Construction spending increased in January compared to both December and a year ago, with strong gains in private nonresidential and residential construction but mixed results for public spending, according to an analysis of federal spending data the Associated General Contractors of America. Association leaders urged Washington officials to speed the award of funds promised by the Bipartisan Infrastructure law. “Private nonresidential construction, especially for manufacturing plants, has rebounded sharply in recent months, while demand for housing remains strong,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But public projects have yet to grow consistently.” Construction spending in January totaled $1.68 trillion … Read more
Construction Salaries Continue to Rise
Skilled craft professionals continue to earn high wages, according to NCCER’s 2022 Construction Craft Salary Survey. More than 135 commercial, industrial and residential construction companies across the U.S., representing over 337,000 employees, participated in the survey. The individual craft areas reported provide average annual salaries, not including overtime, per diem, bonuses or other incentives. Of the 41 construction positions surveyed, average annual salaries ranged from $49,920 to $98,965. Project supervisors and project managers topped the list, earning over $90,200 and $98,900, respectively. Professions earning more than $65,000 include HVAC technician, commercial electrician, instrumentation fitter, boilermaker, industrial maintenance mechanic, pipefitter, rigger, … Read more
Build-out, Expansion Underway on 224,000-SF Project at Former Sears Building in Massachusetts
Gilbane Building Company has begun construction phase activities for the 224,000-square-foot build-out and expansion project at the former Sears building at the Cambridgeside Galleria in Massachusetts. The reimagined facility offers Class A lab and office space in the East Cambridge, Kendall neighborhood. This complex expansion project involves the removal of the top floor and roof structure of the existing building and the addition of three new floors, all while structurally reinforcing the existing steel frame to accommodate the new building loads. A new fifth-floor balcony will overlook a garden with water features and pedestrian walkways in front of the mall … Read more
Construction Begins on Converge Logistics Center in Phoenix
Work is underway on a three-building industrial development that sits along Interstate 10 in Phoenix, Arizona. ViaWest Group and its building partners Willmeng Construction, Butler Design Group and Kimley-Horn broke ground on the 512,710-square-foot Converge Logistics Center in January. ViaWest Group signed a 77-year ground lease with Kyrene School District on the 28.6-acre parcel. This infill, Class A industrial development will feature three structures, with Building A being the largest at 210,670 square feet. Building B will be 140,941 square feet and Building C will be 159,221 square feet. All three have clear heights of 32 feet, multiple drive-in bay … Read more
New Study from Dodge Construction Network Reveals Digital Transformation Led by Construction Owners
Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with Trimble, released a Dodge SmartMarket Brief based on a comprehensive study of owners, architects, engineers and contractors. The study and resulting report evaluate the use and benefits of digital workflows in the construction industry. This report is the first in a series based on the study findings and entitled Connected Construction: The Owners’ Perspective. Owners are highly influential in the design and construction industry and are often essential to driving change. This report reveals the degree to which owners have already embraced digital workflows for multiple design and construction processes and suggests that owners’ … Read more