B.R. Fries completes four-phase project for NBC

Real Estate Weekly, August 20, 2008

New York City-based B. R. Fries & Associates has completed construction of a four-phase, 18-month, extensive office fit-out for NBC Universal.

The project 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 $16M project, provided construction management services including scheduling, budgeting and estimating, value engineering and purchasing of long-lead items and constructed the renovation and reconfiguration of the 150,000 sf space on two floors.

This was the second office renovation project B.R. Fries has done for for NBC.

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, vice president, 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."

Additional members of the project team included TPG Architecture, AMA Consulting Engineers and building owner and manager, Tishman Speyer.