Verizon Initiates $98-Million Basking Ridge Renovation

Verizon Communications has awarded Skanska USA Building the construction management services assignment to renovate seven four-story buildings on a 135-acre campus in Basking Ridge, New Jersey. The 1.3 million-sf complex, formerly occupied by AT&T, will house the leadership teams for Verizon's Domestic Telecom and International units. Construction on the $98-million project has begun. The project involves interior and exterior renovations, as well as numerous mechanical plant upgrades. Interior reconstruction will include a new entrance lobby, a remodeled cafeteria, a fitness center, and improved security system. When the project is completed by July 30, 2006, it is expected to accommodate approximately 3,500 people. Gensler, based in Manhattan, N.Y., is the architect.