At first glance, the sleek and sculptural 21-story Astor Place tower in New York City appears out of place in the heart of the fabled bohemian East Village. But true to the spirit of the neighborhood, Astor Place is challenging convention and advancing the ideals of energy conservation and sustainability.

Though it’s now a leading brand for Xylem Inc., one of the world’s largest pure play water technology companies, Bell & Gossett got its start as a family owned business. The B&G brand marks its centennial in 2016, remaining true to the precepts instilled by its founders 100 years ago.