Our Process

Located under the Peter Minuit Plaza, at the bottom of Manhattan Island, the South Ferry Train Station neighbors Battery Park and the Staten Island Ferry Terminal. As a part of the largest public transportation agency in North America, the Metropolitan Transit Authority of New York City (MTA NYC), the South Ferry Station was built in 1905. By 2005, it was in dire need of an upgrade to allow more train cars, reduce travel times for customers, and add additional station entrances with ADA access. With a budget of $530 million MTA NYC began designing the updates. A major feature of the new station was a collaboration with the Arts for Transit.

Arts for Transit was created to oversee the selection of artists and the installation of permanent artworks in the subway and commuter rail stations throughout the city.

A standout attribute of the South Ferry Station was a mosaic of Manhattan topography and the glass walls featuring photography taken by the renowned artists, Doug and Mike Starns. The Starn brothers photographed trees in nearby Battery Park. Through new technology of fusing art in glass, we were able to create 200' of floor to ceiling glass walls featuring the silhouettes of the trees. MTA collaborated with a 160-year-old firm from Germany, Franz Mayer of Munich on the glass fabrication.

To draw, design, and execute their vision, MTA worked through their partners on site. DiDomenico and Partners were the chosen Architect. Judlau Contracting was the General Contractor for the build out of the station. GBA Architectural Products + Services was chosen by Judlau to design, dimension, detail, and install the glass works.

The "carrying system" for the wall, being throughout the whole mezzanine level of the station, including over stairs and escalators had to be substantial to carry the weight of the heavy glass features. Dimensioning was critical to conceal all fastening elements creating the "all glass" wall. Attachment to the station walls and the support skeleton was made of a series of stainless-steel angle brackets. The system was designed to overcome any intolerances in the plumb and level of surrounding substrates. The final finish between all glass features was an optically clear caulk. Utilizing its skilled union tradesmen, GBA completed the installation to the great satisfaction of the Starns brothers and whole team.

The result was the most ambitious undertaking yet for Arts for Transit and something all travelers to lower Manhattan can cherish.

What Customers Say

"Work was done very professionally with outstanding quality. Your crews were very attentive to detail & made sure to protect surrounding work surfaces from damage. They communicated well with my field team to ensure we & the Owner were satisfied with the end product. Job well done." - Russell Stafford, RNGD A Palmisano Company

"We were lucky to have GBA on our project at Lutheran East High School. From the front office to the field supervision and crew were very knowledgeable with our project. Took extra care not to damage the building during demolition. The quality of materials and their labor force was top-notch." — Peter Powell, Carey Construction Group

"We are extremely pleased with the outcome of the glass block at Lutheran East High School and have received many compliments on the design. The glass block windows give the building a nice “pop” of color on the exterior each side of the gym and helped to maintain the identity of the school." - Rick Jozity, Meraki Architects, L.L.C

"I saw the final glass block wall in person and it really is a work of art. We are so grateful for your team’s hard work on this." – Crister Cantrell, Gensler

"As the Senior Project Manager for the general contracting company responsible for completing all aspects of the historical restoration, structural rehabilitation, and adaptive reuse modifications to the derelict Triboro tuberculosis hospital, one of the most difficult challenges was finding capable and qualified subcontractors for the key restoration trades that are both committed to quality construction and respectful of the historical restoration process. I am lucky enough to have worked with GBA on previous successful projects and was glad to bring them into this project. GBA provided the essential expertise and quality craftsmanship that this project needed and was a reliable partner helping us convert the Triboro Tuberculosis Hospital into the T Building Residence." – Senior Project Manager, Bill Harwood for the GC, Mega Contracting

"On behalf of me, my project manager and CGC; I would like to reach out to applaud the quality and workmanship of the crew sent out to do the glass block wall outside of the theater here in Hudson. Dan and Nate went above and beyond to keep their work area organized and clean, even protected our finish trim and VWC in the mixing area with plastic. If only more companies active on site would follow in your companies steps these buildings would be cut and dry and run very efficiently. Thank you! - Jake M. Behler, Cameron General Contractors

South Ferry Train Station

Our Process

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What Customers Say