Crystal Windows Grace New Chicago-Area Development
Crystal recently supplied nearly 1,300 high-performance vinyl windows and patio doors for the new luxury development Uptown 500 in Wheeling, IL, outside Chicago (shown near completion). -Manufacturer Supplies Energy Efficient Products for Wheeling, IL Luxury Property- QUEENS, NY, June 25, 2021 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems recently supplied nearly 1,300 energy-efficient vinyl windows and sliding patio doors for a major new mixed-use development just outside Chicago in Wheeling, IL. Located at 500 West Dundee Road, the new $90 million luxury multi-family and commercial property Uptown 500, is the latest development near the heart of Wheeling’s strategically planned transit-oriented center. “With our strong manufacturing presence in Chicago, Crystal is well known in the metro area,” said Frank Ganninger, Crystal Regional Sales Manager.“Early in the project, the developer KR Developments reached out to us to discuss fenestration options for Uptown 500, and we invited the firm’s project managers to tour our production facility in Chicago. They were impressed with our quality manufacturing processes.” Crystal worked closely with Uptown 500’s architect, BSB Designs of Chicago, to ensure the windows would meet energy and performance specifications for the region. “Our Series 300 windows offer great thermal efficiency, perfect for both winter and summer weather in Illinois,” said Ganninger. “We were also able to recommend our quality two-tone finish to meet the design aesthetics for the exterior and interior.” Once the approvals for Uptown 500 were in and construction underway, the project general contractor John James Construction of Chicago brought in regional building envelope specialist Denk & Roche Builders of Bensenville, IL to install the windows and doors. Crystal sales representatives met with the installation teams on-site to guide and expedite proper installation of the Crystal products. Crystal’s two-tone new construction Vinyl Series 300 windows and Vinyl Series 1500 patio doors are shown during installation(left and center) and completed (below) at Uptown 500. The Uptown 500 project utilized Crystal Vinyl Series 300 single-hung and fixed picture windows as well as Crystal Vinyl Series 1500 sliding patio doors. The Crystal Vinyl Series 300 windows were both factory- and field-mulled in large configurations, with some openings as large as 72” w x 84” tall, bringing nearly floor to ceiling daylight for the apartments. In some cases, Series 300 fixed picture windows were mulled in ribbon configurations up high on the walls to provide a clerestory window effect. Crystal supplied 2-lite Vinyl Series 1500 sliding patio doors for access to balconies or ground floor patios, and for select apartments, sliding doors were factory-mulled with side lights and/or transoms. The Series 300 vinyl windows, AAMA rated R-PG25/R-PG35 for the single-hung and R-PG45 for the picture, feature strong frames and sashes with full fusion welded corners, sloped sills, and integral nailing fins for new construction applications. The single-hung offers an easy-clean tilt-in sash and a full width ergonomic lift rail for easy operation. The window’s⅞” insulated glass unit uses Solarban 60 glass and argon gas filling, which adds to the window’s energy efficient performance. The Crystal Vinyl Series 1500 2-Lite Sliding Patio Door also features strong full fusion sashes and frame corners to deliver an AAMA SGD-R35/LC-PG35 rating. With tempered Solarban 60 coated glass and argon gas, the patio door’s dual-pane 1” insulated glass unit provides superior energy efficiency. The sliding patio door offers an integral nailing fin to speed and simplify installations, adjustable steel tandem rollers for easy operation, and a high glass-to-frame area ratio for great views. To enhance the modern exterior architectural design while still providing the clean and bright interior white window look, all the Crystal windows and doors for the project were ordered with a two-tone finish. The window and door exteriors were finished in a dark brown color and the interiors were kept white. Uptown 500offers 321 studio, 1-, and 2-bedroom luxury apartments, with 12,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail space on the ground floor. The development is just a few blocks from the Metra rail line, facilitating commuting to the Chicago area’s business districts and airports. The complex is also a block from Wheeling’s 100-acre Heritage Park nature and recreation center and the new Wheeling Town Center. The Uptown 500 campus features several common work and recreation spaces throughout the building and outdoor property, along with private meeting, dining, and entertainment areas, heated outdoor pool, rooftop deck, fitness centers, concierge services, and onsite parking.
