Aragon builds 50,000 s/f training center for learning tree.

The southernmost of all Manhattan skyscrapers will soon count Learning Tree International as one of its tenants. Beginning this July, the Reston, Virginia headquartered Learning Tree International, a world leader in hands-on training for management and technology professionals, will occupy the entire 31st floor of Trizec Properties' One New York Plaza, at the corner of Whitehall and Water Street.

Leading interior construction firm Aragon Construction began work in early May 2006 as general contractors on the project, which is slated for completion the first week of July. "Our project team is currently working under an aggressive schedule to have the new facility completed by July 1st," said Aragon Account Executive Joseph Lopardo. When Learning Tree moves into their new space at the iconic 50-story "waffle-iron" building, they will join prestigious tenants Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.

Working together with owner's representative Eric Morales, Principal of Arcos Group Incorporated, and Gensler Architects of Virginia, Aragon Construction is transforming the 50,000-s/f open space into a sophisticated, streamlined learning and training environment.

The new facilities will boast generous-sized classrooms/training rooms (that fit up to 32 students), lounge areas, new ADA bathrooms, a welcoming reception area, and a well-designed LAN Room.

Each classroom will be outfitted with motion lighting, manual projection screens and extensive voice and data, while full MEPS (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sprinkler systems) will be installed throughout. Aragon is also completely reconstructing the interior core bathrooms.

The facility will be not just technically proficient, but also innovatively designed courtesy of Gensler Architects. Some architectural elements being incorporated include wood panels, curved walls, architectural glass, millwork, carpet tiles and stone accents.