Kleinfeld Bridal moves to Manhattan.

Tri-Line Contracting is pleased to announce the successful completion of a thirty-five thousand square foot renovation of 110 West 20th Street for Kleinfeld Bridal, the world famous bridal facility. This move to Manhattan marks a tremendous milestone for Kleinfeld, having been located in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn for over 60 years. In spite of a tight schedule and many challenges, the high end retail facility opened as planned on Friday, July 29th.

"Making the owner's dream a reality is perhaps the best satisfaction any construction firm can achieve. From the first time I met Ms. Mara Urshel and Mr. R o n a 1 d Rothstein of Kleinfeld I knew that this project was going to be something very special. We were invited to take a tour of the existing Kleinfeld facility in Brooklyn. As Ms. Urshel and Mr. Rothstein walked us through they were describing their vision for what the new facility would be like with a passion and clarity that was invigorating. It was clear that what they were describing was their dream. I knew right then and there that I wanted Tri-Line Contracting Corp. to help make it a reality" said Jose Velazquez, President of Tri-line.

Mr. Wayne M. Rogers of Kleinfeld said "The job to construct a flagship store in Manhattan was a unique experience. I have never done a development deal in the City and was therefore uncertain about the procedure. During the bid process we were guided by our architect, Paul Taylor of Stonehill and Taylor and his team. This lead to the selection of Tri-Line, headed by Jose Velazquez. They did and outstanding job, coming in on budget and on time!!! I am told this is unheard of in the city of New York. I cannot say enough good things about Tri-Line and the whole team who worked with us. It is a unique retail environment of superlative taste and class. I know of nothing like it in the New York area. I have never built a skyscraper in the city, but if I ever do, they will be my first call."

The space, designed by Stonehill and Taylor Architects and Katz Associates (Mechanical Engineers), is a showcase that will have future brides and their families raving about the experience from start to finish.

Among the special features is an impressive ceiling height of 18' 6" in the main show room. This is accentuated by a vaulted area with reflective glass, crown moldings, and theatrical lighting with custom dimming. The original column capitals, decorative in nature, were patched and restored or replicated by hand using special plaster molds. Hand laid woven carpet with imported Italian Tile was installed in the reception area and waiting room, which also boasts a specially selected hand applied finish on the walls. The entire storefront on 20th Street was replaced with new architectural metal and glass. The V.I.P dressing rooms feature an open grid ceiling affording the bride-to-be a view of the motorized antique chandelier as well as the floral column capitals.

The main floor was divided to allow for a mezzanine containing a 1,500 square foot mechanical room with state of the art HVAC equipment. The mezzanine also contains an elaborate rail system for transporting dresses including an inter-floor connection. Kleinfeld opted for a special pre-action sprinkler system to protect it's collection of priceless wedding gowns and dresses.

The transformation of the space included the addition of two decorative staircases and the replacement of the freight elevator in its entirety. The structural framing presented a unique challenge because the building's original floor slabs were constructed of terracotta.

While most retail stores consist of nothing more than open space with racks of merchandise, Kleinfeld's special needs were far greater. The architect had to find an efficient way to include 17 fitting rooms and 7 dressing rooms on the lower level plus 28 dressing rooms on the main floor. There is a 49 position sewing room, a pressing room, a beading and headpiece room as well as a jewelry area and an enormous reception and waiting room.

The collaborative effort of the entire team was essential to the project. The Kleinfeld executives attended each meeting and were a large part of the project's success. Critical decisions were often made on the spot. The end result is a magnificent example of what can be achieved when everyone shares a common goal which serves the owner in the best way possible.