Plaza Construction awarded contract with Schiavone Construction for $176 million project

Plaza Construction has been named general contractor, in a joint venture with Schiavone Construction, for the construction of the Fulton Street Transit Center, a 180,000 s/f, $176 million project, that will modernize a critical Manhattan subway complex that serves hundreds of thousands of commuters every day. The complex is scheduled to open in 2014. "This is the single most important renovation and upgrade of an existing subway complex in the entire city, and a crucial component of infrastructure within the MTA subway system," said Richard Wood, president of Plaza Construction. "We are proud to have been selected, in a joint venture with Schiavone, as the firm responsible for executing this complicated and essential project, which will be undertaken while the trains continue to operate and serve MTA customers." The scope of work for the Transit Center consists of the complete building enclosure from the existing street level foundation through the roof. The facade is comprised of structural steel and glass topped with a beautiful and impressive glass dome oculus and clad in stainless steel panels. The main architectural feature of the structure is the oculus, an oval-shaped, glass and steel ceiling that allows sunlight to penetrate down into the facility and is striking in its detail and beauty. Resembling stained-glass windows in a traditional cathedral, the oculus will be the focal point of the space. The interior of the building is constructed of architecturally exposed structural steel, glass storefronts, stainless steel panels, GFRC column covers and ceilings, granite flooring and decorated with a cable net structure with reflective artwork panels. Spiral stairs, elevators and escalators shuttle passengers between the A, C, 4 and 5 subways and connects to the 2, 3, J and Z trains.