From the latest Construction Alert: arena down to the wire, as some work won't be finished within two weeks

The Barclays Center, in both exterior and interior photos, looks close to finished, but there's still a lot of work to do regarding the arena and the site in general before the arena opens Sept. 28. And that's why there are double shifts daily to get the work done.

According to the latest two-week Atlantic Yards Construction Alert, dated today and issued by Empire State Development (after preparation by Forest City Ratner), the path to a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) has been delayed somewhat, as indicated at last week's Atlantic Yards District Service Cabinet

While the NYC Department of Buildings  performed the first and preliminary TCO walk-though of the facility on 08/20/12 and did a second on 08/27/12, the final walk-through, scheduled for 9/4/12, was rescheduled to 09/07/12--though the document doesn't explain whether it actually occurred.

The FDNY inspections of the fire alarm were supposed to be finished  the week of 08/27/12 but now are "expected to be completed during this reporting period."The Department of Health inspection of the food service was scheduled for yesterday, 9/10/2012.  

While New York City Transit was initially expected to inspect the new subway entrance during the week of 8/27/12, it's now expected to inspect it this week. A soft opening of the station entrance is tentatively scheduled for September 14. 

More continuing work

At the parking lot, site electrical work will be completed during this reporting period, but installation of the permanent fencing "will continue," which suggests it won't be done until the final week of the month.  Similarly, while asphalt paving has been completed on the west side of the lot, it "will continue during this period on the east side."

Also continuing is work on the medians to the north of the arena block between Ft. Green and 6th Avenue and exterior work for the retractable bollard installation at the truck entry, and delivery of the remaining kitchen and concessions equipment.

The challenge

The overall challenge: getting the arena tested and commissioned before opening, a process that Forest City executive MaryAnne Gilmartin once swore had to start in July after the arena was completed.

My prediction: the arena will open, but it will be a bumpy ride.

Below some contrasts, marked in bold, with the last Construction Update.

Mechanical, Electrical, & Plumbing 

• The ice floor will have test ice made during this reporting period. 

Interior Build-out

• The masonry, gypsum board and millwork contractors will continue working at all levels on punch list activities during this reporting period.
• The installation of the perforated metal panel in the main concourse will continue this reporting period.
• Final cleaning of the arena will be completed during this reporting period.

Note that the metal panel was supposed to be completed during the last reporting period.

Subway entrance

• The Transit Authority has decided to install the token booth and has commenced the installation. This work will continue during this period. The MVM’s will also be delivered and installed by NYCT. TA forces are also in the process of completing the installation of the AFC turnstiles.

Carlton Avenue Bridge

• Median work at Carlton and Atlantic Avenues will begin on September 7th and will be completed during this reporting period. MPT along Atlantic Avenue will be shifted to allow for median restoration work.
• The concrete pours for the Main Deck Slab, South Approach Slab and on-bridge sidewalks have been completed. Dry curing will be completed during this reporting period.
• Final welding of bridge bearings will be completed during this period. 
• Pouring of concrete for sidewalks and parapet walls has been completed and the concrete will be during this reporting period.
• CAB utility, lighting and signal work will continue in this reporting period at both the north and south ends of the CAB. MPT will remain in place until after all underground utilities and final asphalt approach work is completed.
• Installation of pedestrian fence on the bridge will be ongoing during this reporting period
• Paving and striping will be completed during this reporting period.  

Arena site work

•Excavation and grading of the B3 plaza has now been completed. Footings for the light pole bases are now complete. Finished concrete work will be completed. The soil has been placed and the lawn will be planted during this period. The loading dock entry and the truck staging area have also been paved. The fencing and light pole installation will follow during this period.

AY Construction Alert 9-10-2012