Aragon Construction completes 5,700 s/f fitness center build-out

Aragon Construction recently completed a 5,700 s/f build-out for a boutique fitness center at Stuyvesant Town, located at 520 East 20th St. Aragon had just six weeks to demolish the old space, previously inhabited by a D'agostino supermarket, to build out the new showpiece for the fitness center, which opened exclusively to residents of Peter Cooper Village and Stuyvesant Town. Working together with S.M. Berger Architecture P.C., and interior architecture design firm Cetra/Ruddy, Inc., Aragon delivered a new fitness center consisting of a main exercise floor with weights and machines-along with aerobics and yoga rooms, a relaxation lounge and locker rooms with shower facilities for men and women. The new 14-ft., floor to ceiling storefront offers views of Peter Cooper's skyline. The new space features imported tile made by Artistic Tile consisting of riverstone pebbles in a clear resin. A 400 s/f custom-stained maple wall and millwork separates the workout areas from the more "private" areas including a lounge, locker rooms and a reception area. Wood flooring was installed in the aerobic and yoga spaces, while the cardio area consists mostly of "fitness flooring," a high-density rubber that provides a softer surface for exercise. The fitness center joins dozens of other facilities in New York City managed by American Leisure-a team of professionals that provides consulting, design, marketing and operations for lifestyle facilities, spas and fitness centers. This center is the newest addition to the complex which currently boasts seven playgrounds, eight recreation areas, an 80 acre park, and activities and facilities year-round for tenants including outdoor concerts and summer movies, concierge and shuttle services to various Manhattan locations and 24-hour on-site security. In 2006, Tishman Speyer purchased the property from MetLife for $5.4 billion dollars and was the biggest deal for a single American property in modern times. Founded in 2000, Aragon Construction is a leading New York City-based general contracting, construction management and consulting firm specializing in interior construction fit-outs for both the public and private sectors. The company has an extensive client roster, including Bank of America (retail and prime brokerage), Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc., Goldman Sachs, Dentsu America, Robert Half, SWIG Equities, Rudin Management, LaBranche and Co, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle, SL Green, Lehman Brothers and Credit Suisse. Aragon's niche work includes corporate build-outs, boutique retail spaces and showroom spaces.