Façade of Historic Armory Restored at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Posted on

Western Specialty Contractors has restored the brick and stone façade of the historic armory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Western contracted with project general contractor Grunloh Construction to tuckpoint the armory’s east elevation, as well as portions of its north and south elevations. The scope of work also included the demolition and rebuilding of an existing parapet wall using block masonry, salvaged stone and fabricated stone that closely matched existing stone. The severity of deterioration on the upper areas of some masonry walls required a change in scope to completely rebuild additional parapet locations. Due to irregular dimensions … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: ,

Terminal D Pier West Tops Out at Houston Airport 

  • Posted on

Over 350 people gathered to celebrate the topping out of the new D West Pier at the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. Staff from Houston Airports, Fentress Architects and consultants, Austin-Gilbane Joint-Venture and the subcontractors participated in the beam ceremony and an appreciation lunch. When the project is complete, the international carrier gate capacity will increase to 18. The project is a part of the Houston Airport System’s International Terminal Redevelopment Program, an extensive capital improvement program. The project scope includes a new pier to accommodate six wide-body international airplanes and a new sterile corridor to funnel passengers … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: ,

Skanska Tops Out Mixed-Used Development in Washington, D.C.

  • Posted on

Skanska has topped out 17xM, an 11-story, 334,000-square-foot mixed-use development in Washington, D.C. The development has achieved WiredScore Platinum. The project is also targeting LEED Gold and Fitwel certifications. Milestones include an estimated 23,000 cubic yards of concrete used on the jobsite, an estimated 44,000 cubic yards of soil removed from the project site and a reduction of carbon by an estimated 20% with the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator tool. The building will include amenity spaces with integrated features, such as conference and event facilities, a rooftop deck and a private lower-level terrace. The design also incorporates a private vehicular … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: ,

Architecture Billings Index Slowdown Continues

  • Posted on

More architecture firms reported a decline in billings in February, indicating an extension of a recent downturn in design activity according to a new report released from The American Institute of Architects. The score for February fell slightly to 48 (any score below 50 indicates a decline in firm billings). However, inquiries into new projects continued to improve, as did the value of new design contracts. Both indicators suggest that design work is expected to improve in the coming months. Key ABI highlights for February include: Regional averages: West (50.4); Midwest (48.8); Northeast (48.4); South (47.3) Sector index breakdown: mixed … Read more

Filed under: Economic NewsTagged with: ,

ABC Names the 2023 Young Professional of the Year

  • Posted on

Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Matt Terry, executive vice president for TDIndustries, received ABC’s 2023 Young Professional of the Year Award during the ABC Convention in Orlando, Florida, March 15. The Young Professional of the Year is an industry professional under the age of 40 who is employed by an ABC member company and is chosen based on leadership qualities, career achievement and vision for the future of commercial and industrial construction. Terry, 40, was selected based on his contributions and dedication to the industry and ABC. Terry supports and works with the Construction Education Foundation, a local trade school in … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: , ,