Frank Sciame founded Sciame Construction in 1975 and has since built it into one of the tri-state region’s premier construction management firms, with an active portfolio exceeding $4 billion in current projects.
With a degree in architecture from The City College of New York, Frank brings a deep respect for design excellence and craftsmanship to every project. His commitment to cost-effectively implementing ambitious, architectural visions with precision, efficiency, and integrity has become a defining hallmark of the firm, positioning it at the forefront of complex, design-driven construction. Widely regarded as a builder with a vision of an architect, he bridges creativity and execution to deliver projects of lasting significance.
Completed projects include the addition to The Morgan Library and Museum, the Frick Collection, Perelman Performing Arts Center, The Shed at Hudson Yards, Christian Dior Flagship Store, Central Synagogue Restoration, Harvard Club of New York City, the South Court Addition to the New York Public Library, Cooper Union’s New Academic Building, FDR Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island, and new buildings for Columbia Medical Center, Princeton University, Collegiate School, and CUNY. Ongoing projects include the + POOL, 125 Perry Street, the Art Students League of New York, and Moncler Fifth Avenue Flagship.
Frank’s achievements and enduring commitment to preserving New York City’s architectural heritage have earned him widespread recognition and numerous honors. He currently serves as an Executive Committee Board Member and past Chairman of the New York Landmarks Conservancy and the New York Building Congress. His additional leadership roles include serving on the Board of the Association for Lower Manhattan and The Foundation for City College where he is the current Chairman. Frank is also a Member of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations Industry Advisory Group. In 2004, CCNY awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree.
In 1996, Frank formed the real estate development firm Sciame Development. The firm completed the restoration and conversion of multiple commercial properties into condominiums in the South Street Seaport Historic District. On Long Island, Sciame developed Pen-Mor Thoroughbred Farms, an 88 acre farm with 23 single family estate parcels. At 80 South Street in Lower Manhattan, Sciame acquired. Development Rights and engaged Santiago Calatrava to design 80 South Street Tower which garnered worldwide praise for its remarkable design and iconic architecture. Sciame Development also oversaw the landmarking process to preserve the historic character of 70 Pine Street, a 1,000,000 square foot Art Deco tower located in Lower Manhattan, allowing for a subsequent conversion to a mixed-use project with residential apartments, restaurants and retail.
In Osceola County, Florida, Sciame is currently working with Edward J. Minskoff Equities and SHoP Architects on the design and development of a 500 acre site called NeoCity. Phase 1 includes a 25-acre parcel that will include residential apartments, a Performing Arts Center, a Waterfront Esplanade, retail, office and hotel.
In 2006, Mr. Sciame was appointed by Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg to lead the effort to ensure a buildable World Trade Center Memorial. He was asked to align the budget and design by working with the families of the victims and many other stakeholders to define a viable project for New York and the Nation. His accepted design recommendations are included as part of National Geographic’s Official Book of the National September 11 Memorial. Mr. Sciame and his advisors took great pride when the National September 11 Memorial was built and opened under the recommended plan.
In June 1975, Frank opened Sciame Construction three months before he married his high school sweetheart in September of 1975. Barbara was his first Executive Assistant. Barbara and Frank have been married for 51 years and are the proud parents of four children: Andrew, Alexandra, FJ, and Fionna. They have been blessed with 14 grandchildren.
