Skanska USA Building completes 37,000 s/f Crate & Barrel store at Blue Back Square

Skanska USA Building Inc. recently completed the construction of Crate & Barrel's newest Homestore at Blue Back Square and commenced construction on their second store on the Post Rd. in Westport. The 37,000 s/f West Hartford project was completed on an accelerated basis to attain a grand opening date of October 18, 2007. Skanska commenced construction operations at the site in April 2007, installing the elaborate brick, stucco, and curtainwall façade of the structure to commence the detailed interior fitout prior to turning the facility over to Crate & Barrel for merchandise in September. "Skanska's onsite construction team did a phenomenal job of co-ordinating and constructing a very complex high-end retail space in a compressed five and one-half month period," said Alan Sparn, senior vice president of Skanska in Milford. "Skanska delivered the project on time despite a difficult schedule and unprecedented regulatory hurdles," said John Moebes, director of construction for Crate & Barrel. Construction of the 38,000 s/f Westport Homestore commenced in December 2007 and will be completed in time for a summer 2008 grand opening.