Starrett Brothers & Eken

Starrett Brothers & Eken was a prominent construction company in the United States, particularly known for its work on numerous iconic buildings and structures in New York City, such as the Empire State Building, Chrysler Building, and Rockefeller Center. The company's contributions to the city's skyline were often in collaboration with renowned architects like William Van Alen, Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, and Raymond Hood. Starrett Brothers & Eken's expertise was also sought after for projects beyond New York, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, and the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia. Their work involved partnerships with other notable companies, including Bechtel Group, Turner Construction, and Skanska.

● History

The history of Starrett Brothers & Eken is deeply intertwined with the development of New York City's architectural landscape, particularly during the early 20th century. The company played a significant role in the construction of many Art Deco skyscrapers, working closely with architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier. Their projects often involved complex engineering solutions, similar to those required for the construction of the Hoover Dam and the Grand Coulee Dam, both of which were undertaken by companies like Bechtel Group and United States Bureau of Reclamation. Starrett Brothers & Eken's work was not limited to skyscrapers; they also contributed to the development of infrastructure projects, such as the Lincoln Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge, which were designed by engineers like Othmar Ammann and constructed by companies including American Bridge Company.

● Founding and Early Years

The founding of Starrett Brothers & Eken dates back to the 1920s, a period of rapid growth and development in United States construction, marked by projects like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. The company's early years were characterized by collaborations with prominent architects and engineers, including William Van Alen, Shreve, Lamb & Harmon Associates, and Raymond Hood, who designed iconic buildings like the New York Public Library and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Starrett Brothers & Eken's early projects set the stage for their future success, establishing them as a reliable and innovative construction company, akin to Turner Construction and Skanska, which have worked on projects like the One World Trade Center and the MetLife Stadium.

● Notable Projects

Starrett Brothers & Eken was involved in a multitude of notable projects throughout their history, including the construction of the Rockefeller Center, a complex of buildings in the heart of Manhattan that includes the famous NBC Studios and Saturday Night Live studios. Other significant projects included the United Nations Headquarters, designed by architects like Le Corbusier and Oscar Niemeyer, and the Citicorp Center, designed by Hugh Stubbins and Emery Roth & Sons. The company's expertise was also utilized in the construction of sports venues like Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden, which have hosted events during the Summer Olympics and the NBA Finals. Their work on these projects often involved collaboration with other construction companies, such as Bechtel Group and Jacobs Engineering Group, and architectural firms like Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and Kohn Pedersen Fox.

● Company Structure and Operations

The company structure of Starrett Brothers & Eken was designed to facilitate efficient project management and execution, similar to that of Turner Construction and Gilbane Building Company. Their operations involved a network of subcontractors and suppliers, including companies like United States Steel Corporation and Alcoa, which provided materials for their projects. Starrett Brothers & Eken's approach to construction was innovative for its time, incorporating new technologies and methods, such as those developed by Caterpillar Inc. and Komatsu Limited, to improve efficiency and safety on site. This approach was reflective of the broader trends in the construction industry, which saw advancements in engineering and architecture during the mid-20th century, influenced by figures like Buckminster Fuller and Eero Saarinen.

● Legacy and Impact

The legacy of Starrett Brothers & Eken is evident in the iconic buildings and structures that dot the New York City skyline, as well as in their contributions to the development of American architecture and engineering. Their work has been recognized and celebrated by institutions like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Building Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). The company's impact extends beyond their physical structures, influencing the way construction projects are managed and executed today, with companies like Bechtel Group, Turner Construction, and Skanska following in their footsteps. Starrett Brothers & Eken's story is intertwined with that of New York City's growth and development, making them an integral part of the city's history and identity, alongside other notable figures and companies like Robert Moses, Jane Jacobs, and Tishman Speyer.

Category:Construction companies