July 27, 2007
U.N. renovation to start later this year, end in 2014
 The $1- to $2-billion renovation of the 17-acre United Nations complex on the East River will begin later this year and stretch into 2014, according to a statement from Skanska, the construction group that was today selected to manage the U.N.’s Capital Master Plan.
The project calls for a complete rebuild and renovation of the U.N.'s six buildings, including the 39-story Secretariat Building which was built in 1950. Last summer, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) called the asbestos-ridden skyscraper a "firetrap" for its lack of fire sprinklers.
"The UN will continue to operate during the entire construction period," Skanska said in its statement. "One of the first phases will involve Skanska managing the construction of a temporary facility to house the General Assembly during the renovation."
A U.N. spokeswoman called the Skanska contract "one of the most complex contracts ever to be negotiated in the UN.”
Related: The United Nations tours page
Earlier: No pope for you, New York - at least in 2007
VIP lunch at United Nations Delegates' Dining Room
July 27, 2007 05:15 PM in Architecture, History, Midtown, Sightsology, Tours
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