Summer 2021 AIA Continuing Education Credit Webinar “Specifying Windows and Doors Using Performance Standards”
National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to offer another online learning opportunity 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 of the webinar: 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. The next Crystal Windows webinars are scheduled for June 30, 2021, July 14, 2021, & August 25, 2021 at 1:45 PM EST. To register for the webinar, contact Crystal Marketing Department, Amanda Li, AmandaL@crystalwindows.com Or call 800-471-9988 x 3250
Crystal Windows Presents at Mid-Atlantic Architect Workshop
Crystal will be a featured speaker in an upcoming continuing education forum on facades for architects and other design professionals. The forum is part of The Architect’s Newspaper CE|Strong continuing education platform. -Manufacturer a Featured Speaker at Virtual CE|Strong Forum on Façades- QUEENS, NY, May 3, 2021 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems will be a featured presenter at a virtual workshop for architects and other design professionals focusing on the Mid-Atlantic region. Hosted by The Architect’s Newspaper, the forum is part of the media outlet’s online CE|Strong series of continuing education programs, including live virtual workshops, online courses, and other resources. The June 16, 2021, workshop theme is solutions for High-Performance Facades. “During 2020, Crystal really ramped up its online program delivery to architects, engineers, and others in the design community to stay connected with our market,” said Steven Yu, Marketing Manager for Crystal. “The participation has been tremendous for each webinar and has enabled us to reach many more architects across the country. This CE|Strong Virtual Workshop is another great way for Crystal to communicate critical technical fenestration information to architects and specifiers.” Vincent Grieco, Crystal’s Technical Sales Manager, will present Specifying Windows, Doors, and Skylights Using Performance Standards. He will cover how to use window and door standards and codes to specify product type, performance level, and key performance attributes. Grieco brings his extensive experience with major commercial fenestration projects, installation techniques, and product specification to his educational presentation, giving architects participating in the workshop many examples and addressing common challenges they are likely to face. The CE|Strong Mid-Atlantic Virtual Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (ET), with the one-hour Crystal presentation beginning at 1:00 PM (ET). Participants in all sessions earn AIA continuing education credits with five presentations and interactive discussions on a variety of façade materials, including windows. While the forum focuses on the Mid-Atlantic region, participants from all regions are welcome. For more information on registering for the workshop, visit www.cestrong.com/workshops
Crystal Windows Steps Up Proactive Pandemic Response
-New York Production Facility Offers Free On-Site Testing for Employees- QUEENS, NY, March 17, 2021 – Crystal Window & Door Systems’ New York City headquarters and production facility continued its aggressive business response to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing weekly employee testing. The voluntary, no-cost testing will be available to all 370 Crystal New York employees during work hours on Tuesdays for the next several weeks. This self-administered testing is coordinated with the New York City Health and Hospitals Test & Trace Corps. “These new Crystal efforts, along with government vaccination programs, are aimed at finally stamping out the COVID-19 threat in the community,” said Isabella Leung, HR Manager for Crystal. “We are glad to offer this convenient testing for the benefit of our dedicated valuable essential workers, which provides an important public service limiting community spread of the virus.” Over the past year, since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the national manufacturer has gone to great lengths to protect the health and wellbeing of its employees, suppliers, and customers. This has been especially true at Crystal’s New York headquarters and lead production facility located in northern Queens, NY, an area particularly hard hit by the first and subsequent waves of the pandemic. The on-site employee testing is the latest of many measures the company has taken, which include mandated face masks, face shields where needed, physical distancing between employees, barrier installations, automated temperature checks, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, and remote working for manyof the staff. Last year, the Crystal New York operation’s proactive response to the pandemic was recognized by two leading national trade magazines. US Glass in their October 2020 edition designated Crystal a 2020 Best Company to Work For and Window & Door in their November 2020 edition feature article Innovation in Crisis detailed key pandemic responses from leading national manufacturers, including highlights of Crystal actions. “I am extremely proud of how the employees and managers at Crystal have risen to the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Steve Chen, President of Crystal Windows. “By safely working together here in New York, they have continued to produce Crystal windows and doors for critical, essential building projects throughout the region and across the nation, contributing greatly to the economy of the city, state, and the nation.”
