It's all academic as firm completes two major projects.

ACC Construction has completed a multi-million dollar renovation of the Columbia University Plaza at 560 Riverside Drive, New York, announced Michele Medaglia, president of ACC.

The complex project, which began in August 2003, entailed the demolition and replacement of existing pavers, planters and lighting systems and the installation of waterproofing throughout the garage located below the Plaza. In addition, ACC provided temporary site protection and built a temporary ADA ramp to ensure access to the Plaza was maintained throughout construction.

ACC Construction was also responsible for cleaning and storing several existing items, such as decorative stone monuments. The construction firm installed a custom fence, granite benches, site furniture, concrete curbs and an addition to the existing vestibule.

"Working for Columbia University is always an honor because of what it represents in the cultural and educational landscape of the city," says Ms. Medaglia. "This was one of several projects we have completed over the past few years for the university and it is always a pleasure to work with their knowledgeable staff."

Lance Bogart was the project executive for ACC and Angelo Cicillini was the project supervisor. The Plaza is located on Riverside Drive and 125th Street, near faculty housing and across from The Cotton Club. Other Columbia University projects that ACC Construction has completed in recent years include the renovations of Ruggles Hall and the East Campus Townhouses.

ACC Construction has also completed the renovation of a five-story, 60,000 s/f property for the Trey Whitfield School, a private school for pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students founded by legendary former Dallas Cowboy A.B. Whitfield and his wife, educator Janie Whitman, announces Michele Medaglia, president of the WBE general contracting and construction management firm.

The six-month project included the complete interior demolition, abatement and construction of a building previously used by the New York State Department of Social Services. The first four floors will serve as the new home of The Trey Whitfield School, and the fifth floor is a recreational and educational facility developed in partnership between the school and the YMCA of Greater New York.

Each of the floors has 12,000 s/f of space and the fast three floors have been built for classrooms and administrative offices. The fourth floor will contain classrooms, an assembly hall and cafeteria. In addition to the interior fit-outs, ACC Construction constructed a rooftop playground for the students.

"Since inception, this has been a very important project for ACC," points out Ms. Medaglia. "We even co-sponsored the groundbreaking ceremonies with Independence Community Bank because we felt the school and the recreational facilities were of such great benefit for the young people in the area. Working with Mr. Whitfield, Ms. Whitney and everyone else on this significant project has been a rewarding experience for all of us at ACC."

ACC Construction's project executive was Scan Gann and the project manager was Alex Fridlin. The architect for the school was Paul Gallo of Giannasca Gallo Architects.