EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION DIFFICULT BUILD IS SUPER BOWL OF CONSTRUCTION

IRVINGTON, NJ -- Joe Marino, president of Century 21 Construction Corporation, calls the project “the Super Bowl of construction.” The task is to build a new house on a narrow urban lot for a family of 10, including nine special-needs children, in a week.

The event is the first New Jersey build for ABC’s Emmy award-winning reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Piscataway-based Edgewood Properties and Clifton-based Century 21 are joining forces to build a home for the Turner family of Irvington, whose home was destroyed by fire last year.

Beverly Turner, 54, is a single mother of nine adopted special-needs children. More than 3,000 construction workers, sub-contractors and tradesmen will work around the clock to put up the house in the allotted time span. Though that time span will technically be seven days, the actual build will be only four days because time must be allowed beforehand for site preparation and afterward for decoration and furnishing.

The two-hour episode, which is tentatively scheduled to air on ABC on May 21, will be the season finale for the show, which can be viewed on Sunday evenings at 8 p. m.

The house and garage will be the largest and highest ever built by “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Adding to the difficulty is the narrow 50- by 124-foot lot, the urban location and the need for handicapped access -- as well as an elevator -- to accommodate the needs of a wheelchair-bound child.

“This is not your typical build,” said Ron Aulenbach, director of engineering for Edgewood Properties, who is co-manager of logistics for the project. The project schedule resembles an ordinary construction schedule, but at high speed.

With such a tight schedule, there is no margin for error. A team of made up of dozens of employees of the two construction companies have been working diligently on the planning for the complex project.

“It’s a tight, tight schedule, but we are all extremely motivated and passionate about getting it done,” said Alison Swartz, director of property management for Edgewood Properties and coordinator for the project. The chief complication is the site’s urban location. The logistics demand several off-site staging areas and the ability to expeditiously deliver materials during time-sensitive windows.

Because only the equipment and supplies that are needed at the moment will be stored on-site, sub-contractors and tradesman have to be extra diligent about planning: if they bring too much to the site it will become cluttered; if they bring too little their progress could be stalled for want of something as simple as a hammer or ladder.

“You don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute,” said Chris Pompeo, executive vice president for Century 21, who is one of the construction managers.

Additionally there are the logistics involved in lining up inspectors and permits; notifying the neighbors; closing down five city blocks; and arranging for food, drink and snacks around the clock; as well as arranging for power supplies, security and first aid. Plans are even being made for an RV for workers to rest in if they get too exhausted.

In addition, plans have to be made for outside visitors to the site, who will include the media and the VIPs, each of whom will have their own tent. Then there is the fund-raising effort: the two companies have launched a campaign, “Building Dreams Together,” to raise money to help the family maintain their home, as well as to provide health care and education for them.

But despite the tremendous effort and expense, all of those involved will be rewarded by the camaraderie that comes from working together in such a tight space to complete this difficult task and the added satisfaction that comes from helping a family in need.“This is logistics at its most complex,” Aulenbach said. “Originally there was a question whether such a logistical challenge could even be met, yet the builders continuously have demonstrated their ability to perform under such circumstances.”

About Edgewood Properties
Founded in 1992, Edgewood Properties is one of New Jersey's most active residential and commercial development companies, bringing a hands-on approach to all the projects it develops, leases and manages. Principals Jack Morris and Sheryl Weingarten Morris continue a proud family tradition of providing homebuyers with outstanding quality, superior design and unsurpassed customer service. They bring the same commitment to excellence to their commercial, retail and office developments. Edgewood Properties has been designated as the redeveloper of many towns and cities throughout New Jersey. As a private, family-owned company, Edgewood is known for building quality developments that bring jobs, ratables and vitality to local communities.

For more information, please visit the company's Web site at: www.edgewoodproperties.com .

About Century 21 Construction Corporation
Founded in 1968 by Anthony J. Marino, chief executive officer, Century 21 Construction has built a solid reputation on its commitment to quality and a passion for client satisfaction. During the last two decades, Joseph Marino, the founder’s son, has diversified and substantially grown the company in his role as president, transforming it into one of New Jersey’s top general contracting and construction management firms. While the company’s growth has been substantial over the past three decades, the founder and senior executives still play a hands-on role managing the company’s operations. Joseph Marino is also the founder and principal of JMP Holdings Corporation, which is one of New Jersey’s premier residential and commercial real estate developers. JMP Holdings is currently the developer of some of the state’s leading properties.

For more information, please visit the Century 21 Web site at www.century21construction.com .

About Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
This year ABCs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition earned an Emmy for Outstanding Reality Program. It is one of the most watched programs in the nation and is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA. The series is executive-produced by Tom Forman. The show airs on Sundays (8:00-9:00 p. m. ET), on the ABC Television Network.

Media Notes
Media are welcome on site for the duration of the build; press ID is required and advance notice is recommended. Press releases about the builders will be distributed on site, via e-mail and through the above media contact. Interviews with the builders can also be arranged through the above media contact. For more information, visit the builders’ Web site at www.extremehome-nj.com .

For more information on the show, contact Mozell Miley, ABC publicist, at 212-456-6444 or via e-mail at mozell.i.miley@abc.com .

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