Story

The Davis Polk office fit-out incorporates high-end materials and refined detailing to create a sophisticated, elevated work environment for employees. The project team executed the space’s intricate design with careful attention to detail and seamless coordination across multiple trades. Built on an extremely accelerated schedule, the project was divided into three separate client turnovers: the practice floors spanning the 7th to 10th floors (including an interconnecting stair tower), the 11th floor Conference Center, and the Penthouse. All floors progressed concurrently with a two-week stagger on activities, culminating in the final turnover of the 11th floor and Penthouse. Meticulous coordination and strong communication among trade partners were essential to align on scheduling and ensure every component came together smoothly. Key design features include expansive Travertine stone wall paneling from Italy and Tundra Grey stone floors from Turkey, which were installed throughout the 11th floor and elevator lobbies. Walnut and Eucalyptus millwork panels lined both the practice and conference floors. Radiused millwork islands featured curved stone tops and integrated equipment, including kegerators, Vivreau machines, and induction units. Additional design elements included Topakustic ceiling panels, Terrazzo and wood flooring, IOC and Adotta glass partitions, and custom mesh and fluted glass accents. Planar LED audiovisual screens were installed in the 11th floor MPR, with AV infrastructure integrated throughout the huddle and conference rooms. Many finishes and fixtures had lead times of up to 18 weeks, requiring the team to closely monitor each item from selection through fabrication and transoceanic delivery to ensure timely installation. Among the most challenging—and striking—features of the project was the monumental stair tower connecting floors 7 through 11. The stair features wood-wrapped stringers, stone tile treads, a curved blackened steel handrail, and clad millwork veneer along the tower walls. Installing the stair required laser scanning of the opening, 3D modeling for stone, steel, and millwork coordination, and eight crane picks from 17th Street. A six-story slab cut, along with post-tensioned slab de-tensioning and re-tensioning on each floor, required detailed coordination and early layout planning. Existing conditions on the 11th floor and Penthouse presented structural challenges that led to heavy steel coordination. This included custom built-up beams placed within ¼” of the finished ceiling plane on the 11th floor. Load-bearing columns were drilled to insert bearing plates that supported the steel, while MEP systems were routed through precise, prefabricated openings. The project’s success was driven by constant material tracking, proactive trade coordination, and a strong focus on sequencing and scheduling—all of which helped bring this elegant and technically complex space to life.