Page 82 - Security Today, July 2017

Security From Scratch
High-profile, Michelin-star awarded Agern restaurant and high-traffic, adjacent Great Northern Food Hall deploy integrated IP video security and services network, solving unique installation requirements
BTy Courtney Pedersen
he summer of 2016 saw the opening of the fine-dining restaurant Agern, and Great Northern Food Hall, both in the landmark Vanderbilt Hall of Grand Cen- tral Terminal, New York. Agern, which means “Acorn” in Danish, is on a mission to share the culinary flavors
and ambiance deep-rooted in the culture of the Nordic countries. Great Northern Food Hall consists of eight pavilions presenting ca- sual food styles based on fresh local goods and influences.
Agern’s beautifully designed spaces incorporate elements of Scandinavian aesthetics with a mix of organic shapes and natural elements from sleek, mid-century furniture to mosaic tile work and natural wood in warm, earthy colors. In mid-November, Agern re- ceived a Michelin star, recognizing the restaurant’s quality, mastery of technique, personality and consistency of the food and the dining experience.
“Both the restaurant and Great Northern Food Hall have been well received by New Yorkers and tourists alike; there’s nothing eso- teric in our approach,” said Claus Meyer, CEO of MeyersUSA. “We serve great coffee, we bake stunning breads and pastries just behind the walls of Vanderbilt Hall, and we work hard to offer selections
that pay respect to the local market.”
Meyer points out that this is not just a commercial business to
make money. There is also a focus on sharing knowledge and building expertise, innovation and exploring the depths of local and regional flora and fauna. For example, they grow Nordic heirloom grains and offer baking classes and foraging tours.
Bustling Historic Building:
Installation Demands
More than 750,000 people pass through Grand Central Terminal ev- ery day. In addition to operating 24/7, and being one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, the terminal is a his- toric landmark with much of its structure more than 150 years old. These factors presented challenges for the installation of a new video monitoring and services network.
“The terminal presented unique challenges with all the different security requirements and the historic nature of the landmark,” said Chris Kossifos, managing member of CK Technology Group, the integrator and installer for the system. “We were not allowed to in- stall wires permanently anywhere. Everything in the hall had to be
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FACILITY SECURITIY