Groundbreaking Held for New US Embassy in Doha, Qatar

Highlighting the deepening ties of friendship between the United States and Qatar, the Overseas Buildings Operations, the U.S. Mission in Doha and other U.S. and local officials recently broke ground for a new U.S. Embassy in Qatar’s capital city. Located on a 12.3-acre site in a new diplomatic zone in Doha’s Wadi al Banat district, the new U.S. Embassy will support the continued expansion of U.S.–Qatari diplomatic, security and commercial relations. Richärd Kennedy Architects is the design architect, American International Contractors Inc. (Special Projects) is the Design-Build contractor and KCCT is the architect of record. An estimated $110 million will … Read more

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Modular Construction Goes Mainstream

How modular classrooms help with COVID restrictions, supply chain challenges + dwindling workforce By Robert Ussery It’s no longer your father’s classroom… or even yours, for that matter! Modular construction has come a long way in the past few decades. What was once little more than a construction system for quickly building portable classrooms, has evolved into an efficient and cost-effective way to build aesthetically pleasing schools. As a case in point, Otto Construction – a 75-year-old family business based in Sacramento, California – recently completed work on the Rancho Santana School in Hollister, California, about 90 miles south of … Read more

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Teens Sign on for Careers in Skilled Trades

Boldt recently hosted a signing day to celebrate its youth apprentices committing to pursue a career in the skilled trades or attend a post-secondary institution. Following the signing day, the company hosted a new career event called BuildX, an interactive day-in-the-life experience to connect industry leaders and high school students curious about a career in construction, architecture or engineering. Boldt’s youth apprentices signed letters of intent to either an area university, or union, where they will pursue a career in the skilled trades – a sector in high demand due to large labor shortages. According to the Associated Builders and … Read more

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500+ Construction Workers Participate in Stand Down

Over 500 construction workers participated in a stand down at Turner Construction’s Commonwealth Pier jobsite, located in Boston, Massachusetts, to address the skyrocketing overdose deaths and suicide rates in the construction industry. The stand down held a 60-second moment of silence to recognize the 229 overdose deaths for every 100,000 construction workers. View and access a video of the National Stand Down: https://vimeo.com/711751775/d8c46a0466 The National Stand Down is part of the Building Trades Employers’ Association Northeast’s 2022 National Recovery Week, which took place in April, to curtail substance use disorder and its effects that are devastating the construction industry. The … Read more

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Turning Historic Preservation Project Challenges into Opportunities

Building within a geothermal field at a historic site By Phil Root The Michigan State Capitol opened in 1879 in Lansing. As with historic structures, it has undergone multiple restorations. Following an exterior restoration in 1992, it was named a National Historic Landmark and welcomes more than 115,000 visitors annually. After the 1992 restoration, protection of newly renovated spaces became a top priority, and state officials discussed adding a welcome center. After the exterior dome and stone façade restoration in 2015, a $70-million infrastructure project was approved to repair failing systems. Work included electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire suppression/alarm and building … Read more

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