A night to remember: the 2004-2005 BOMA/NY Pinnacle Awards.

Storied landmarks, skyline stars and up-and-comers took the spotlight at the Oscars of the Industry"--the 2004-2005 BOMA/NY Pinnacle Awards-on February 10, 2005 at the Copacabana. The gala ceremony, which was set to an all-Oscar soundtrack and hosted by Former BOMA/NY President and Pinnacle Award Winner Vincent A. Fantauzzi, RPA, drew a record crowd, filled the night with laughter and inspired standing ovations as the industry paid tribute to winners of the Pinnacle-the local competition for North America's most prestigious real estate award.

Park Avenue picked up three Pinnacles, competition was particularly keen for Renovated Building and New Construction, and Manager of the Year drew both a record number of nominees and powerful recommendations; even former President Bill Clinton weighed in with an endorsement for his building manager.

And in a touching tribute to former BOMA/NY Outstanding Local Member of the Year and Former President John T. Griffin, CPM upon his retirement, this industry legend was given his BOMA/NY Honorary Life Membership by his son and property management professional, Michael Griffin. Just a half hour later, John went on to accept the Pinnacle for new Construction in the last public act of his career.

The 2004-2005 winners-whose names were kept secret until the Pinnacle envelopes were opened onstage-are:

Outstanding Local Member of the Year Desmond J, Burke, President, Firequench, Inc.

Pinnacle host/Former BOMA/NY President Vincent A. Fantauzzi, RPA; BOMA/NY President Betsy Jacobs; Desmond J, Burke

BOMA/NY's "ambassador" to the FDNY, Desmond was cited for his critical work on emergency task force protocols.

Historical Building Lever House--390 Park Avenue

Thomas Martorana, Property Manager; Perry Fine. RPA/CPM Historical Subcommittee Chair

A groundbreaker 50 years age, Lever House has been artfully restored by owner RFR Realty LLC.

Honorary Life Membership

Michael Griffin. Executive Director at CIBC World Capital Markets; John T. Griffin CPM, 300 Madison Project Executive, CIBC

Said Michael, in presenting the membership to his father. "You have, and continue to be, a role model for me and this industry."

Civic Betterment Children's Aid Society 

Gary Dawyot of The Children's Aid Society; Civic Betterment Subcommittee Chair Valerie Coleman, RPA

TCAS brings care and support to 150,000 NY kids every year.

New Construction 300 Madison Avenue

John T. Griffin, CPM, Project Manager/ CIBC; Alfred San Fillipo, Senior Vice President of Development for Brookfield Financial Properties; John Leitner, New Construction Subcommittee Chair

Built by Brookfield as CIBC's US headquarters, 300 Madison incorporates the best of post-9/11 technology.

Henry J. Muller Achievement Award NYC Department of Buildings

BOMA/NY President Betsy Jacobs; Commissioner Patricia Lancaster, FAIA; BOMA/NY Executive Director Roberta McGowan, CAE 

This award recognizing vision for NY saluted the DOB for its "revolutionary" overhaul of department procedures and outreach to industry partners.

Manager of the Year Igwe N. Harvey, RP/FMA, 55 and 215 West 125th Street (CRG Management LLC) 3 to 10 years exp

Igwe N, Harvey, RPA/FMA with Vincent A. Fantauzzi, RPA

A contender last year Igwe scored the win this year with kudos for managing Harlem's two largest office buildings and praise from tenant President Bill Clinton for "his commendable work ethic and dedication."

Manager of the Year James J. Whelan, RPA/FMA, Eleven Madison (Cushman & Wakefield, Inc.) 10 or more years experience

Gregory Sutherland, Manager of the Year Subcommittee Chair: James J. Whelan. RPA/FMA

Responsible for the building's $300 million capital renovation-one of NY's largest-and the transition to day-to-day operations. Jim is known for continually exceeding both owner and tenant expectations.

Corporate Facility Scholastic Inc. Hq. 555-557 Broadway

Myles Schwartz, Corporate Facility Subcommittee Chair: CBRE Real Estate Manager Gregory Brown RPA/FMA: Greg Donato, CFM, Scholastic Facilities Director

Famed architect Aldo Rossi blended old with new to meet Scholastic's dramatic growth, spurred in part by the Harry Potter series.

Renovated Building 500 Park Avenue

General Manager, Brian O'Flaherty; JLL Project Manager Thomas Murray; Morgan Stanley Executive Director, Andrew Bauman

Built in the late 1950's, this NYC landmark helped establish, and then transform, Park Avenue into a powerful corporate corridor.

Operating Office Building 28 West 44th Street (100,000-499,999 sq. ft.)

BOMA/NY President Betsy Jacobs and GVA Williams Director of Operations and Engineering, Michael Romano

State-of-the-art technology meets old world charm in this classic-and classy-Beaux Arts showpiece.

Operating Office Building The MetLife Building 200 Park Avenue (Over 1 Million sq. ft.)

Donald Svoboda, MetLife Asset Manager and the building's General Manager, Alfonso Amore

A world class location, renowned architectural design, multi-million dollar renovation and first-class operations made this global landmark a winner.

Supporting Cast

Pinnacle stage set built and donated by Wager Contracting Co., Inc.

Photography by Steve Friedman Photography

Production and video by Mitchell & Associates