New York, NY
Owner: Madison Square Garden Co.
Architect: SCI Architects
Seats: 19,763 (Arena)
Cost: $1 billion
Completion Date: 2013
2014 ENR New York Best Projects–Sports/EntertainmentAwards
2015 ACEC New York Engineering Excellence Award–Platinum
2015 SEAoNY Excellence in Structural Engineering Award–Renovation
2016 NCSEA Excellence in Structural Engineering Awards–Forensic/Renovation/Retrofit/Rehabilitation
Reimagining a New York Icon
Severud Associates played a pivotal role in the ambitious transformation of Madison Square Garden, a project that revitalized this iconic arena while preserving its historical character and presence in the entertainment and professional sports industries.
Engineering a Modern Marvel within a Historical Shell
The Severud team faced the complex challenge of modernizing the Garden while retaining its distinctive circular shell. This was achieved by carefully engineering a renovation that included:
- Raising the Roof: Severud raised the north and south roof levels, creating additional space for expanded amenities and improved sightlines.
- Rebuilding the Upper Seating: The upper seating bowl was completely demolished and rebuilt, offering fans a more comfortable and immersive experience, as well as in-bowl luxury boxes.
- Expanding the Entrance: The Seventh Avenue entrance was expanded, creating a grander and more welcoming arrival for visitors.
- Adding Concourse Levels: Three new levels were added to house state-of-the-art concession concourses, providing a wider variety of food and beverage options for fans.
- Designing Luxury Suites: Severud engineered new luxury suites, offering premium seating and hospitality experiences.
- Creating Sky Bridges: Two dramatic sky bridges were suspended from the existing cable roof, providing unique vantage points and enhancing the overall atmosphere of the arena.
- Structural Hardening: The existing structure was enhanced to be more resilient and structurally redundant.
MSG V–The Transformation is one example of Severud’s ability to deliver complex structural engineering renovations while respecting the historical significance of the existing structure. Severud engineers contributed to the continued legacy of Madison Square Garden, ensuring that it remains a premier destination for sports and entertainment for generations to come.