Hersha Hospitality Trust retains Bellet Construction for sidewalk replacement at three hotels on 39th St.

New York, NY Bellet Construction has been retained by Hersha Hospitality Trust to remove and replace sidewalks fronting three of its brands in Midtown Manhattan, comprising the Hampton Inn by Hilton at 337 West 39^th St., Candlewood Suites at 339 West 39^th St., and Holiday Inn Express at 343 West 39^th St.

Located between Eighth and Ninth Aves., the project requires 24-hour pedestrian access throughout the process. As a result, the sidewalks in front of each of the three contiguous hotels will be demolished and rebuilt sequentially so as to not impede traffic.

“Between population density and natural elements, sidewalks in New York take a beating,” said Wayne Bellet, president of Bellet Const. “Although we have repaired, replaced, and built, literally, thousands of sidewalks over the years, when the project stretches nearly a full block in one of the city’s busiest districts, it is incumbent on us to carefully strategize timing and provide the highest levels of safety precautions.”

In addition to implementing the work in segments, Bellet will place safety flags in front of individual sections when actively under construction. The program includes demolishing, cutting the wire reinforcement, and carting away the old and damaged sidewalks. Once debris is removed, the preparations of the new foundations begin, entailing blending pigment so that the new sidewalks aesthetically match those in the immediate area, pouring concrete, scoring the panels and, finally, creating appropriate barriers to ensure the new surfaces remain smooth and able to dry safely. Throughout the process, surveillance will be provided to prevent any etching or vandalism to the fresh cement as is cures well into the night hours.