SEATTLE, Wash. —The new federal courthouse in Billings, Mont. is open for business following 27 months of design and construction. According to the U.S. General Services Administration, which manages real estate and property for the federal government, the design-build project team of Mortenson Construction and NBBJ established a new benchmark for the fastest delivery of a modern federal courthouse. The formal building opening and dedication is scheduled for September 18. “The successful design and construction process of the Billings courthouse underscores the value and efficiency of our lean design-build process,” said Jim Yowan, Vice President, Mortenson Construction. The expedited design … Read more

The cost of key construction materials increased in August and year-to-year, resuming a trend that has forced contractors to pay more for materials even as competitive pressures restrain prices for finished projects, according to an analysis of federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. The producer price index for inputs to construction—covering materials that go into every type of project, plus items consumed by contractors such as diesel fuel—increased 0.9 percent in August and 1.0 percent from a year earlier, Sandherr noted. The price increases resume a longer-term trend that is forcing contractors to pay more … Read more

KENT, Ohio — A public/private partnership will enable the Kent State University Foundation to fund an important new hotel and conference center that will create 472 local jobs and spur regional tourism growth and economic development. Project partners in the $15.6 million Kent State University Hotel & Conference Center in downtown Kent include the Kent State University Foundation, The Pizzuti Companies of Columbus, City of Kent, DFWR, which is controlled by the Development Finance Authority of Summit County and Finance Fund. “The partnership that is now making downtown redevelopment in Kent a reality has been a team effort of many … Read more