134,000 s/f retail renovation is plain sale-ing for BR Fries.

Working on an aggressive, fast-track schedule of 22 weeks, B.R. Fries & Associates, Constructors completed the 134,000 s/f conversion of a former Macy's store in North Bergen Mall in Paramus, NJ for Century 21 Department Stores, a repeat client of the firm.

"The aggressive schedule was fueled by Century 21's goal to open in time for 'back to school' shopping, one of the busiest and most profitable retail periods of the year," said Barry Fries, chief executive officer of B.R. Fries & Associates.

"Although there were numerous construction challenges in renovating a 40-year-old building, having worked with Century 21 on three previous major projects, we were able to hit the ground running to achieve their opening day goal."

"With fast-track construction, there is no luxury of a learning curve," says Raymond Gindi, chief operating officer, Century 21 Department Stores. "B.R. Fries has an outstanding track record for being able to deliver quality on an aggressive schedule. They proved it yet again with this renovation."

The aging building required integration of all new mechanical, electrical and systems, modification of the existing sprinkler system, new escalators and refurbished elevators. The scope of work undertaken by B.R. Fries also included installation of new marble flooring, carpet, lighting, millwork finishes and fixtures. All, according to Mr. Fries, required stringent coordination with Century 21's vendors and the building owner, adding to the complexity of the fast-track project.

The $6.3M renovation of the four-story building includes two sales floors, an administrative floor of offices and stock rooms, and a lower-level receiving floor. The project architect was SBLM Architects. Horst Design International served as interior designer.

This is Century 21 Department Stores's second retail location in New Jersey and the fifth in the metropolitan New York area for the retailer, a discounter of quality designer clothing and accessories whose stores have an upscale, department store ambiance.

The three projects previously completed by B.R. Fries for Century 21 include a fast-track $15 million restoration of the Cortlandt Street flagship store which was destroyed on September 11, 2001 and;

The $12 million renovation and addition to the 86th Street store in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn; and a $6 millions mezzanine insertion into the historic Grand Hall of the Cortlandt Street store.