CREW Blue Ribbon Awards Program Book 2024

The Smyth Stamford, CT

The Smyth, located at 100 Tresser Blvd in Stamford, is one of North America's tallest prefabricated metal load bearing wall panel projects, reshaping Stamford's skyline with its innovative 17-story mixed-use design. Comprising a 12-story light gauge structure atop a 5-story concrete podium and a precast parking garage, it revitalizes the area, offering easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. The development includes over 400 residential units, 19,330 square feet of retail space, and a multi-level parking garage. It also integrates modern co-working spaces, private offices, and conference facilities to enrich residents' work-from-home experience. The top level features a glass-encased amenity area with a fitness room, clubroom, and rooftop pool, promoting community engagement. Incorporating wellness into its design, the building utilizes cast-in-place concrete, composite Ecospan joists, and advanced structural analysis techniques to create open, welcoming spaces for comfort and well-being. The project included a Value Engineering review of the building layout and a parametric analysis to reduce concrete yardage, slab thicknesses, steel reinforcing bars, and shallow footing sizes by up to 15% while maintaining essential functions at minimized costs. Collaboration was key to The Smyth’s success, requiring coordination not only with the neighboring building to the east, but also in seamlessly integrating a parking garage with the main structure . Previously, the site housed one of St. John’s Towers, which was vacant with partial interior deterioration. After extensive work with the city and community input, demolition of the tower was approved, and the site repurposed, providing housing options in Stamford’s downtown. The developers opted out of the city’s affordable housing plan and instead are contributing to the community by sponsoring the future revitalization of the other two affordable towers. Developed during COVID-19, the project conquered significant challenges including a six-month pause due to the initial construction company's insolvency. Engaging a new partner at this stage complicated the project's timeline, yet creative solutions and strategic planning enabled the team to overcome construction complexities, leading to its success. The Smyth reshapes Stamford's skyline with its mixed-use design while exemplifying community advancement and collaboration. Despite challenges, it sets new standards in architectural innovation and urban development. Owner : Quarterra Project Size : 17-Story High-Rise, 414 Apartment Homes, 19,330 SF Retail Space Project Team: McLaren Engineering Group, Lessard Design Inc, Whiting-Turner Contracting, Katerra 24