The Nets might be a dark horse in the LeBron James sweepstakes as they try re-building their fragile foundation, but at least the foundation of their long-delayed Brooklyn arena project appears in better shape.
Forest City Ratner Co., developer of the Atlantic Yards project in Prospect Heights, announced today that The Laquila Group, a Brooklyn-based excavation and foundation contractor, along with WNW Concrete Contracting, a local minority owned business, has begun pouring concrete for the foundation of the 18,000-seat Barclays Center.
Close to 700 cubic yards of concrete from two Brooklyn plants, delivered in 80 concrete mixing trucks, has been poured in the first two foundation footings.
“We’re thrilled that we are fully in the construction phase,” said Bob Sanna, executive vice president in charge of construction at FCRC. “Over the next few months, we will continue with the mass excavation, underground plumbing and electrical work along with ongoing foundation work.”
Sanna said about 3,000 cubic yards of concrete will be used for the arena. He expects 6,565 tons of steel to be used to construct the arena and an additional 2,693 tons for the arena roof.
The Nets, who finished a NBA-worst 12-69 last season, say they expect to be playing at the new arena by 2012, although project opponents are still trying to hold up the plan with lawsuits.