Crystal WindowsEnters Second Decade of Harbor Point Project
-Firm Supplies High-Performance Windows for OngoingStamford, CT Development – QUEENS, NY, March 11, 2021 –For over 10 years, developer Building & Land Technology has continued to tap the product design and manufacturing expertise of national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems for its expansive upscale waterfront development Harbor Point in Stamford, CT. To date, Crystal has been selected to supply thousands of energy-efficient aluminum windows and doors for many new high-rises and mid-rise luxury apartment buildings throughout this development less than 40 miles northeast of New York City. Entering the second decade of its involvement in the project, Crystal has recently added several new buildings to itsHarbor Point completed portfolio, and more are in the construction phase. Crystal Window & Door Systems supplied high-performancealuminum windows and doors in expansive configurations for high-rise The Allure (above), one of three new projects at one of the largest developments in the country, Harbor Point in Stamford, CT. “It is a testament to Crystal’s capabilities that we continue to partner with Building & Land Technology as a key supplier for this premier development,” said Blaise Benevenga, Crystal’s New England Regional Sales Manager. “The Crystal window and door products selected for each building offer sleek, contemporary styling, superior energy efficiency and sound attenuation, strength and durability, and effortless operation. They are the perfect choice for the high-end Harbor Point development.”To date, Crystal has supplied over 16,000 high-performance windows and doors for 12 buildings, and more Harbor Point buildings are under construction. The three latest buildings completed are NV@Harbor Point, Allure, and Escape to Harbor Point. All the buildings are high-rise, twin-tower complexes ranging in height from 16 to 22 floors with extraordinary views, courtesy of nearly floor-to-ceiling Crystal window and glass door combinations. Crystal supplied several of its newer high-performance products as well as the company’s popular classic product lines for these residences. For the new projects, Crystal supplied aluminum Series 5600 sliding and Series 5100 fixed windows, along with its aluminum Series 8600 windows in casement, fixed, awning, and hopper styles. Most building openings used large expansive continuous head and sill master frame ganged and stacked configurations. A combined total of 7,155 Crystal windows were supplied for these latest three luxury apartment buildings. Crystal supplied high-performance heavy-commercial windows and doors for NV@Harbor Point (Stamford, CT), one of three new projects recently completed at this major development. The Series 5600 and 5100 windows feature 3-¼” jambs, with AAMA ratings of AW-PG40/50and AW-PG100, respectively, as well as a unique self-mulling jamb feature. The sliding windows feature stainless steel sash rollers, full height sash clip lock pull rails, and interlocking meeting rails. The AW-rated Series 8600 windows complement other Crystal products supplied, with 3-¼” depth frames and continuous master frame and mulling options. Casement and projected windows feature European-style hardware and multi-point locks. For access to balconies and outdoor spaces, Crystal provided a total of 1,502 heavy-commercial Series 1280 aluminum sliding patio doors and heavy-commercial Series 1450 outswing aluminum terrace doors. The Series 1280 sliding patio door features a 4-9∕16” frame depth, heavy-duty adjustable stainless steel quad rollers for operation ease and durability, as well as a contemporary-style locking handle. It is AAMA rated AW-PG50. The Series 1450 outswing aluminum terrace door is rated AW-PG75 and features a 3-¼” frame depth, multi-point locking system, and a European-style locking handle. Both door styles are available with matching side and transom glass units and ADA compliant sills. All of the Crystal window and door products supplied used 1” dual-pane insulating glass units with Solarban 60 Low-E coating and Argon gas filling, and tempered glass panels where code required and for doors. All frames are finished in Crystal’s no-VOC environmentally-sustainable simulated anodized silver AAMA 2604 powder coat paint. “Crystal fenestration products are the perfect choice for a location such as Harbor Point, with its bustling waterfront environment that challenges building materials,” said Benevenga. “Our strong, durable products withstand the windy marine climate, and provide weather resistance, energy efficiency, and sound attenuation creating the most comfortable living spaces for residents. Crystal Windows and doors at Harbor Point’s many luxury apartment buildings will provide long-lasting beauty and stunning views for many years to come.” Harbor Point in Stamford, CT, is one of the largest mixed-use brownfield redevelopments in the country. National developer Building & Land Technology of Stamford, with architecture and planning firm EDI International of New York, designed this $3.5 billion master-planned, LEED Gold Transit-Oriented Development project with five distinct neighborhoods on 177 acres to rejuvenate this neglected area of Stamford and reconnect residents with the waterfront. Harbor Point features millions of square feet of commercial and residential space, many outdoor recreational park areas, a full-service marina, shops, restaurants, and convenient public transportation. Construction of new residential and commercial buildings in the development continues. The three latest luxury apartment buildings supplied by Crystal have over 400 apartments each and offer rooftop and ground-level terraces with pool, grill, firepit, and lounge areas, fitness and gaming centers, garage parking, concierge services, and pet-friendly options.
