Architecture Billings Index Continues Growth Streak

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – With all geographic regions and building project sectors showing positive conditions, there continues to be a heightened level of demand for design services signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the August ABI score was 53.7, up from a score of 51.9 in the previous month. This score reflects an increase in design services provided by U.S. architecture firms (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The … Read more

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ABC, USPAACC Ink MOU to Foster Competition in Construction

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors and the U.S. Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce signed a memorandum of understanding calling for the two organizations to work jointly to ensure that all contractors have a fair and equal opportunity to compete for and win contracts to build federal, state and locally funded construction projects. The agreement was signed by Chuck Goodrich, ABC 2017 chair, and CEOs Mike Bellaman and Susan Au Allen, respectively, during ABC’s board of directors meeting this summer. An initial area of focus for the two organizations is urging congressional action on the Fair and Open … Read more

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DPR Selected to Build New Plant Sciences Building at NC State University

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RALEIGH, N.C. – DPR Construction has been selected by North Carolina State University to build the school’s new Plant Sciences Building in Raleigh, North Carolina. The project includes construction of a five-story, 187,000-square-foot interdisciplinary research building, comprising research laboratories, office space, corporate laboratory and office suites, hearth/atrium space, support space and shared, flexible conferencing space. The partial fifth floor will house Biosafety Levels 2 and 3 rooftop greenhouses. The Plant Sciences Building will house the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative – a partnership between NC State University and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The initiative will … Read more

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Continuing Beautification of The Bronx with Modern, Timeless Design

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UA Builders Group is developing a new residential redevelopment project located at 770 E. 214th Street in the Bronx, New York, awarded by Propco Holdings. The four-story building boasts 8,030 square feet of space and a modern, yet timeless design that reflects the character of the surrounding neighborhood. It is located in the heart of the Williamsbridge neighborhood which is situated in the north-central part of the Bronx. The East 214th Street property’s smaller four-story size fits well with the neighborhood’s low-rise/low-density housing character. Project details: • Address: 770 E. 214th • Lot size: 8,030 sq. feet • Floors: 10 … Read more

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Mortenson Raises Estimate for 2017 Chicago Construction Cost Increases to 4.5%

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CHICAGO, Ill. – With supplies of some key materials, equipment and labor tightening, Mortenson Construction has raised its estimate for nonresidential construction cost increases in Chicago, Illinois, for 2017 from 4 percent to 4.5 percent, the highest among the major markets that the national builder and developer tracks. This year’s increase follows a 2016 jump of 4.3 percent in Chicago, according to the Mortenson Construction Cost Index. “Chicago construction activity initially lagged other markets in recovering after the 2008 recession, but it has gradually caught up and is strong now,” said Dennis McGreal, chief estimator for Mortenson Construction’s Chicago office. … Read more

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