By Bernard Markstein, Ph.D. Despite a particularly challenging winter, construction activity has held up surprisingly well and the overall construction economy should continue to improve in the coming summer months. Construction activity typically slows during the winter and, with the unusually severe storms around the country, this winter was no exception. A good indicator that the construction economy is improving is that construction spending this winter was actually higher than last year. Year-to-date (January through April) spending for all the major groups — nonresidential buildings, heavy (civil) engineering and residential, was higher than in 2013. The U.S. Census Bureau reported […]

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Kraus-Anderson Construction Company will build a new district high school and adjoining, municipal event and recreation center in Watford City, North Dakota, in the fastest-growing county in the nation. The approximate, combined construction cost of the two projects is in excess of $100 million. Watford City’s population is soaring with the energy boom from the Bakken oil fields in western North Dakota. From March 2013 to February 2014, the McKenzie County School District has grown from 200 to 1,060 K-12 students—doubling the size of the district since 2010. A 2013 census lists the county’s population at 9,314, […]

ARCO Construction, located in St. Louis, Missouri, has expanded its team to include two new superintendents, Chip Dunivan and Todd Ellmo. Lindell “Chip” Dunivan, Jr., has more than a decade of experience to include numerous award-winning projects recognized by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and the Associated General Contractors. He successfully coordinated and managed the day-to-day on-site build operations and served as the primary field authority. In his new role, Dunivan will directly manage the construction and administration of field operations including schedule, budget, safety and quality control. He joins ARCO after working as project superintendent for S.M. Wilson […]

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Directly following Hurricane Sandy in October 2012, Plaza Construction was asked to start working on the development of a flood prevention solution for 55 Water Street, one of New York City’s largest office structures with 54 stories and 3.8 million square feet located in the financial district. Hurricane Sandy was the second-costliest storm in U.S. history with damages to New York City estimated at $50 billion due to storm surges flooding streets, tunnels and subway lines and cutting power in and around the city. Plaza Construction with a team of experts consisting of EKO Flood USA, […]