AIA Releases Latest Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. —Following the first negative reading in five months, the Architecture Billings Index has had a significant drop in May.  As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to 12-month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the May ABI score was 45.8, following a mark of 48.4 in April. This score reflects a sharp decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 54.0, down slightly from mark of 54.4 the previous month. … Read more

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Two Providence Schools Awarded "Green Ribbon" Designation after Renovations

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. —The Obama Administration named both Classical High School and Nathan Bishop Middle two of 78 U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools honored nationally. The first-ever Green Ribbon designation was created to recognize schools that exhibit a commitment to sustainability, health and wellness, and environmental education. Rhode Island Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Deborah A. Gist, who nominated both schools said, “Green Ribbon Schools are high-quality learning environments and they save taxpayer dollars. Classical and Nathan Bishop can serve as models… Rhode Island has been a leader in the green-school movement, and we’re proud that, among the … Read more

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Barnhart-Reese/Kitchell Complete New Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center

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SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Sharp HealthCare officials celebrated the completion of the Douglas and Nancy Barnhart Cancer Center at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center and Medical Office Plaza. Developed and managed by Makena Medical Buildings LLC, the center was designed by NTD Architects and built by a joint venture of Barnhart-Reese Construction (formerly known as J. Reese Construction) and Kitchell. A $1-million gift from local philanthropist and construction leader Douglas Barnhart and wife Nancy has made way for move-in at the $36-million facility. The new facility measures 45,000-square-feet over three stories, with the cancer center on the first level. Features … Read more

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Construction Materials Prices Drop in May

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The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.3 percent in May and climbed by only 2.3 percent from a year earlier, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the amount contractors charge to construct projects remained largely flat for the month and is up only between 3.1 and 4.3 percent for the year. “The slowdown in construction input price increases is a rare and possibly short-lived event,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist, noting that the last time prices rose so slowly … Read more

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Construction is Underway on a New Parking Structure at Soka University in Aliso Viejo

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ALISO VIEJO, Calif. — McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is constructing a new $11.5-million design-build parking structure at Soka University in Aliso Viejo, Calif.   Being built on an existing parking lot between the main entrance and the tennis courts on the Soka University campus, the 214,983-square-foot structure will provide 677 parking spaces for the school when complete in winter 2013. McCarthy has partnered with Choate Parking Consultants of Irvine on the design and construction of the post-tensioned, cast-in-place concrete parking structure. Designed in harmony with the existing campus, the façade features painted plaster, architectural shapes along three sides and travertine … Read more

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