On Nov. 25, McCollum Residence Hall on the University of Kansas campus went down like a ton of bricks, quite literally. In just seconds, about 750 pounds of explosives detonated the 10-story, three-wing, 220,000-square-foot residence hall. As design-builder for the renovations, The Weitz Company helped to plan the implosion, and also served as construction manager for the university’s two new residence halls, named after three top KU donors — Charles W. Oswald (south building) and Madison A. and Lila M. Self (north building). Located in Lawrence, Kansas, McCollum Residence Hall first opened in spring semester 1965. The facility had an original … Read more

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Dodge Momentum Index fell 3.7 percent in November to 119.9 (2000=100) from its October reading of 124.5. The index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. Previously, the index had posted large month-to-month increases in July (+4.6 percent) and September (+4.9 percent). The loss of momentum seen in October and again in November is returning the index to a level that’s more consistent with the gentle upward trend in planning activity that … Read more

BOSTON, Mass. — Kaplan Construction’s renovation of a historic building in Newton, Massachusetts for the Boston Psychoanalytic Society & Institute recently won three Excellence in Construction Awards from the Massachusetts Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. Kaplan received the Merit award for historical restoration over $1 million, the Green award and the Safety award. Kaplan was recognized during the 22nd Annual ABC Massachusetts Chapter Awards banquet held on Nov. 18 in Waltham, Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Chapter of the ABC is the largest construction trade association in the Commonwealth, representing more than 400 local general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associate companies. … Read more

Tulsa Community College Aviation Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma, recently filmed the test of the fire suppression system using foam at its newest location. The facility is being renovated to house TCC’s Aviation Sciences academic programs: Professional Pilot Air Traffic Control Aviation Management Aviation Logistics GH2 Architects is providing the design work and Flintco is serving as the construction manager. There are several unique design elements in converting the existing airplane hangar to a modern TCC campus and aviation program headquarters. The project uses a state-of-the-art fire suppression system that can quickly dispense foam fire suppression, LED lights throughout the facility and … Read more