Hensel Phelps | CBIC Celebrates Topping Out Ceremony at William P. Hobby International Expansion

HP | CBIC Joint Venture, Southwest Airlines and over 400 attendees recently celebrated the topping out of the new William P. Hobby Airport International Expansion. The setting of the “Wishbone Column,” the largest steel member on the project, represents a huge milestone for the Houston HP | CBIC team. The renovations and updates to Houston, Texas” oldest commercial will bring Southwest Airlines into a new era of international travel. Southwest Airlines will take their inaugural overseas flight from the newly expanded Hobby Airport in October 2015, with destinations stretching from Mexico City to San Juan and down the way to … Read more

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2014 Pinnacle Winners Enhance The Carolinas, Advance Construction Industry

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Feb. 5, Carolinas AGC bestowed the 2014 Pinnacle Awards to three construction projects and an individual who has helped improve the construction industry. The Pinnacle Awards shine a bright light on the construction industry and exemplify CAGC’s reason for existence: Advancing the construction industry to enhance the quality of life and deliver a sustainable difference in the Carolinas. Best Highway-Heavy ProjectThe Turn in the Battery Wall, Charleston, South CarolinaCrowder Construction Company At the southernmost point of historic Charleston, South Carolina, where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers converge to form the Charleston Harbor, is a seawall built … Read more

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USGBC Releases the Top 10 States for LEED Green Building Per Capita in Nation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual list of the Top 10 States for LEED, the world’s most widely used and recognized green building rating system, ranking states in terms of square feet of LEED space per state resident. The per-capita list highlights states throughout the country that are making significant strides in sustainable building design, construction and transformation. “Every story about a green building is a story about people,”  said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “USGBC’s annual recognition of the Top 10 States for LEED goes beyond gross square feet or number … Read more

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Graul Appointed Executive VP of Design-Build at Parsons Construction

PASADENA, Calif. — Donald Graul has been appointed executive vice president of Design-Build Construction with Parsons Construction Group. In this role, he will plan, direct and manage all activities of the design-build function of the firm’s North American organization. Graul rejoins Parsons after a brief tenure outside the firm as a senior vice president of global alternative delivery. “We welcome Don back to Parsons and are confident his extensive experience will further enhance Parsons” leadership in the area of design-build construction,” said Garry Higdem, Parsons Group president. “He has proven management and strategic capabilities, plus a strong record of success … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Softens in January

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following a nine-month stretch of positive billings, the Architecture Billings Index showed no increase in design activity in January. 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 January ABI score was 49.9, down from a mark of 52.7 in December. This score reflects a very modest decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.7, down from the reading of 59.1 the previous month. “This … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News