IBEX Construction completes 700 s/f build-out for Gant at 353 Bleecker; designed by Metzger of Metzger/Metzger Associates

IBEX Construction (IBEX), a New York-based firm specializing in high-end retail, and institutional and corporate work, has completed construction on Gant's Rugger stand-alone store at 353 Bleecker St. in the Greenwich Village neighborhood. Gant is a lifestyle brand, with an American sportswear heritage, offering modern high quality casual wear with a European touch. Founded in 1949 in New Haven, Conn., Gant enjoys a global presence in over 70 countries with more than 600 freestanding stores. The 700 s/f store was completed by IBEX in a two week period and showcases Gant's Rugger Collection, which targets a more youthful, style conscious consumer. Located at on Bleecker St. between Charles and West 10th Sts., the store's interior design and fixtures were partly inspired by the retailer's New Haven manufacturing beginnings. The narrow space, with exposed brick and open ceilings, includes vintage furniture and factory-floor fixtures, and special wood and frosted glass dressing area modeled after the foreman's office of Bernard Gant, the company's founder. "IBEX has created an intimate and unique space for Gant, worthy of its longstanding tradition and exclusive apparel," said Andy Frankl, president of IBEX Construction. "Given the timeframe to complete this project and the challenges of a build-out in such an old downtown building, we are extremely proud of this project. We never said can't to Gant!" The Bleecker Street site comes on the heels of IBEX completing a 2,500 s/f build out at Gant's flagship store on Fifth Ave. last year. "Bleecker Street is the logical next step in the development of GANT Rugger as a stand-alone business. Our goal is to be the best neighborhood shop for our target consumer," said Ari Hoffman, president and CEO, GANT USA. The Bleecker Street store was designed by Gary Metzger of Metzger/Metzger Associates, New York. IBEX Construction has offices in New York, Ft. Lauderdale, Washington and Boston. IBEX provides construction management, general construction and program management services to commercial and residential developers, corporate, retail, entertainment and media organizations, and hospitality, medical and art institutions. Presently IBEX Construction is serving as Construction Manager for several other high-profile clients, including Nordstrom, Columbia University, The United Nations, Dean and DeLuca, AIA NY Chapter, and others.