Construction firm Robins & Morton joined the Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Aug. 28 for the official groundbreaking of Terrell State Hospital’s replacement facility. The 415,500-square-foot, 250-bed project will replace a 139-year-old psychiatric hospital. For nearly 140 years, Terrell State Hospital has played a crucial role in providing services to Texans in need. The hospital first opened in July 1885 after the 18th Texas Legislature passed a bill calling for the establishment of a psychiatric hospital in North Texas. Today, the hospital serves 31 counties. The new facility will include therapeutic spaces that align with evidence-based treatment. Single-person … Read more
AGC, Arcoro Release Construction Workforce Shortage Survey Results
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a real, measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other construction projects, according to the results of a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America and Arcoro, an HR technology company supporting the construction industry. AGC noted that 94% of construction firms nationwide report they have open positions they are trying to fill. Among those firms, 94% are having trouble filling at least some of those positions – particularly among the craft workforce that performs the bulk of onsite construction … Read more
New White Paper on Adaptive Reuse in Construction Available
A new white paper is available, titled Adaptive Reuse: Converting Offices to Multi-Residential Family, a comprehensive analysis of the transformative approach to addressing housing shortages through the conversion of office spaces into residential units. Authored by Christoph Lohr, P.E., CPD, LEED AP BD+C, ASSE 12080, vice president of IAPMO Technical Services and Research, the white paper delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by adaptive reuse projects. It emphasizes the importance of flexible building codes, like the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code, in promoting construction affordability and sustainability. From policy considerations to financing, the white paper covers all … Read more
Dodge Construction Network: Planning Momentum Building Across Several Commercial, Institutional Segments
The Dodge Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, increased 7.9% in July to 216.3 (2000=100) from the revised June reading of 200.5. Over the month, commercial planning increased by 6.8%, and institutional planning expanded by 11.1%. Within the commercial portion of the Index, growth was widespread across all segments. Data centers continued to play an important role in growth, and retail planning has been steadily accelerating over the past eight months. On the institutional side, healthcare was the primary driver of this month’s expansion. In July, the DMI was 17% higher than in July of 2023. The commercial segment … Read more
DPR Construction Builds Next Generation of Skilled Trade Workers through Inaugural Apprenticeship Classes
DPR Construction recently celebrated the first graduates of its Craft Apprenticeship Program. Of the 100 apprentices enrolled, 43 have successfully completed the rigorous drywall or concrete programs, which are certified by the National Center for Construction Education and Research and recognized in all 50 states and three U.S. territories. “Finishing the program has allowed me to step into another role that I never thought would be possible for me,” said Kelian Gonzalez Rivera, a DPR drywaller based in Orlando, Florida. She is also the first woman to graduate from the program. “Participating in the program has been one of the … Read more