2022 Annual Building Awards recognize excellence in Staten Island design

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The Island Chateau in Grasmere played host to the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce’s 60th Annual Building Awards Friday, where dozens gathered to celebrate the distinction of the Island’s most impressive construction projects.

As guests dined under elegant chandeliers, members of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce (SICC) delivered remarks and presented the awards.

The afternoon’s most prestigious honor, the Chairman’s Award, recognized two individual buildings that stood out among the competition, as selected by a panel of 13 judges who examined the sites.

The first of the two recognized was a residence on Amboy Road. Cutrona Architecture PLLC and JVN Restoration were responsible for the design of the family home. The teams behind the building were also awarded Excellence Awards in recognition of their work on the exterior, interior, interior decorating, outdoor space, and their efforts in creating a “green building.”

The latter of the awards was claimed by the Nicotra Group for the work on Corporate Commons Three. This recent installment to the Corporate Park of Staten Island has added more than 2,500 jobs to Staten Island and offers state-of-the-art office space alongside a vineyard and rooftop garden that focuses on delivering a farm-to-table dining experience.

For these distinguishing factors, the Nicotra Group was also awarded the “Best in Green” Award, one of two discretionary awards presented prior to the Chairman’s Award. Like the Amboy Road residence, Corporate Commons Three was also recognized with an Excellence Award.

“Earning this recommendation from the chamber is a sign that our business community recognizes the lifelong investment we have made to our borough,” said Lois and Richard Nicotra, owners of Corporate Commons Three, in a statement. Corporate Commons Three is located at The Nicotra Group’s Corporate Park of Staten Island, Bloomfield.

“The Chamber’s recognition on so many levels speaks to Corporate Commons Three’s unique standing as the place to grow your business and find professional opportunity,’’ they said. “The West Shore is the Jobs Coast of our Borough, and South Avenue is the ‘Park Avenue’ of Staten Island.”

Pavilion on the Terrace was awarded the Neighborhood Improvement Award. The Greek Revival mansion, built in 1835, had undergone a long history of changing owners prior to Kecia Juanita Weaver purchasing the premises in 2013.

Weaver oversaw the renovation process and restored the historic site. Today, it stands as a structure to behold and it is fit to host special events.

As in years past, the special Albert P. Melnicker Award, named after the founder of the Building Awards program, was given to a project that adds to the quality of life on Staten Island.

This year, the award was presented to the Almer G. Russell Pavilion at Conference House Park. The renovated 3,000-square-foot, water-and wind-resistant pavillion was named after Russell, a former resident of Tottenville who lost his life in World War I.

The site offers pristine views of Raritan Bay and is beloved by all who enjoy admiring the waterfront. The original structure was constructed in 1935 and the refurbished site was damaged in 2011 during Hurricane Irene, resulting in its closure to the public.

It took a $6,500,000 project, spearheaded by New York City’s Former Park Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, to restore the site into the community favorite it is today.

Frank Scarangello, chairman of the SICC and president of SCARAN, and Chris Lee, of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, presented the award. Accepting the award was Lynda Ricciardone, Staten Island borough parks commissioner.

“It took an awful lot to put this together…it absolutely is beautiful and stunning and we truly appreciate the support of our elected officials who made it possible,” Ricciardone said. “We truly support all of you in this room for recognizing what it brings to Staten Island and the southernmost tip of Staten Island and the southernmost tip of New York state.”

Prior to the distribution of the awards, speakers, including Borough President Vito Fossella, delivered remarks.

“How wonderful is it to be recognized by your peers and others to say that you did an excellent job at putting something together?” Fossella asked. “By extension, I think that’s what we try to do every day in making Staten Island a better place — we build. It takes a good jackass to knock a barn down, but a good carpenter to put one up.”

Headlining the event was keynote speaker Kazimir Vilenchik, acting buildings commissioner. Vilenchik has served in numerous borough offices and is primarily applauded for his work on universal Pre-K and flood mitigation efforts following Superstorm Sandy. Vilenchik spoke about the importance of small businesses and the state of the Department of Buildings.

“I am well aware that the way this agency is managed has profound and direct impacts on every project across this city,” VIlenchik said. “The permits, licenses, and tools we issue translate into new buildings rising from the ground, new businesses opening their doors and economic activity in every neighborhood across the five boroughs. Our services are helping create jobs and the construction will help promote the creation of new schools, homes, churches, stores, and restaurants our growing city needs.”

The discretionary awards were not the only awards of the night. More than two dozen projects were recognized for their excellence in design and construction. Among the winners was Staten Island Advance/SILive at Corporate Commons Three.

“We are grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for recognizing the beauty of our space and especially thankful that the chamber puts so much emphasis in promoting good design on Staten Island,” said Brian Laline, executive editor of the Staten Island Advance, who also thanked Lois and Richard Nicotra for creating the space. “We at the Advance are all thankful and proud to work for a company — Advance Local — that understands the importance of a comfortable, attractive workspace that meets the technological demands of our content and sales teams.”

The event first took place when the Verrazzano Bridge was built and “we started to see all kinds of construction and projects happening here on Staten Island,” said Linda Baran, president and CEO of The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “Throughout the years, it’s really recognizing people who are doing the work in the community, quality work, and that’s important. It’s important for us all to kind of raise the bar on some of the projects that we see here. We’ve seen problems with development over the years, so what we like to do here at the chamber is recognize positive development.”

Excellence Award Locations:

• Amboy Road Residence
• Charleston Branch: New York Public Library
• Corporate Commons Three
• Empire State Bank Corporate
• Dr. Robert Guida Medical Office
• Edkins East Lot
• Jerome L. Finkelstein, MD, Burn Center
• Leonello Lane Residence
• Lobo Loco at the Staten Island Mall
• Monsignor Farrell High School Performance and Wellness Center
• New Medical Intensive Care Unit Construction
• Northfield Bank New Dorp Branch #4
• ‘O Sfizio Restaurant Staten Island
• Panini Grill
• Pavilion on the Terrace
• The Richmond County Yacht Club
• Satterlee Street Backyard
• SIUH Cardiovascular Care Unit
• The Sprague Haven
• Staten Island Advance/SILive at Corporate Commons Three
• Stop & Stor SHS Richmond Terrace LLC
• Residence at Sunrise Condominiums
• Sunrise of New Dorp
• VG Lounge, St. George Theatre
• The Willowbrook Mile