McGowan team makes light work of Sheraton renovation.

The McGowan Brothers performed a remarkable feat by fasttracking construction to complete the $12 million renovation of the 225,000 s/f Sheraton Meadowlands in just under three months--while the building was fully occupied by a flurry of guests, staff and conventioneers.

To accomplish this, the McGowan team carefully planned the receival of long lead items manufactured out of state, including column covers and custom millwork, and closely coordinated all activities with the hotels management.

"Excessively loud work, such as chopping and sawing, was scheduled on low occupancy days. Frequently, work couldn't be performed continuously and it was interrupted for long periods without advance notice to accommodate guests and ongoing events," said Nuck Tseng, assistant project manager for McGowan Builders.

The project included the complete renovation of 250 guest rooms and suites and all public spaces within the 225,000 s/f complex.

The 8500 s/f main lobby was recreated with a massive domed skylight sweeping over a spectacular room replete with walnut wood trimmed panels, a blue granite reception desk, walls adorned with multi-colored fabric wrapped panels and marble floors.

The 3,500 s/f Chairman's Grill restaurant was completely transformed into a cozy mood softening venue with glass mosaics, semi private booths, comfy patterned sofas, recessed and suspended lighting and a 40 foot curbed soffit which spans the length of the restaurant. The new hotel also features a Starbucks cafe, Internet lounge, and outdoor patio.

The fitness center and swimming pool underwent extensive renovation which included construction of a new sauna and locker rooms, and the installation of exercise equipment.

Brian Murray, McGowan Brothers director of operations, attributes the projects success partially to the skill and professionalism of the subcontractors who included Castle Interiors, ACL Electric, and Castle Interiors, among others.

"The quality and dedication of the subcontractors has contributed tremendously to the success of this project. They continuously adjusted labor levels and adapted their schedules to accommodate both the hotel's operational needs and the project's progress requirements," Murray said.