Spector to play lead role in protecting priceless artwork.

Spector Group, a New York-based architecture and design firm, has been tapped as the design and executive architect for Christie's new storage facility in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

In this role, Spector will transform what was once a six-story industrial factory into a 200,000 s/f, high-end art storage facility. Christie's Fine Art Storage Services (CFASS), the world's leading provider of customized storage solutions for fine art, antiques and collectibles, will move into the retrofitted warehouse--which will serve as a high-tech home for its art collection, valued in the hundreds of millions--this winter.

"We were delighted to be chosen as the lead architect for this intriguing adaptive re-use project," said Spector Group principal Scott Spector, ALA. "Our firm's vast architectural and interiors experience, along with hands-on principal involvement not typically seen at larger architectural concerns, made us the stand-out choice for this assignment."

As such, Spector is working closely with Christie's security department and consultants to achieve the highest possible level of accessible, yet secure storage.

To attain top-notch security, the building will feature infrared video cameras, biometric meters and motion-activated monitors, as well as a sophisticated climate control system. Air quality monitors, atmospheric controls, and building-wide fire and smoke detection systems, which will be observed by CFASS's guards and maintenance engineers, were incorporated into the design to keep conditions ideal for fine art storage and other collectible items.

"When you are storing some of the world's most revered works of art--including pieces from Picasso and Van Gogh, among others--creating a secure environment is that much more imperative," said Spector.

"We were especially attentive to the 'customer' flow circulating through the facility, given the site and its existing structural conditions. The design of the lobby and corridors was carefully choreographed by the entire project team and, as a result, the building will be as secure as it is inviting."

Spector also worked with Christie's to design hundreds of storage units of varying sizes based on the building's existing configuration as well as market need, along with multi-units for storage of single items, exclusive or customized units. The completed facility will boast several spectacular viewing rooms ideal for hosting events and showings, as well as all of the wiring necessary for the closed circuit television system CFASS utilizes to record every event held on the premises, and then log it into a customized computer system.

Spector's Mark Carthew is serving as project manager and Dexter Tinapay is working as the lead project designer for Christie's.