JT Magen, a national construction firm specializing in preconstruction, construction management, design-build, and general contracting across a variety of industries, announces the delivery of La Tête d’Or, an upscale steakhouse by Daniel Boulud at SL Green Realty Corp.’s One Madison Avenue in Manhattan’s Midtown South neighborhood.
JT Magen was retained by SL Green Realty Corp. to serve as construction manager for the 12,000-square-foot restaurant, situated on the ground floor of the 1.4 million-square-foot office tower that was completed in 2024. The team oversaw all aspects from budgeting and scheduling, procurement of materials, managing subcontractors and conducting the final handover. JT Magen collaborated with the rest of the project team – Beyer Blinder Belle, architect of record; Rockwell Group, interior designer; and Jaros Baum Bolles, engineer of record and MEP – to deliver a uniquely exquisite dining environment.
“The best way to describe it is totally exquisite. La Tête d’Or is a true work of art, a result of extensive and skilled coordination with the client, design teams, and tradespeople,” said Charles Russo, a project manager at JT Magen who oversaw the project. “We are pleased to deliver this unique hospitality offering for SL Green Realty Corp. Building off of our decades of expertise in the commercial interiors and retail sectors, JT Magen is in a unique position to expand its work in the hospitality sector.”
(Photo credit: Jason Varney)
The space was previously used as a staging area for the building hoist/loading dock that served the entire building while under construction. To ready the space for transformation into La Tête d’Or, JT Magen constructed two steel mezzanine platforms to house critical A/C systems, hot water heaters, smoke eaters and other equipment. Removal of existing walls and opening of floors allowed for the installation of MEP equipment and structural steel beam reinforcements. “We had to navigate around several challenges, such as working with temporary power and allowing for the hoist and loading dock to remain operational while the building was under construction,” added Russo.
With design led by Rockwell Group, La Tête d’Or is reminiscent of the Art Deco era. With 18-foot ceilings, the dining area for 120 patrons features plush banquettes, a curved bronze quartzite-topped bar, and leather- and wood-clad walls. Other materials include parquet wood flooring, stone and tile imported from Italy, custom light fixtures, and custom furniture fabricated internationally. A focal point of the space is a custom metal art work that hovers above the wood burning grill. La Tête d’Or is operated by The Dinex Group led by renowned Chef Daniel Boulud.
JT Magen and SL Green Realty Corp. have a long-standing working relationship spanning more than three decades, often high-end projects with tight schedules. The contractor has carried out several projects for the respected commercial real estate owner, most recently its corporate headquarters and high-end amenity space at One Vanderbilt, as well as its 245 Park Avenue redevelopment, which is currently under construction. Additionally, JT Magen has built out a number of hospitality projects nationwide, including NeueHouse Venice Beach, The Luckman Club at Soho House West Hollywood, San Vicente Bungalows Santa Monica, Paramount Club, The Pierre Hotel, Loews Regency New York, and the W Hotel in Times Square.
