REMI Companies build top security into metro New York luxury residences with Milestone IP video surveillance

REMI Companies of Hoboken, New Jersey, have developed an upscale residential site for high-end luxury living, making the clientele feel safe in an effective but non-obtrusive way, to be protected in a newly refurbished neighbourhood of New Jersey, just minutes from New York City.  During construction, they also wanted to show investors and project managers the progress on the job site.  To do this, REMI is using Milestone XProtect from Milestone Systems open platform IP video management software that supports multiple camera types and integration with other systems like access control, alarms and intercoms for a best-of-breed solution.

Bankers and investors for the property development project were given remote access to the Milestone software for viewing the progress on their investments as the complex was built.  REMI management simultaneously could monitor and control the construction activities and deliveries.  Residents of the finished complex are given access to the video to see people at the doors when they call on the intercom, and full-time concierges have multiple monitors to watch the video from all over the complex at once.

"It's good for us: we got to survey and control our job site and give access to our investors to keep them happy during the project construction.  Now we use the surveillance system to monitor employees and maintenance of the building.  Residents have views to see the entrances while the concierges use the full complex overview.  Milestone [XProtect] is an enterprise level networked solution running more than 60 cameras for us at this location.  We are very happy with it," says David Lepak, Director of Technology at REMI Companies.

REMI Companies and system integrators Vision Voice & Data selected Danetech Inc. of Rhode Island to install Milestone XProtect Enterprise IP video software to manage a mix of cameras from Axis, Toshiba, and Videology.  A Zeus server is dedicated to the Milestone recordings.  The server room also contains the central equipment for the Keyscan access control, Viking intercom, and networked phone system.  The comprehensive security solution is complemented by ADT burglar alarms, 24-hour concierges with command centre views in the Milestone software, and night guards from Planned Security Services of New Jersey.

Construction started the summer of 2005 and finished in May 2007.  The complex, called Velocity at Hoboken, has 128 units, 64 per building, concierge service, two fitness centres, and parking garages.  Every apartment is beautifully appointed: imported cherry wood floors, Italian marble bathrooms, bay windows, and dream kitchens with all appliances.  The buildings' network setup includes free internet and wireless connections, cable TV - and access to the video surveillance.

"I often log on from home to keep an eye on the property and the employees.  For the concierges' operation of it, there wasn't much training necessary: the XProtect software is so easy to use.  It's very intuitive - just point and click," states Lepak.  "The concierges each have two 24-inch display monitors that show camera views from all over the complex at the same time.  Our total security solution sets us apart from the rest of the realty market."

REMI plans to use the same approach with Milestone IP video at their next project in New York called Velocity at Greystone: an 11-story luxury high-rise right on the banks of the Hudson River, due for completion the end of 2008.