Graycor completed its second Crate & Barrel home store in Ontario, Canada. The competitively bid project called for a compressed schedule, mentoring of local key trades to perform to Crate & Barrel’s standards, and utilization of building information modeling (BIM) technology. Graycor supervised the demanding schedule with proven project management tools to control and track progress, costs, quality and safety, delivering Crate & Barrel’s newest uniquely designed store on time.

The 24,000-square-foot freestanding store was constructed on an outlot across from the Square One Shopping Center. Due to the proximity of the new store to the property line and a major intersection, careful planning were used to construct the building. Pedestrian and public traffic safety was of high priority throughout construction. Communication with local authorities regarding sidewalk closures, traffic lane closures and public works was vital to continued work operations and safety.

The project incorporated Canada’s first use of premanufactured exterior and interior wall panels, structural metal studs and fire treated plywood. BIM was used to create the model for the project and provided vital information for both the structural steel and wall panel fabrication and erection. Other nontraditional construction elements, such as premanufactured electrical wiring harnesses with plug-in connections and premanufactured electrical switch gear, were used to simplify and reduce typical standard construction durations, allowing for the accelerated schedule.

Graycor’s relationship with Crate & Barrel spans more than a decade and includes more than 35 retail projects completed in 13 states, coast to coast, as well as in Canada and the United Arab Emirates.