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May 8, 2017
Brooklyn Resident Managing Restoration of Three Landmarked Greenhouses at Queens County Farm Museum
Contact:
Ian Michaels
718-391-1589
Floral Park, NY –A 15-year DDC employee from Brooklyn is managing the upgrade of three greenhouses at Queens County Farm Museum, the only working historical farm in New York City. Mr. Joseph Tamburino, a Senior Project Manager for the New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), is overseeing the $2.4 million project at the museum, which offers educational programs, events, and services to educate the public about sustainable agricultural and horticultural practices. The facility encompasses 47 acres with historic farm buildings, a greenhouse complex, livestock, historic farm vehicles, planting fields, an orchard, and an herb garden.
DDC’s restoration of the three landmarked greenhouses at the farm began in October 2015 and is scheduled to be complete in late spring. The scope of the project includes the removal and replacement of the existing wood framing and the historic venting hardware. The concrete walls were patched, restored, and painted, all while protecting the historic elements of the greenhouse.
The framing includes sustainable accoya acetylated wood that is non-corrosive, waterproof, and termite proof. The project is also installing new 5/16-inch thick laminated and heat strengthened glass, along with stainless-steel interior gutters to collect moisture from the underside of the sloped glass.
“The Queens County Farm Museum has been a staple in this community and we are proud to partner with the Department of Cultural Affairs to upgrade the three greenhouses while preserving their historical elements,” said DDC Commissioner Feniosky Peña-Mora. “Once the top-to-bottom restoration is complete, the modern functionality of the building will provide a comfortable atmosphere to serve the Queens County Farm Museum’s educational programs for their growing and diverse population.”
DDC Senior Project Manager Joseph Tamburino is responsible for overseeing the contractors and identifying strategic solutions to structural, design, and contractual issues, all while preserving the historical elements of the greenhouses.
Born in Argentina and currently residing in Brooklyn, Tamburino obtained his bachelor’s degree in 1981 from the Pratt Institute School of Architecture. After school, he began working in the private sector specializing in construction management for commercial, high-rise, and education facilities.
In 2001, Tamburino was in the process of moving to Germany but his plans were quickly rearranged after the 9/11 tragedy. Mr. Joseph Tamburino is currently working as the Senior Construction Project Manager and has worked in schools and cultural division.
The construction veteran has completed projects at many of the City’s most prominent cultural institutions, including MOMA PS1, El Museo del Barrio, the Sculpture Center, Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Noguchi Museum and Bloomingdale Park in Staten Island.
“I went into the field of architecture for knowledge which opened up my view for the world. At DDC, I’m able to apply my experience to coach our contractors on the importance of design intent for better project delivery,” said Senior Project Manager Joseph Tamburino.
The design the greenhouse upgrades at Myrtle and Cooper Avenues were completed by DDC John G. Waite Architects, Conservatory Craftsmen and construction is being performed by general contractor NSP Enterprises, Incorporated in Brooklyn.
About the NYC Department of Design and Construction
The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor de Blasio’s lenses of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, new or upgraded roadways, sewers, water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative, and environmentally-conscious design and construction strategies to city projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/ddc.