Architecture Billings Index Softens in January

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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

OSHA, NIOSH Issue Hazard Alert on Protecting Workers from Silica Exposure

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health jointly issued a hazard alert about protecting workers from significant crystalline silica exposure during manufacturing, finishing and installing natural and manufactured stone countertops. The hazard alert follows reports of 46 workers in Spain and 25 workers in Israel who developed silicosis — an incurable, progressively disabling and sometimes fatal lung disease — as a result of exposure to crystalline silica in their work manufacturing stone countertops. Ten of the workers in Israel required lung transplants as a result … Read more

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Craig Glenn joins Rogers-O’Brien as Houston Director of Field Operations

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  Craig Glenn has been hired as director of field operations for general contractor Rogers-O’Brien’s Houston, Texas office. Glenn is responsible for overseeing staffing, quality and safety for the company’s project sites throughout Southeast Texas. <!—more—>With 28 years of experience in the construction industry, Glenn has overseen the construction of commercial, healthcare, government and renovation projects throughout the Houston area. Some of his recent major projects include several M.D. Anderson research laboratory buildings, the Harris County Civil Justice Center, the Houston First Office Tower/Garage and the George R. Brown Convention Center expansion. Over the course of his career, Glenn has … Read more

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McCarthy Awarded West-MEC Southwest Campus Project in Arizona

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McCarthy recently began a $50-million new construction project, including site plan and infrastructure layout, for Western Maricopa Education Center in conjunction with architect DLR Group. The West-MEC Southwest Campus project, which will be located at I-10 and Verrado Way in Buckeye, Arizona, will eventually serve 650 students in 12-14 different programs (including secondary education, post-secondary education and industry training). The first phase of construction began in January and will be completed in December 2015. Phase I includes a 32,000-square-foot, two-story Sustainable Energy building. Programs taught in this building may include energy programs that have a curriculum focused on electrical, mechanical, … Read more

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MYCON General Contractors Begins Construction of New Parkview Commerce Center in Flower Mound, Texas

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McKINNEY, Texas — MYCON General Contractors has begun construction on the new Parkview Commerce Center in Flower Mound, Texas, according to MYCON's president Doug Talley.   Located on the southeast corner of Spinks and Gerault Roads, the industrial complex, consists of three buildings, totaling 276,054 square feet: Building 1 (1001 Spinks Rd.): 84,760 square feet, 24-foot clear, 30-dock high doors, 2 ramped doors Building 2 (901 Spinks Rd.):   50,590 square feet, 24-foot clear, 16-dock high doors, 1 ramped door Building 3 (900 Gerault Rd.): 140,704 square feet, 30-foot clear, 31-dock high doors, 2 ramped doors The three Class A+ … Read more

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