Chelsea Piers reconstruction nears completion.

AJ Contracting Company Inc. is nearing completion on the most exciting waterfront development project in New York City. Construction on the $100 million Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex will be completed by January 1996, announced Charles Uribe, chairman and CEO of AJ Contracting.

"The renovation of the historic Chelsea Piers marks the first phase of the revitalization of the waterfront on Manhattan's West Side," said Uribe. "Chelsea Piers is not only the nation's premier sports and entertainment complex, but is also one of the most innovative construction projects in the country."

Chelsea Piers, located on the Hudson River off West 23rd Street, will be the nation's most extensive sports complex when completed. AJ Contracting, general contractor for Chelsea Piers, has already completed construction on the Roller Rinks at Pier 62, which were opened for general skating on August 9. The remaining Piers, 59, 60 and 61, are being constructed at intermittent intervals and will open throughout 1995 and the beginning of 1996 as they are completed.

"Basically, the foundations and the steel trusses are the only things that remain from the original Piers," said Uribe. "Everything else had to be torn down and built from the bottom-up. We knew that when we took on this project, AJ Contracting would be pioneering much of the technology used in its development. Nowhere else in the country can you find a project of this magnitude built on the water."

Some of the innovative construction technology includes building off barges, constructing elevator pits, electrical and plumbing systems and the gymnastic pits beneath water level and installing the mammoth steel towers and netting for the golf driving range.

In addition, AJ Contracting serves as a pivotal coordinator between Chelsea Piers Management and the numerous specialty subcontractors from around the world. Subcontractors include Luso-America and Sunaga from Japan for the golfing range; Crystoplex and Cimco Lewis Refrigeration from Canada for the ice skating rinks; Entre Prises USA based in France for the rock climbing wall; along with some of the top American firms.

Pier 59, which features The Golf Club, a year-round driving range, is scheduled to open in this month. The golf range features 52 weather-protected and heated driving stalls with a 1,000 square-foot putting green. The fairway is surrounded by a barrier netting system supported by 150-foot steel towers, which were developed by the Japanese firm, Luso-America. The Golf Club's four-tiered "super-range" is the only one of its kind in the United States.

"This is the first time this technology has been used in the United States," said Uribe. "Although Luso-America has built numerous golf ranges in Japan, the system had to be modified to meet American regulations. With the combined experience of Luso-America, AJ Contracting and structural engineers Thornton-Tomasetti, we were able to come up with a design that works here in the U.S."

The Sports Center on Pier 60, which is still in the initial phase of construction, will feature the world's longest indoor running track, a zoom banked competition track, the largest rock climbing wall in the Northeast, a 6-lane, 25-yard swimming pool and whirlpool, a boxing ring, a sand volleyball court, 20,000 square feet of cardiovascular and strength training equipment and full spa services. It is expected to open by January 1996.

Sky Rink on Pier 61, which is nearing completion, boasts the only year-round indoor ice skating rinks in Manhattan. Sky Rink, which was formerly located at 450 West 33rd Street and has relocated to The Chelsea Piers, will feature two ice skating rinks, expanded locker facilities, a blades, board and skate pro shop, a Chock Full O'Nuts Cafe, a sports bar and four lounges. In addition, seating capacity for 1,800, including two sky boxes, will be available. Sky Rink will opened for general skating on September 11.

The Roller Rinks on Pier 62, which opened this past August, feature two outdoor, regulation-sized, professionally-surfaced in-line and roller skating rinks.

AJ Contracting is also constructing the 70,000 square-foot Field House, located in the headhouse between Piers 61 and 62. The Field House will feature a 23,000 square-foot gymnastics training area, two basketball courts, two astroturf fields, and batting cages. AJ Contracting is constructing a special steel mezzanine in the facility, which will seat 250 spectators. The Field House is also scheduled to open this month.

Chelsea Piers will also feature the Maritime Center, a 1.2 mile landscaped promenade surrounding the perimeter of the Piers; Silver Screen Studios, the largest film and television studio complex in Manhattan and home of the Universal television series "Law and Order"; and four restaurants including The Crab House, Chelsea Brewing Company, and Chock Full O'Nuts Cafe.

The Chelsea Piers Sports and Entertainment Complex is owned by Chelsea Piers, L.P. and is managed by Chelsea Piers Management. Architects on the project are Butler Rogers Baskett and Emery Roth & Sons. Engineers on the project are Thornton-Tomasetti as structural engineer and Charles Vachris as marine engineer.