2021 AIA Continuing Education Credit Webinar “Specifying Windows and Doors Using Performance Standards”
National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems is pleased to offer another online learning opportunity 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 of the webinar: 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. The next Crystal Windows webinars are scheduled for May 26, 2021, and June 30, 2021, at 1:45 PM EST. To register for the webinar, contact Crystal Marketing Department, Amanda Li, AmandaL@crystalwindows.com Or call 800-471-9988 x 3250
Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window Receives Industry Recognition
-Sound Attenuating Window Named 2020 US Glass Readers’ Choice- QUEENS, NY, January 8, 2021 –National manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems and its impressive product line continue to receive fenestration industry recognition. Leading national trade publication US Glass Magazine named the Crystal Acoustic Window AC85 Aluminum Window the winner in the façade/glazing systems category of its annual “Readers’ Choice Awards,” featured in the December 2020 issue. This is the second year in a row and the third time in the past five years that a new Crystal product was picked as a favorite. “The Crystal Series AC85 Acoustic Window delivers industry-leading acoustic sound transmission reductions,” said Sabrina Leung, Crystal’s R&D/Architectural Sales Manager.“Independent lab testing of the AC85 window for a recent project in New York certified an outstanding Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) sound reduction rating of 42 using double-pane insulated glass. This means properties in high noise areas near highways, rail lines, airports, r heavy traffic can use these windows to provide very comfortable interior environments.” The aluminum frame Crystal AC85 Acoustic Window is available in either casement or fixed window styles. The heavy-duty aluminum 7-⅞” depth thermally-broken master frame window features a dual-sash configuration for both styles. For the casement, the interior sash opens in and the exterior sash opens out. The AC85 dual sashes each have a 1-¼” glazing pocket which accepts double or triple pane insulated glass units. With appropriate glass, Low-E coatings, and argon filling options, notable U-values of 0.28 are achieved. The US Glass Readers’ Choice Awards are determined by the publication’s national and international subscribers voting online during November for the most impressive new products featured in the publication during the year. Crystal was a previous Readers’ Choice Award winner in 2019 with its Magnus Commercial Vinyl Series 4500 uPVC window line and in 2016 with its aluminum Series 8500/8600 projected window line. US Glass is the most widely read architectural glass industry magazine, offered monthly in both print and online editions. The associated US Glass online information platform provides a daily email service to subscribers and offers the latest industry news, product information, commentary, and observations of leading industry experts.
Crystal California Receives Inner City 100 Award for 2020
Window and door manufacturer Crystal California(aka Crystal Pacific Windows & Doors) was named to the prestigious national Inner City 100 List of Fastest-Growing Urban Companies in the country, as featured in Fortune Magazine. Employee operates insulated glass assembly equipment. – Manufacturer Part of Fortune Magazine’s List of Fastest-Growing Urban Firms – RIVERSIDE, CA, December 9, 2020 – Crystal California (aka Crystal Pacific), the West Coast affiliate of national window and door manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems, was honored on December 8, 2020, as one of the fastest-growing urban companies in the country. Ranked by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), a national non-profit research and advisory organization founded by Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter, the Inner City 100 (IC 100) list recognizes urban companies that are thriving despite economic challenges in often neglected inner city areas. This year’s IC 100 list includes many companies in industries such as digital platform and software services, specialty food and consumer products, and other services. Therefore, Crystal California’s ranking on the list is quite remarkable since true capital-intensive, fixed-asset, brick-and-mortar manufacturers like Crystal California typically grow at a slower pace. “This is quite an accolade for Crystal California, to have our growth and impact on the region recognized,” said General Manager Sergio Garcia. “We are honored to be included with the top 100 firms across the entire country which contribute to our nation’s great cities by providing jobs and economic vitality.”Crystal California ranked 75th on the 2020 list, with a 4-year growth rate of 68.96%. Crystal California’s parent company, Crystal Window & Door Systems in New York City, was an Inner City 100 winner over 20 years ago, with recognitions four years in a row (1999-2002). The company is now one of the leading national window manufacturers in the US, with several subsidiaries and affiliates around the nation. To develop the Inner City 100 list, ICIC researchers examine companies located in urban areas and their personnel practices, training, community involvement, types and locations of customers and suppliers, and growth in sales and employees over the past five years to reveal how each company is contributing to the local economy. The top 100 fastest-growing qualifying companies are featured on the ICIC website and published in Fortune Magazine. Crystal California was founded in 2012 by Thomas Chen, owner of Crystal Window & Door Systems, to bring quality fenestration products to West Coast markets. Seeing the great potential of the Southern California area, Chen acquired an existing industrial property in Riverside, CA, which was experiencing a significant economic downturn at the time. Since starting operations, Crystal California has grown steadily, adding product lines, investing in production equipment, and hiring nearly 100 local workers. The company continues to expand its markets and territory from southern California to the entire state as well as neighboring states. Crystal California also ships select products across the country for major projects.
