IBEX Construction had a banner year.

IBEX Construction had a banner year. in 2002, with build-outs totaling more than I million SF, despite a slowdown in the construction industry. The company also enhanced its image as one of the nation's premiere construction management companies completing projects for such high-profile clients as Nordstrom, Washington Mutual, London Jewelers, and Best Buy.

"We made great strides in 2002 with numerous projects along the East Coast, from Boston to Florida," said Andy Frankl, IBEX president. "Some highlights were the completion of Best Buy in Brooklyn, ground-up construction of the Nordstrom at The Village of Merrick Park in Florida, one of the most-anticipated luxury malls in the country, and a massive rollout of Washington Mutual and Cingular Wireless stores in the New York area."

In July, IBEX began work on a Best Buy at Caesar's Bay Shopping Center in Brooklyn. Construction of the 38,000-SF retail store was completed this past fall.

In October, IBEX completed construction on Greater Miami's first Nordstrom. The 200,000-SF store is part of The Village of Merrick Park, a 435,000-SF luxury center in Coral Gables. "We reached our goal of making sure these two stores were open for the holiday shopping season," said Frankl. "It is extremely important for retailers to be open and operational during this time."

"The addition of Nordstrom, which serves as the anchor for this new luxury center, has helped make The Village a magnificent destination for shoppers across South Florida," added Frankl. "We are proud to have been a part of this project."

IBEX also completed work on the new Wilton, Connecticut corporate headquarters for AIG Financial Products, the leading U.S. based international insurance and financial services organization.

IBEX transformed AIG's headquarters into a showcase of details reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright's Prairie Style. It features natural woods and earth tones, such a pale greens, rusts and creams, as well as soft lighting and stone accents. This timeless American style meets the needs of AIG as it has signed a long-term lease at the new facility.

The 64,000-SF office also includes a 20,000-SF "state-of-the-art" trading space and an electric and mechanical system capable of providing uninterrupted power and air conditioning service during any power shutdown or brownout.

In addition, IBEX completed work on the world famous Fred Leighton Jewelers on Madison Avenue as well as London Jewelers in Southampton. Further work by IBEX included the installation of a new food court at the Sunrise Mall in Long Island, as well as Seasights, a unique aquarium/store just added to the Mohegan Sun Casino in Connecticut, which features huge fish tanks for walls.

Also in 2002, IBEX Construction received acclaim for its "Big Apple Can" sculpture showcased at the American Institute of Architect's (AIA) annual convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. The 10-foot-high, food can sculpture was a cross section of the Big Apple, with the NYC skyline affixed in the center. At the convention, area firefighters disassembled the 12,000-can sculpture which was then donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank in Charlotte.