Turner Construction, National Building Museum Present 2014 Henry C. Turner Prize

NEW YORK, N.Y. — The Pennsylvania State University Architectural Engineering Department will receive the 2014 Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction. The prize jury selected the department for the creativity they demonstrate with their broad range of collaborative research efforts and for their leadership in championing energy-efficient building solutions and building a workforce for the 21st century. The award ceremony will be held Wednesday, Dec. 3, at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The ceremony will feature a panel discussion on the topic of how innovation, education and collaboration are driving economic development and creating a workforce … Read more

Filed under: News

Construction Employment Doing Well in Most of the Country, States AGC

Construction firms added jobs in 37 states and the District of Columbia between October 2013 and October 2014, while construction employment increased in 28 states and the District of Columbia between September and October, according to a recent analysis of U.S. Labor Department data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted the sector’s recovery is erratic and remains vulnerable to factors like growing labor shortages, new regulatory burdens and stagnant public sector demand. “These year-over-year and one-month changes show that construction is doing well in most of the country,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet, … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News, OrganizationsTagged with:

Groundbreaking Held for SchenkelShultz-Designed Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center

ORLANDO, Fla. — Groundbreaking ceremonies were recently held for the Orlando, Florida-based Dr. P. Phillips YMCA Family Center, Phase 2, a sustainable, 21st-century, $9-million facility addition/renovation in the Dr. Phillips neighborhood designed by SchenkelShultz Architecture and supported by Dr. Phillips Charities. Focused on strengthening the community, the expansion and renovation will transform the Y into a Healthy Living Zone complete with a teaching café providing education on healthy eating to individuals and families. The YMCA of Central Florida's Strategic Vision Plan is measurable, focused and results-driven. Its plan serves as a foundation for its actions moving forward, as well as … Read more

Filed under: News

Nonresidential Construction Index Slowly Rises

RALEIGH, N.C. — FMI announced the release of the 2014 Fourth Quarter Nonresidential Construction Index report. The NRCI shows a slight increase from 62.5 in the third quarter to 62.8 in the fourth quarter of 2014. This is nearly 5.5 points ahead of fourth quarter 2013. An NRCI greater than 50 indicates improvement or expansion. There are many good reasons for optimism by NRCI survey respondents this quarter. The top-three are: businesses are starting to build again, backlogs are expanding and future business looks good with low inflation. A close fourth is a sense of financial security with improved balance … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

Skanska USA to Develop Tower Joining Cultural, Financial Core of Downtown Seattle with Waterfront

Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. recently announced it has reached agreement with the Samis Foundation to lease and develop all of its downtown Seattle property located east to west between Second and First Avenue and north to south between University and Seneca Streets in Seattle, Washington. Skanska approached Samis more than three years ago with a vision for the Second and University properties, now referred to as 2&U. Leadership from both groups saw an opportunity to create a true Pacific Northwest building that could position Seattle and its downtown for continued success. Their discussions resulted in a long-term ground lease … Read more

Filed under: News