Crystal’s Social Media Presence Expands, Enhances Connections
Crystal Windows’ expanded social media presence enables it to keep connected in many ways with customers, suppliers, and other professionals in the design-build community. -OutreachInformsContractors, Architects, Property Owners, Suppliers- QUEENS, NY, December 4, 2020 –For several years, national manufacturer Crystal Window & Door Systems has developed its social media presence to supplement traditional marketing and communication methods such as print and radio advertising, email, and direct mail. This year, with pandemic shutdowns and reductions of in-person meetings, Crystal has found that its efforts with social media platforms have paid off greatly to keep trade customers, design and construction professionals, and suppliers up to date with the latest company developments at this critical time. “Our steady growth in social media usage and building our following on each social media platform laid the groundwork for the virtual world of 2020,” said Steve Chen, President of Crystal. “We have been able to stay conveniently connected with our broad national network, and even add new followers as a result of our trade customers sharing Crystal news with their clients.” While Crystal has had a website for over 20 years, the company started its online social presence with Facebook 10 years ago and has since added Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and a dedicated YouTube channel. The company posts a wide range of news, events, and information on each site. The latest large and notable projects across the country are featured regularly, with eye-catching photos and a brief description of the products supplied. New product introductions, product features, available accessories, and special sales promotions are also common subjects for Crystal social media. Beyond products and projects, Crystal uses its social media sites to highlight customers and employees, tout company achievements,and announce job opportunities. “Crystal customers and employees enjoy being included in our postings, it’s great for morale,” said Isabella Leung, HR Manager for Crystal. “Also, our positive postings reflect the achievement-oriented work environment we offer, so our job postings often get immediate results.” Working with several different social media platforms allows Crystal to match follower preferences and target news best suited for each platform. “LinkedIn tends to be mainly business-focused, whereas Twitter is trendier and more people-focused, and YouTube which focuses on in-depth information or instruction usually requires more viewer time,” said Chen. “Trade customers, suppliers, architects, and other construction professionals all tend to have their own preferences, so we try to cover all the bases with our social media. Using multiple platforms allows our sales and marketing reps to connect directly with various audiences in their manner of choice.” Crystal social media presence supplements more traditional digital, print, and audio methods of promoting and advertising the company. In addition to frequent social media postings, Crystal: hosts a robust, frequently updated, comprehensive, user-friendly website distributes a quarterly digital newsletter to customers, suppliers, and affiliates shares news releases on the company which are also frequently carried by fenestration, real estate, business, trade, and general audience publications sends out email notifications to customers about product enhancements, operational changes, sales, pricing, and services advertises in print, online, and radio outlets utilizes online hiring platforms to recruit new employees delivers continuing education webinars and instructional seminars on many fenestration topics. To keep up with the latest Crystal happenings, use these social media links: Crystal NY Headquarters Crystal California (West Coast Affiliate) Facebook: @CWNDS @CrystalWindowCA Twitter: @DoorCrystal @CrystalWindowCA Instagram: @CrystalWindowandDoor @CrystalWindowCA LinkedIn: @crystal-window-&-door-systems @crystal-pacific-window-&-door-system-inc YouTube: @Crystal Window & Door Systems NYC n/a For more information, you may also contact your Crystal sales representative or Crystal’s Marketing Department at marketing@crystalwindows.com/ 800-472-9988 x3250.
