Citadel Construction to complete 46,000 s/f renovation for Laguardia Community College

Citadel  Construction has been selected as general contractor for a multi-phased,  46,000 s/f renovation spanning several floors in the massive C-Building or  "Center 3" on the main campus of LaGuardia Community  College. The project, which will create new  classroom space and administrative/executive offices, is part of the state and  city's overall commitment to upgrade institutions of higher learning by  maintaining "grade A" learning environments on all campuses. As the  renovation begins, the entire team consisting  of project managers, URS Corporation; Helpern Architects; and engineers, Kallen  & Lemelson is applying innovative  methods to negotiate the unique characteristics of the sprawling 10-story,  turn-of-the-20th-century structure with the utmost precision. First,  the building's history poses a rather unusual task: removing a dormant, 12-story grain elevator encased in an exterior shaft attached to the  building.  Center-3, once known as the "Thousand Window Bakery," is the  former manufacturing plant and warehouse facility for Sunshine Biscuits.   To facilitate the grain elevator's removal, Citadel is erecting scaffolding  around the structure to protect the surrounding area during the meticulous  piece-by-piece dismantling. In addition, since classes will remain in  session, the project team needs to create a customized site safety program  ensuring the well-being of students and other tenants at all times.   Citadel Construction is implementing the plan by segmenting off work zones  from the student population with temporary walls; mapping out specific,  unobstructed egress routes; and using a badging system to regulate and  expedite trade mobility.  As the college shares Center-3 with other  tenants, Citadel is also soundproofing work sites and regulating trade flow  through specified pathways. Phil Pignatelli, Citadel's project executive on the job, said, "Protecting the safety and security of the students and other tenants and  providing a clean environment are our top priorities." Following a  tight, 12 month schedule, the LaGuardia Community College renovation is slated for completion by  June 2009.