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

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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

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

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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

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Nonresidential Construction Index Slowly Rises

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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

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

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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

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South Coast Improvement Co. Begins Work on Atria Marland Place Project in Andover

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ANDOVER, Mass., and MARION, Mass. — South Coast Improvement Company was recently contracted by Atria Senior Living to restore a historic mill building in Andover, Massachusetts. The renovated mill, the former Marland Manufacturing Company building, will become part of Atria’s Marland Place, a senior living community for Andover’s active older adults. The $4-million renovation of the former textile mill will include a complete gut and demo of the entire interior of building, as well as a repointing of the entire brick façade. In addition, the renovated building will feature new electrical, HVAC, plumbing and Life Safety; new framing and reconfiguration … Read more

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