UNITED NATIONS: A $1.9 billion dollar makeover plan will give the United Nations headquarters' tattering buildings a new modern look, eliminating health risks and making them more energy-efficient.

Michael Adlerstein of the United States, who had been credited with the renovation of Taj Mahal, New York Botanical Gardens and Ellis Islands, will be the executive director of the construction project called 'Capital Master Plan' and which would take seven years to complete.

"I start next Monday with optimism and enthusiasm that we can execute this project within budget and on schedule," he said.

The refurbishment of the UN headquarters overlooking New York's East River, would be implemented in stages.

The United Nations General Assembly will work from a building about one block away from the headquarters from 2009 to 2011 during the time its hall, adjacent to the secretariat building, is redone.

The Secretary-General, however, will continue to work from the headquarters but would shift to temporary office as the renovators take over top ten floors of the 39-storey building in the first phase of overhaul.

Currently, Ban's office is located on 38th floor.

After years of inter-governmental discussions which at times seemed to scotch the entire plan, the world body yesterday signed a contract with American subsidiary of Swedish-owned construction firm, Skanska AB to oversee pre-construction stage of the project.