An Anniversary Reflection, Blueprint for the Future Begins at the Ground Level
By Will Smith ' 00
Last year, the New York City Department of Buildings processed 180,000 construction permits, accounting for over 50,000 properties across the five boroughs. While 95 % of these permit filings are for alteration projects covering commercial and residential renovations, the statistics point to a 43 % increase in New Building permits( 2025). As a New Yorker, architect, builder, and a self-professed nerd about all things related to construction in New York City, I have come to believe that to be a New Yorker is to have a personal relationship with the constant physical change of our surroundings, predicated on construction.
When you think about our everyday lives, we interact within a highly dense harmony of hunter green sidewalk shed fences, scaffolding braces for climbing and pull-ups, diamond windows for peeking in on building progress, and of course the series of double-parked trucks delivering the next bundle of steel studs. As a young New Yorker, I would run my hands across the finely textured construction mesh found on the chain link fences, which in hindsight were entry gates to sites.
In fall 2025, the new global headquarters for JP Morgan Chase was completed at 270 Park Avenue, with much deserved fanfare, ribbon cuttings, speeches, glossy photos, and social media posts. In contrast, it is the less glamorous work of the structural engineers, the steel fabricators and installers, those who are celebrated in the pages of academic journals, as they are the ones who make these celebrations possible. One of the standout design elements is the innovative fan-column structure which, along with triangular bracing, allows the building to rise approximately 80 feet( 24 meters) above street level. This design not only provides structural support but also creates open, column-free spaces at ground level, enhancing pedestrian accessibility and urban integration.
As shared by“ Structures Insider,” constructing a high-rise office building in New York City’ s dense urban environment is difficult under the best of circumstances. Building one where a high-rise office tower already exists is even more challenging.
I draw a connection between this with a Chapel talk I did four years ago when I asked our seventh and eighth graders to do the impossible- to see into the future and return to the present to understand their foundations, as it is the engineers and fabricators of their foundations that are working for them; tirelessly, thoughtfully, and carefully. I noted that these individuals would likely not be recognized in the moments of the personal and career success that will follow, but to thank them in this moment. I know these teachers are not chasing recognition or riches: it’ s simply not what drives early childhood educators. However, at the 75th anniversary of the school, we pause to honor the foundational work of these faculty and staff members. A foundational work that is lasting- we have that here. As I reflect, I close, eyes welling in gratitude, for just some of the many who have impacted my Saint David ' s experience; they live in the grain of the wood of our Chapel and the sound of the organ: Barbieri, Gilbert, Hughes, Maiocco, McLaughlin, McLellan, Morales, Murphy, Roman, Ryan. Our quest to fulfill our school ' s motto is built upon the infrastructure that they have provided for us. •
Will Smith with fellow classmates from Saint David’ s Class of 2000 celebrating their 25th reunion in June 2025.
Will Smith‘ 00 is Alumni Council Chair at Saint David’ s School.
28 • Saint David’ s Magazine • 75th Anniversary Edition