We Help Buildings
Reach Their Potential
Legacy building automation systems deserve expert care — not just replacement. We bridge the gap between what you have and where you need to be.
Why We Exist
The building automation industry has a problem: when legacy systems reach end-of-life, the typical solution is "rip it out and replace everything." That's expensive, disruptive, and often unnecessary.
We saw buildings getting pressured into million-dollar projects when smarter upgrades could solve the problem at a fraction of the cost. We saw building owners stuck with systems nobody would touch — because the knowledge to maintain them was disappearing.
Controls NYC exists to provide an alternative. We invested in understanding the legacy systems others abandoned. We developed approaches that preserve what works while modernizing what doesn't.
"The best upgrade is one that improves your building without shutting it down — or breaking the bank."
We believe building owners deserve honest assessments, smart solutions, and partners who understand their constraints.
What We Believe
Our approach is guided by a few core principles.
Expertise Matters
Deep knowledge of legacy systems is rare and valuable. We've invested years in understanding the platforms others have forgotten — because that's where the real problems are.
Honesty Over Sales
We'll tell you what you actually need — even if that's less than you expected. We don't push unnecessary work. Our reputation depends on delivering real value.
Smart Over Fast
The right solution isn't always the quickest or the most expensive. We design upgrades that make sense for your building, budget, and timeline — not our revenue targets.
Partnership Over Projects
We're not trying to do a project and disappear. We build long-term relationships with buildings and their teams. Your success is our success.
Vendor Independence
We're not tied to any manufacturer. We recommend what's best for your building — not what earns us the biggest commission. Open platforms over proprietary lock-in.
Knowledge Transfer
We're not trying to create dependency. We document everything, train your team, and aim to leave you more capable than we found you.
Technical Expertise
We've built deep expertise in the systems that power commercial buildings — especially the legacy platforms that others shy away from.
Platforms
Protocols
Certifications
Where We Work
Based in New York City, we serve commercial buildings throughout the region — and nationally via remote services.
NYC Building Regulations
We understand NYC's unique requirements: Local Law 97 (carbon emissions), Local Law 84 (benchmarking), and the energy reporting challenges that come with legacy BMS. We can help you get the data you need for compliance.
Remote-First Support
Most BMS work doesn't require someone physically on-site. Programming, troubleshooting, monitoring, and many commissioning tasks can happen remotely — often faster than waiting for a truck roll.
We've built our practice around secure remote access. This means:
- Faster response — We can look at your system immediately, not tomorrow
- Lower costs — No travel time or site access coordination
- Nationwide reach — We can support buildings anywhere
- Better documentation — Remote work naturally produces better records
Security First
Remote access to building systems is a security responsibility. We use Dispel — the same infrastructure trusted by the Department of Defense and critical infrastructure operators.
- Zero-trust network architecture
- Full audit logging of all sessions
- You control access permissions
- No VPNs or open ports required
Who We Work With
We partner with building owners and fellow integrators to solve the hard problems.
Building Owners & Managers
Your building has a legacy BMS that "works" but limits what you can do. You need someone who can modernize it without starting from scratch — and without taking the building offline.
We help you:
- Understand what you have and what it's worth
- Plan upgrades that fit your budget and timeline
- Get reliable support for systems others won't touch
- Meet LL97/LL84 compliance requirements
System Integrators
You've got a project with legacy equipment you don't know well. You need a specialist who speaks the old protocols and can help you deliver without learning decades of tribal knowledge.
We help you:
- Integrate legacy systems with your new installations
- Subcontract legacy work you don't want to learn
- Get technical support for difficult protocols
- Train your team on legacy systems
Let's Work Together
Whether you're a building owner facing a legacy challenge or a fellow integrator who needs backup — we'd love to hear about your project.
Get in Touch