SWEETWATER CONSTRUCTION CORP. IN CONSTRCUTION PHASE OF THE CLAREMONT CORPORATE CENTER

Historic Landmark to be Preserved & Expanded into First Class Office Space

Cranbury, N.J., SEPT. 19, 2008 – Sweetwater Construction Corp., a recognized leader in New Jersey construction management and general contracting, is currently in the construction phase of the Claremont Corporate Center in Summit, New Jersey. Claremont Corporate, L.L.C. is the owner, CBRE has the exclusive leasing assignment, The Walsh Company, L.L.C. is the owner's representative and Wesketch Architecture is the architect of record.
 
“The Claremont Corporate Center offers an unsurpassed combination of location, image, flexibility and value,” said Kevin Fitzgerald, project executive for Sweetwater Construction.  “When complete, this updated historical office complex will dramatically change the face of the local corporate office marketplace in the Summit area.”

The historic building, often referred to as the Risk Building, was once occupied by Dr. William H. Risk, a prominent physician who originally came to the area in 1873.  Therefore, the plan is to preserve and convert the original structure into office space with a state-of-the-art new addition. This 2-story “Class A” office building will be located above a 2-story underground parking deck and will feature a highly efficient classic design incorporating a turn of the century stone structure. Plans for the building’s exterior include limestone panels, a glass curtain wall as well as preserving many of the original brownstone and granite features. Punch windows on the first floor, accompanied by a stepped and ramped pedestrian walk, with adjacent planters, will highlight the main entrance.  Additionally, the building will include a 2-story main entry lobby with a glass curtain wall façade, an atrium complete with glass and wood railing, new elevators, as well as new exterior lighting and landscaping. Atrium floors will be large slate tile and will include an intimate carpeted seating area featuring contemporary leather furniture and attractive planting, all while providing an upscale image.

The owner and architect are incorporating several design features in order to provide an energy-efficient building.  The lighting layout will be designed to maximize natural light by including high ceilings, glass-fronted interior offices, and indirect light sources to improve quality.  Other features include energy-efficient light fixtures, localized light switching for control, and auto turn-off sensors in unoccupied spaces.  The HVAC equipment is efficient in order reduce energy consumption and green cleaning products will be used in maintenance.

“Recycling of demo material has been outstanding,” said Paul Perry, an accredited LEED project manager from Sweetwater.  “Items such as carpet backing, ceiling tile and other building materials will be made of recycled content or contain a high percentage of it.”

The Claremont Corporate Center at 535 Springfield Avenue is centrally located in the heart of the downtown Summit business district and is easily accessible off of Route 24 and along River Road towards I-78. Visit www.claremontcorporate.com for more information.

About Sweetwater Construction Corp.
Established in 1974 and headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, Sweetwater Construction is guided by a proven management team and a client-centric business philosophy. Sweetwater provides clients with expert preconstruction and construction services backed by professional commitment and personal accountability. Sweetwater’s project teams possess proven track records in the corporate, healthcare, science & technology, hospitality, multi-family and institutional sectors. Sweetwater’s notable project methodology delivers expertise in budgeting, estimating, constructability, lifecycle reviews, and project control methodology; all of these coming together to help ensure a successful project.