665 Fifth Avenue – Rolex

Foundation for the Rolex U.S. Headquarters

ECD provided the support of excavation, excavation, and concrete foundation systems for the redevelopment of 665 Fifth Avenue, the future U.S. headquarters for Rolex in Midtown Manhattan. Located on one of New York City’s most prominent corridors, the project required complex excavation and foundation work in a dense urban environment while accommodating critical adjacent infrastructure.

ECD installed a comprehensive support of excavation system consisting of drilled soldier piles socketed into bedrock, concrete underpinning, a 24-inch diameter tangent wall system, and rock bolts. The retention system enabled excavation to proceed safely while protecting neighboring structures and utilities throughout construction.

Following support of excavation activities, ECD excavated approximately 7,000 cubic yards of soil and removed 10,000 cubic yards of bedrock, reaching a maximum depth of 92.5 feet below grade. The project also included construction of an MTA vault and Con Edison vault, requiring precise coordination and execution within the constrained site.

To complete the below-grade structure, ECD installed double corrosion-protected rock anchors and constructed the project’s concrete foundations, including footings, mat slab, foundation walls, and Grace Preprufe waterproofing. The completed foundation system provides the structural support required for Rolex’s new flagship headquarters in the heart of Manhattan.

Project Highlights

• Drilled soldier pile support of excavation system socketed into bedrock
• Concrete underpinning
• 24-inch diameter tangent wall
• Rock bolt retention system
• 7,000 CY of soil excavation
• 10,000 CY of bedrock removal
• 92.5-foot maximum excavation depth
• 20 double corrosion-protected rock anchors
• Concrete footings, mat slab, and foundation wallsGrace Preprufe waterproofing system
• MTA vault & Con Edison vault construction