Miller Construction Co. Completes $43 Million Omni Renovation Project

Miami, FL, January 30, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Miller Construction Company has completed a $43 million renovation project for developer Argent Ventures, transforming 320,000 square feet of former retail space at the 1970s-era Omni International Mall into The Omni Offices, a state-of-the-art, Class A office address.

With its sleek new glass “skin” reflecting the Miami skyline, the Omni is a landmark reborn – on a massive scale. The highly complex, 24-month reconstruction project just north of Downtown Miami modernized five floors on the south end of the mall property. Renovation of approximately 280,000 square feet of retail space on three floors directly north of the office space is planned for a second phase.

“The Miller Construction team encountered numerous challenges along the way, but everyone worked together to find solutions that were practical, creative and cost effective,” said developer Mark Teitelbaum, Argent Ventures. “We look forward to working with them on the next phase of the project.”

The renovation required innovative approaches to link the mall’s three independent structures, which were built at different times, according to Miller Project Executive David Jones. Architect Robin Bosco Architects and Planners designed the renovation.

Jones said the Miller project team spent a great deal of time in preconstruction, analyzing the most cost-efficient ways to design the mechanical systems as well as the exterior building envelope. “We wanted to help the owner achieve the architect’s vision in the most effective way,” he said. “To do that, we applied a uniform glass and glazing façade around all three buildings. We also analyzed the internal structures and building systems, determining the best solutions.”

The project’s size made “green” issues critical. A heat-reflective roofing system and low-emissivity (low-E) exterior glazing reduce the amount of energy needed for air conditioning. A building energy management system monitors and optimizes the building’s energy use while assuring tenant comfort.

Jones added that a logistical challenge during construction was maintaining a smooth traffic flow and ensuring public safety in and around the congested site – a cooperative effort between Miller and several city and state agencies.

“With the site constraints, we had to store construction materials inside the building and move them outside as the work progressed,” he said. “We also coordinated closely with the Miami-Dade Transit Authority, scheduling some work at night to avoid disruption to the elevated Metromover line.” Miller also handled tenant improvements for the General Services Administration (GSA), which has leased 28,000 square feet in The Omni Offices.

The recently renovated Hilton Hotel and Miami International University of Art and Design continued operations on the Omni site throughout the construction process.

Founded in 1973, Fort Lauderdale-based Miller Construction Company is a prominent design/builder and construction-services firm for the commercial, healthcare, educational and industrial markets. For more information, visit www.millerconstruction.com.

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