B.R. Fries and Assocs. constructs 150,000 s/f NBC Universal World News HQ - $16 million project

B. R. Fries & Associates has completed construction of a four-phase, 18-month office fit-out for NBC Universal which consolidated the media giant's world news headquarters from various locations, including MSNBC, into the 3rd and 4th floors at 30 Rockefeller Center, which is home to studios including The Today Show, Dateline and Nightly News with Brian Williams. B. R. Fries served as general contractor for the $16 million project and provided construction management services including scheduling, budgeting and estimating, value engineering and purchasing of long-lead items, as well as constructing the renovation and reconfiguration of the 150,000 s/f space on two floors. This was the second project for the firm for NBC, the first also being an office renovation. According to Barry Fries, president and CEO, the Rockefeller Center space was gutted and reconfigured in multiple phases while occupied to allow for more efficient operations including two reception areas, open plan and private offices, conference rooms and ancillary space. Two staircases connecting the floors were integrated, along with new furniture, finishes, lighting and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. "This reconfiguration and build-out was extremely complex, challenging and fast paced," said Frank Lazzaro, VP, NBC Universal. "B.R. Fries resolved numerous unforeseen field conditions inherent in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, absorbed daily design changes and constructed a high quality space around hundreds of busy newsroom staff, executives and on-air talent.  The project is a resounding success thanks to the diligence and resourcefulness of Barry Fries, Steve Scofield, Frank Kida and Casey Peck." B.R. Fries, a 29 year old firm, offers a full range of renovation, restoration and new construction building services including general contracting and construction management. It has extensive experience in renovating and retrofitting commercial and retail properties. Recent projects include construction of Kohl's, Home Depots, Tommy Hilfiger Headquarters Office, the SunTrust Bank Office and Trading Floor and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The project team at B.R. Fries included: Barry Fries, principal-in-charge; Steve Scofield, project manager; Frank Kida, superintendent; and Casey Peck, assistant superintendent.é at the NBC Universal World News Headquarters