SCALAMANDRE.

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PETER SCALAMANDRE AND SONS INC.

PSSI is one of the leading civil contractors in
New York, constructing roads, bridges,
sewer systems and drainage systems.

Keeping Up With the Times

PSSI and its group of companies continue to make a name in New York construction. Now in its third
generation of leadership, the firm remains stronger than ever.

By Fernie Tiflis the careful placement of the foundation structure, which

T hen founder Peter Scalamandre formed his construc-

tion company in Freeport, N.Y., in 1923, America had
not long exited the horse-and-buggy age. Back then,
the concrete construction we know today did not exist.
When new concrete methods such as slip-form paving and
gang-forming systems were introduced to the industry,
Peter Scalamandre and Sons Inc. (PSSI) took advantage of
the techniques and established itself as one of the leading civil
contractors in the state, constructing roads, bridges, sewer sys-
tems and drainage systems.
“Peter Scalamandre and his successors were quick to
relinquish obsolete construction methods
Peter Scalamandre and
Sons Inc. and equipment to give their customers the
www.scalamandreconstruc- benefit of better construction at lower cost,”
tion.com the company says. “As new techniques for
Headquarters: Freeport, N.Y.
Employees: 400 to 700 building with concrete evolved, the
Service: Contractor Scalamandre family was alert, ready to
Peter Scalamandre, pres.: “We learn them thoroughly and apply them.”
are successful in keeping up with
today’s ... techniques and new These principles are still practiced
innovations.” today by Scalamandre, as evidenced in
supports The Standard Hotel in Manhattan. Currently
under construction, this project included a board-formed
exposed above-ground concrete foundation wall, which
was designed to support the 20-story hotel, flanking the
east side of the High Line on the lower west side.
The wall was approximately 70 feet in height, 50 feet long
and 5 feet wide, with supports designed at the top of the wall
to hold two heavy steel trusses that would span the High Line
and attach at the other end to the core structure of the build-
ing. Despite many skeptics, second-generation owner Joseph
Scalamandre decided that his company would place the 750
cubic yards of concrete in that wall in one continuous place-
ment in one day, which was successfully completed, requir-
ing precise placement, formwork and bracing details. It
was an architectural and structural feat that was unparalleled
in New York City, PSSI says.
Surviving the Times
PSSI’s ability to adapt to the changing times has been the
company’s key to success. When Peter Scalamandre died in

52 ■ WWW.CONSTRUCTION-TODAY.COM ■ FEBRUARY 2009