U.S. Construction Industry in Best Shape Since Financial Crisis

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Rider Levett Bucknall reports that the U.S. construction industry “is in the best shape that it has been since the depths of the financial crisis,” following continued upward trends in construction activity and steady growth in the last half of 2015. The firm notes that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics construction unemployment is down to 6.2 percent – nearly at economic full employment – and that its research shows that activity is up in virtually all areas with the possible exception of the oil centers. The firm reported its findings in its newly released Fourth … Read more

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Revised Training, Assessment Products Now Available for Construction Industry

ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER recently revised its Construction Craft Laborer Level 1 and Level 2 curricula as well as its Hydroblasting Technician assessment and Performance Verification. Construction craft laborers perform a variety of crafts and operate many types of tools, instruments and equipment as they travel to different jobsites. The Construction Craft Laborer curriculum introduces trainees to a variety of trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironworking, electrical, welding, heavy equipment and cranes. Upon completion of this two-level course, trainees will have the basic knowledge needed on any jobsite. The curriculum covers subjects such as site layout, reinforcing concrete and electrical safety. … Read more

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Sundt Delivering Texas Project More than a Month Ahead of Schedule

Sundt Construction reached substantial completion last month on U.S. Highway 84 and bridge reconstruction project near Abilene, the latest of several heavy civil jobs finished in Texas. Work included demolition and reconstruction of a 530-foot bridge over Union Pacific Railroad tracks, reconstruction of U.S. 84 and new lighting and roadway barrier improvements. The U.S. 84 project included around half a mile of roadway that was fully reconstructed and installation of 40,000 cubic yards of embankment used to bring the grade up to match the finish slab elevation of the new bridge, which was built by Sundt’s Concrete Division. Despite weather … Read more

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Construction Topped Out at River Point

CHICAGO, Ill. – Hines, an international real estate firm, held a ceremony recently to celebrate the topping out of River Point, Chicago, Illinois’ ultra-modern 52-story office tower being developed by Ivanhoé Cambridge, Hines and Levy Family Partners. The 1.1-million-square-foot building is located in Chicago’s West Loop submarket and is designed by Pickard Chilton. River Point will offer world-class architecture and first-class amenities, including a 1.5-acre public park and landscaped river walk, restaurants, a fitness center and extraordinary views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. The building has been designed to achieve LEED Gold. General contractor Lendlease raised the final … Read more

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DPR Construction Set to Move its Washington D.C. Area Office in 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – DPR Construction’s Washington, D.C. area office will debut its new Reston, Virginia, location in spring 2016. Relocating from Falls Church, Virginia, DPR will complete the 20,000-square-foot renovation with plans to achieve Net Zero Energy Building Certification from the International Living Future Institute. DPR, along with Architect, SmithGroupJJR, plan to include a new front entrance, multiple skylights, area for a large training room, exercise space, an open-plan workplace, highly efficient mechanical systems, the latest in LED lighting technology and solar panels to achieve energy independence. DPR has previously completed four net-zero energy projects across the country, three of … Read more

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