. By far, the most common window choice was the energy-efficient Crystal Series 300 Vinyl Single-Hung window.  The Series 300 windows were specified in single, twin, and triple units, using the continuous head and sill configuration option for the latter two models.  The double and triple units, spanning 5-feet and 7½-feet wide openings, provide extraordinary light and views for the building occupants.In addition to the single-hung windows, Crystal also supplied Series 310 Vinyl Picture windows for both projects.  A few Series 320 2-Lite Single Sliding Vinyl windows were specified for the City Center building.  All the Series 300 window models feature 2-⅝” jamb depth, integral nailing fin, energy-efficient extruded multi-chamber vinyl frames and sashes, full-welded corners, and ⅞” insulated glass units (IGUs).  The Series 300 single-hung is rated R-PG-25/R-PG35, the picture window is rated R-PG45 and the slider is rated R-PG35. Crystal Window & Door Systems recently supplied two new multifamily projects in Wisconsin –Crescent Lofts in Appleton. For the City Center building’s 12 faux-railed balconies, Crystal Series 1500 Vinyl Sliding Patio Doors were used to provide appropriate aesthetics and larger fresh air openings.  The Crescent Lofts project also specified a Series 1500 door.  The 1500 Sliding Patio Doors have 4-⅝” frame depth with 1” IGUs and feature integral nailing fin and strong full-fusion sash and frame corners, delivering an SGD-R35/LC-PG35 structural performance rating. All the window and door materials were extruded in-house by Crystal in attractive and durable standard white color for City Center and beige for Crescent Lofts Apartments.  Double locks were supplied for the operating windows, and some were specified with ADA auto-activating locks.  In addition, all the operating windows and doors came factory equipped with Window Opening Control Device (WOCD) limit hardware. Key to the new projects, all the Crystal Series 300 windows used double-pane IGUs comprised of 1/8” Vitro Sungate 460 low-e glass with argon gas.  Vitro Sungate 460 is designed especially for northern climates.  The highly energy-efficient glass is clear and neutrally reflective in appearance and with its great U-value and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), it is compliant with regional building energy codes and is the perfect choice for Wisconsin winters and summers. Both the City Center Apartments in Brillionand the Crescent Lofts Apartments in Appleton were developed cooperatively with state funding to provide more affordable properties for the residents of these economically challenged communities as they experience rejuvenation. Each apartment development has both market rate and income restricted options for rent in 1-,2-, and 3-bedroom units.  Both projects offer onsite underground parking, community and fitness centers, and secure storage facility options. With numerous multifamily, rehab, commercial, and hospitality projects in its portfolio, Northcentral Construction Company of Fond du Lac, WI, was the general contractor for both City Center and Crescent Lofts.  ABC Supply of Beloit, WI, supplied the new windows from Crystal.  Northpointe Development of Oshkosh, WI, spearheaded the two projects, which join a long list of their other community sensitive developments throughout the region.  ACC Management Group provides property management services for the two projects.

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Crystal Windows Executives Unveil Statue of Claire Shulman, Former Queens Borough President

Crystal Window & Door Systems Chairman and founder Thomas Chen (center photo, left) and President Steve Chen unveiled a bronze statue in honor of longtime mentor and former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman. -Thomas and Steve Chen Honor Leader and Friend with Commissioned Artwork- QUEENS, NY, October 12, 2021 –Thomas Chen, founder and Chairman of Queens-based national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, and Steve Chen, Crystal President, on October 7unveiled a six-foot bronze statue honoring former Queens Borough President the late Claire Shulman. Thomas Chen personally commissioned the statue by award-winning sculptor Yutien Chang to celebrate Shulman as a true champion of business in Queens and a mentor to him and Crystal Windows as the company grew over the years. Over 40 members of the Queens business community, media, and elected officials attended the press conference, sharing their memories of working with Claire. Crystal President Steve Chen described Claire Shulman’s impact on Crystal, and media executive Vicki Schneps spoke of her 40-year friendship with the former Borough President. “When I was starting my window manufacturing company in Queens, Claire helped me avoid many of the typical setbacks immigrant entrepreneurs face,” said Thomas Chen.  “She encouraged me to take executive business courses, engage reputable service providers and suppliers, and make Crystal Windows a good corporate citizen.” When Crystal was ready to expand in Queens, Borough President Shulman ensured New York City agencies worked effectively with Crystal as the company constructed and opened a large new factory.  She continued to be a mentor, motivator, and friend to Thomas Chen and later to his son Steve Chen as he stepped into the leadership role at Crystal.Even after Shulman left public office in 2001, she and the Chens continued to be close friends.  They shared a love of the arts and supported many cultural institutions throughout Queens. Several years ago, Thomas Chen was inspired to commission sculptures honoring notable friends who had contributed to his personal and business success.  The statue of Claire Shulman is the first he commissioned and in 2019 internationally known Taiwanese sculptor Yutien Chang, was engaged to create the bronze statue.  In the same year, Shulman met with the artist and the Chens to discuss the project and concepts for the statue.     Crystal Windows founder and Chairman Thomas Chen (above, left) and former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman atCrystal Parkin 2019.  Chen commissioned a bronze statue honoring human to be permanently exhibited at Crystal Park.   The statue is a bronze six-foot tall lifelike portrayal of Claire Shulman. The artist, in collaboration with Thomas and those who knew Claire well, depicted Shulman in motion, as was characteristic of the formerQueensBorough President.  The statue will only be displayed at Crystal Windows for a short time.  Its permanent home will be Crystal Park, Thomas Chen’s private 200-acre art park and nature preserve in Dutchess County, NY.  The statue will stand on an 18-foot by 8-foot metal pathway base in the shape of an infinity sign, symbolizing Shulman’s continuous drive forward and her boundless energy. “I was thrilled Claire was able to visit Crystal Park in October 2019 to see the location selected for her statue along a wooded path overlooking the lake,” said Thomas Chen.  “Sadly, Claire did not get to see the completed work, but we are glad to share it with her many friends in Queens.”  Shulman passed away in August 2020 at the age of 94. The Shulman statue is on temporary display at Crystal’s Queens headquarters and main production facility through Friday, October 22, 2021, and friends of Claire Shulman and members of the public are welcome to visit.  Then the exhibit will be moved and installed permanently at Crystal Park

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