Retail renovation in New York is a high-stakes puzzle: small footprints, old infrastructure, strict codes, and opening dates tied to marketing calendars. 

We combine expert teams of architects, construction managers, and compliance specialists to attack problems from every angle at once. Below are the five obstacles we encounter most often and the practical methods we use to overcome them.

Finding Space in Tiny Floor Plans

Most Manhattan stores occupy buildings never meant for modern retail storage or back-of-house functions. Inventory, mechanical equipment, and customer experience spaces all compete for the same few hundred square feet. This leads to problems such as boxes stacked in corners of the sales floor, minimal or no staff dedicated areas, and poor customer flow or accessibility. 

Our approach

• Build an early Building Information Model (BIM) to test layout options and uncover hidden cavities above ceilings or behind walls.
• Coordinate shelving heights and clearances with the brand’s merchandising standards while maintaining code-required aisle widths.
• Prefabricate select millwork so installers place finished components quickly, reducing on-site cutting and waste.

Updating Aging Building Systems

Many desirable retail addresses (Broadway in SoHo, Madison Ave, Bleeker St) sit inside older buildings, some over 100 years old, and still carry original wiring, cast-iron plumbing, or dated fire protection. Discovering weak infrastructure late can crash both budget and schedule, derailing an entire project. 

Our approach

• Request utility usage data and conduct visual surveys during pre-lease inspections so electrical and water demands are confirmed early.
• Develop load calculations that align with Con Edison service capacity, preventing sudden transformer requests.
• Plan replacement of obsolete piping or panels in the first permit set, avoiding change orders once finishes are underway.

Delivering on Compressed Timelines

Timing is critical when it comes to NYC retail leases. These often hinge on a target opening date tied to product drops or holiday seasons, meaning the fit-out period, rent commencement, and promotions are all scheduled to accommodate. These leases typically will bake in a 3-6 month ‘free rent’ or ‘abatement’ period to allow the tenant to build out the space ahead of opening. However, if delays in permits, construction, or LPC/DOB approvals occur, this will eat into rent-free periods and marketing spend.

Our approach

• Submit code-critical drawings to the Department of Buildings as soon as schematic design defines egress and life-safety elements, allowing reviews to start while finishes develop.
• Use off-site fabricated partitions and ceilings where feasible, shortening field duration and minimizing neighborhood noise complaints.
• Track milestones with a cloud schedule visible to owners, vendors, and trades so everyone sees the same deadlines.

MEP and Fire Protection in Shallow Ceilings

Historic buildings leave minimal plenum depth (space between the finished ceiling and underside of the floor above) – sometimes just a few inches – for ductwork, sprinklers, and lighting. If this space is not carefully coordinated to accommodate mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and fire protection, you will end up with system conflicts, unexpected field changes, rework costs, and violation risks. Our team efficiently delivers hybrid approaches to both utilizing and upgrading the existing systems.

Our approach

• Run BIM clash detection on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trades during design development to flag conflicts before fabrication.
• Select low-profile fan-coil units, shallow LED fixtures, and compact sprinkler heads that meet performance requirements without exceeding available space.
• Sequence installation so trades share lift time efficiently, limiting congestion in tight aisles.

Action Steps for Your Next Store

1. Align program needs with existing infrastructure as part of lease negotiations.
2. Request a schematic BIM review to verify clearances and code path lengths before committing to finishes.
3. Plan parallel permitting so DOB review runs while design details mature.
4. Balance brand expression with LPC or signage regulations early to avoid redesign.
5. Use one contract for design, compliance, and construction to keep objectives unified.

Ready for a Smoother Renovation?

Opening day should mark the start of revenue, not a scramble to finish punch-list work. Share your target date and square footage with us, and our integrated team will map a realistic timeline and cost plan that keeps your retail concept on schedule in New York’s toughest buildings.