Reidy Contracting completes five projects in Empire State Building

Manhattan, NY Reidy Contracting Group (RCG) has completed five projects in the Empire State Building.

The projects include the Empire State Realty Trust Amenity Space, Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop, the Observatory, Dave & Adam’s Pop-Up Shop, and a private office on the 44^th floor. Each showcases RCG’s ability to execute complex, high-design work in active, landmark environments — while honoring the building’s storied legacy.

“Being part of the continued evolution of the Empire State Building is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Daniel Monteiro, managing partner at Reidy Contracting Group. “Each project — from immersive retail experiences to innovative tenant amenities — reflects the strength of our team and our commitment to delivering exceptional results in one of New York’s most iconic buildings.”

The Empire State Realty Trust Amenity Space
Reidy Contracting Group completed a full build-out of the building’s new amenity space — a vibrant environment that combines modern luxury with historic character. The design features a custom multi-sport court for basketball and pickleball, complete with bleachers and the Empire State Building logo, alongside lounges, golf simulators, garage doors that open to the court, and thoughtfully crafted finishes throughout.

Notable details include a custom mosaic art piece displaying the Empire State logo, acoustic micro-perforated ceilings, textured wall coverings, and a porcelain slab reception desk with metal trim. Engineering ingenuity was key — particularly the coordinated delivery of two 7,000-pound air handling units through 34^th St. into the sub-cellar MER room, ensuring cutting-edge functionality without disrupting ongoing building operations.

Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop
Located on the ground floor, Ghirardelli’s 2,758 s/f retail shop brings a touch of sweet indulgence to the Empire State Building. The RCG team handled interior demolition and full build-out, including architectural and structural modifications, millwork replacement, and installation of temperature-controlled equipment. The result is a rich, inviting retail space that beautifully merges craftsmanship, engineering precision, and brand experience.

The Observatory
RCG played a major role in transforming the visitor experience at the Empire State Building Observatory. The project included demolishing the second-floor ticketing area and constructing a new ticket center on the first floor, improving visitor flow and accessibility.

The work also introduced a new landmarked storefront with decorative antenna-inspired metal features, a thoughtful nod to the building’s celebrated Art Deco heritage. RCG additionally completed Phase I of the retail fit-out of Suite 112B, which included new demising walls, raised flooring, storefront modifications, and integrated MEP systems — all designed to enhance functionality and aesthetics for millions of annual visitors.

Dave & Adam’s Card World Pop-Up
Reidy Contracting Group completed a fast-track fit-out for Dave & Adam’s Card World, a high-energy pop-up shop located just steps from the Empire State Building. The project included MEPS modifications, floor patching, carpentry, and finish painting — all executed under an accelerated timeline.

Designed as a nostalgic, interactive experience for collectors and fans, the shop came alive with exclusive giveaways, rare finds, and live card breaks, creating buzz and excitement in Midtown Manhattan and celebrating hobbyist culture in a one-of-a-kind setting.

44th Floor Private Office
The complete fit-out of the 44^th floor transformed the space into a modern, flexible office environment tailored for today’s workplace needs. The design includes open-plan workstations, private offices, conference rooms, lounges, and a welcoming reception area — all supported by state-of-the-art HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, as well as advanced BMS and AV/IT infrastructure.

The result is a sleek, efficient, and inspiring workspace that meets the demands of contemporary tenants while reflecting the timeless prestige of the Empire State Building.

Founded in 2010 by Pat and Lorraine Reidy, Reidy Contracting Group (RCG) is a full-service general contracting and construction management firm based in New York City. RCG has earned a reputation for delivering high-quality interior renovations and fit-outs for some of the most recognized names in the corporate, hospitality, retail, media, and entertainment sectors.

The firm’s portfolio includes projects such as the Warner Bros. Discovery headquarters, American Express Centurion Lounge, Nickelodeon and MTV offices, and a LEED Platinum-certified office overlooking Central Park.