New York City Noise No Match for Crystal’s New Acoustic Window
Crystal Windows supplied its new aluminum architectural AC85 Acoustic Window for sound control at Westchester Mews, a new multi-family residence adjacent to an elevated train line in the heart of the Bronx borough of New York City. -Bronx Building Project Adjacent to Elevated Subway Selects Crystal – QUEENS, NY, November 16, 2020 –A recently completed New York City multi-family mixed-use project located in the borough of the Bronx selected Crystal’s new AC85 Sound Reduction Window to control the location’s unwanted urban noise problem. Located at 2044 Westchester Avenue, Bronx, NY, the 11-story Westchester Mews – Building A sits on a major commercial thoroughfare and only a few dozen feet from a busyMTA elevated subway rail line. The AC85 aluminum window product line features a dual sash configuration with a deep master frame capable of delivering very significant acoustic sound transmission reductions, an impressive feature for demanding high-noise locations near highways, airports, railways, or busy urban streets. The Crystal AC85 window’s sound control capability allows profitable development of properties which formerly were hampered by their noisy locations. Similarly, existing buildings renovated with the Crystal AC85 window offer improved comfortable sound environments for occupants, greatly improving the value of the property. “The selection of the Crystal AC85 window for the Westchester Mews project was a great choice,” said Jimmy Zhou, Crystal’s Account Executive. “Located so close to an elevated subway line and a busy street, the residents of the new building are benefiting greatly from the noise reduction properties of the Crystal AC85 casement and fixed windows.” The Westchester Mews project consists of two buildings. The A-Building, situated on Westchester Avenue, utilized a total of 459 windows. The front façade, which faces the busy street and elevated train tracks, was specified with 243 AC85 dual window systems with casement and fixed panels. A majority of the Crystal window systems were assembled in large, mulled arrangements combining several AC85 units and an HVAC aluminum louver. The Crystal AC85 Acoustic Casement and Fixed Window 7-⅞” master frames are thermally broken using an insulated strut system. The heavy-duty dual sash windows deliver thermal performance of either U=0.29 or U=0.28, depending on which of the two glass packages specified for the project were used. The AC85 window combinations were specially configured for the project. Crystal crafted mock-ups early in the project for independent acoustic lab testing, field installation, and approvals from the developer, architect, and installer. Independent lab testing certified an outstanding Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) sound reduction rating of 42 for the Crystal window mock-up. OITC ratings more appropriately emphasize the lower frequencies typical of urban environments. The rating indicates the decibel sound reduction from an outdoor source to the indoor environment. For the rear courtyard-facing façade of the Westchester Mews A-Building, a sound attenuation window was not necessary. To provide continuity for the overall building façade, this part of the project took advantage of the design characteristics and appearance of the Crystal 8500 Casement and 8510 Fixed Aluminum Windows which are similar to the AC85 Acoustic Window. Crystal supplied 216 of these standard windows, utilizing a continuous master frame option and mullion systems to combine window arrangements with PTAC louvers. Both front and rear façade windows were finished in a durable AAMA 2604 powder coat simulated anodized silver paint, resulting in a consistent aesthetically pleasing overall appearance for the building. The 203 PTAC louvers facilitating the use of individual room HVAC units for Westchester Mews A-Building were the AEL-42 model from Reliable of Geneva, AL and were sourced and factory installed in the window frames by Crystal. The dual-sash AC85 windows were configured to accommodate an extra deep PTAC sleeve and Crystal outfitted them with an insulated “blank off” panel on the interior window sash frame. All the Crystal windows for Westchester Mews feature 1-¼” insulated glass units (IGUs) with Vitro SB60 glass and Argon filling for energy efficiency. Where needed for code compliance or other reasons, some IGUs were specified with tempered or laminated glass. All the glass outswing casement sashes are operated by decorative European-style satin chrome handles and feature New York City approved limit opening devices. Accessories to facilitate quick, efficient, quality installation of the window systems included aluminum subsills, receptors, sill covers, mullions, and anchor clips and trim covers from Crystal. Crystal also supplied windows for a second separate new building of the Westchester Mews project, located at 2047 Newbold Avenue. The B-Building has its front façade situated on a quiet residential street. With the rear façade facing the courtyard between the two Westchester Mews buildings,the B-Building has no need for ultra-high-end sound attenuating windows. Crystal provided 1,217 Magnus 4500 Commercial Vinyl Window uPVC Inswing Turn Only and Fixed Panelsas well as 305 Reliable AEL-42 PTAC louvers combined within large Magnus 4500 master frames for this building’s 332 openings. Westchester Mews, LLC, of the Bronx, NY, was the project developer and Procida Construction Corporation acted as general contractor. Architectural design was by Magnusson Architects and Planners of New York, NY, and Marvel Contracting Service of Queens, NY, was the fenestration installer. Financing for the project was coordinated in part through the New York City Housing Development Corporation. The two buildings of Westchester Mews offer 289 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom apartments for defined income categories. Residents enjoy on-site common rooms, laundry facilities, bike storage, outdoor terraces and green spaces, and proximity to public transportation and commercial shopping districts. A new medical office for family and internal medicine is located on the ground floor of 2044 Westchester Avenue, convenient for residents of the building and community.
