B.R. Fries in charge of Gateway gut renovation.

B.R. Fries & Associates, LLC, has been selected by The Gateway School of New York to undertake the gut renovation and build-out of 25,000 square feet of former industrial space at 211 West 61st Street in Manhattan.

The project, scheduled for September 2008 completion, includes build-out on part of the 5th and 6th floors including classrooms with interactive white boards, wet and dry labs, office/administrative space, a gym, library, workshops and grandstand flexible auditorium space.

According to Barry Fries, CEO, B.R. Fries, "This will be a LEED-Certified project, most likely a silver rating, that will integrate recycled finishes including bamboo flooring."

With the conversion from industrial space, project challenges include the structural requirements of creating new openings, skylights, integration of a connecting stair between the 5th and 6th floors and installation of a radiant heating flooring system.

This is the third educational facility project for B.R. Fries & Associates, which has vast experience in both retail and corporate interiors projects.

The firm has previously worked with the project architect, ABA Studio/Andrew Bartle Architect on a build-out of offices and studios for art preservation consultant, Amman & Estabrook, and with the owner's representative, Freeman & Frazier, on an addition and renovation of the Jewish Braille Institute.

The Gateway School of New York is an ungraded elementary school dedicated to helping children with learning disabilities develop the academic skills, learning strategies, social competence and self-confidence necessary to succeed.