Construction Costs Set to Increase by 3-6% in 2024

U.S. construction costs are set to increase by 3-6% in 2024, following an average increase of 4% in 2023. Cost escalation will challenge construction firms, which will need to develop new processes and capabilities to keep costs under control and projects on track. The findings are shared in How to navigate 2024: Balancing challenge with opportunity, a report published by Currie & Brown. The company also forecasts significant variation in cost escalation between major cities. For example, construction costs in Chicago, Illinois are predicted to rise 3.5% in 2024, compared to 6% in Phoenix, Arizona. This means that a $10-million … Read more

Filed under: eNewsTagged with: , , ,

PPP Delivers Six Schools for Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland

One of the nation’s largest school districts, Prince George’s County Public School System, recently opened its sixth new school as part of its “Blueprint Schools” program. Located in Fort Washington, Maryland, the Colin L. Powell K-8 Academy opened to students in November 2023, and held its ribbon cutting Feb. 21. The additional five schools — Sonia Sotomayor Middle School at Adelphi, Drew-Freeman Middle School, Hyattsville Middle School, Kenmoor Middle School and Walker Mill Middle School — opened in September 2023. The program was delivered as a 30-year public-private partnership by the Prince George’s County Education & Community Partners consortium comprised … Read more

Filed under: eNewsTagged with: , , , ,

Department of State Celebrates New US Embassy in Southern Africa

U.S. Ambassador to Namibia Randy W. Berry recently welcomed U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, representatives of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations, U.S. Mission personnel and Namibian officials to the formal opening of the new U.S. Embassy Windhoek, located in Southern Africa. The embassy is a testament to the enduring 33-year relationship between the United States and Namibia. Situated on a 12.8-acre site, the new embassy seamlessly blends U.S. architectural, engineering and construction expertise with Namibian architectural traditions and locally sourced materials. Its red-sandstone exterior echoes the Namibian landscape, drawing inspiration from local … Read more

Filed under: eNewsTagged with: , , ,

Martin Behaim Gymnasium One of Largest New School Building Projects in Germany

WBG KOMMUNAL GmbH has commissioned STRABAG subsidiary ZÜBLIN to carry out the structural timber construction, as well as the roof and façade works, for the new Martin Behaim Gymnasium in Nuremberg, Germany. The timber construction project also includes the construction of a dining hall and indoor sports facilities. The design for the new school building comes from the architecture firm Caramel. The installation of 7,000 cubic meters of wood on a gross floor area of 30,370 square meters will allow approximately 7,000 tons of CO2 to be sequestered over the long term. Using wood as a building material ensures greater … Read more

Filed under: eNewsTagged with: , , , , ,

Second Phase of Ecological Restoration Project on Chongqing’s Guangyang Island Complete

The second phase of the ecological restoration project on Guangyang Island in Chongqing, China has been completed. China State Construction Engineering Corporation served as the builder on the project. Expanding on the positive outcomes of the first phase, the second phase centers on a comprehensive approach, incorporating island-wide conservation efforts, while refining the accomplishments of the first phase. This inclusive ecological restoration model encompasses mountainous, flat and sloped regions, with the overall restoration covering an area of about 9.67 square kilometers. The project team implemented island-wide conservation, restoration and slope management, addressing the distinct characteristics of mountainous, flat and sloped … Read more

Filed under: Around the World, eNewsTagged with: , , , ,