Dive Brief:

• Construction began on New York City Hall, which is actually the third in the city's history, in 1803, and the latest repairs began in 2008.
• In keeping with history, this project, which includes a new roof so the existing one doesn't come down on anyone, is far over its initial estimate. The first construction was estimated to cost $160,000 and came in at $500,000 when it was done in 1812.
• Now, with sprinklers and new exits and elevators, the seat of government for the financial capital of the world will actually meet building codes.

Dive Insight:

New York City is a unique place and a city in the New World with a long history. It seems that its city hall has almost as varied a background and has accumulated challenges for officials. “Every time you poke a screwdriver in the wall you discover some other problem,” said David J. Burney, the commissioner of the city’s Department of Design and Construction.