AIA Releases Latest Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 48.4, following a mark of 50.4 in March. This score reflects a decrease in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 54.4, down from mark of 56.6 the previous month. 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. “Considering the continued volatility in the overall economy, this decline in demand for design services isn"t terribly surprising,” said AIA … Read more

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River Drive Construction Completes Facility for Ocean Health Initiatives in Lakewood, N.J.

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ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. and LAKEWOOD, N.J. — River Drive Construction has recently completed a $3.6-million construction project for the Ocean Health Initiatives Lakewood Health Center, a health center providing care for people either uninsured or underinsured. Serving as the general contractor for the project, River Drive Construction constructed a two-story, 16,000-square-foot facility in Lakewood, N.J., which was built on top of the existing 9,000-square-foot OHI building. The new facility houses an 8,000-square-foot obstetrics/gynecology and pediatrics wing that includes 20 examination rooms and an administrative area. “We’re thrilled to announce the completion of the OHI Lakewood facility,” said Joseph Langan, president … Read more

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Construction Materials Prices Inch Up in April

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The cost of construction materials took a breather in April, while contractors showed slightly greater ability to roll past price increases into their bids, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted despite the temporary reprieve from materials price hikes, market conditions for construction remain difficult. “Contractors caught a bit of a break on major input costs in April, enabling some firms to make up for recent price spikes,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “However, workloads remain uneven by segment and geographical region, leaving many firms … Read more

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Suffolk Construction Awarded the Ocean Point Resort Project

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Urgo Hotels is moving forward with a significant renovation and expansion program for the Marriott Ocean Point Beach Resort project located in Pompano Beach, Fla. Suffolk Construction has been awarded the $21.7-million construction and expansion project, which will add 119 guest rooms to the hotel. The overall plan includes a complete renovation to the existing 100-unit North Tower, with upgrades to all rooms. The project scope will also feature extensive updates to the lobby, common areas, porte-cochere, the restaurant as well as the addition of new site amenities. The existing pool will receive a complete … Read more

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University Hospitals Teams with Design, Construction Firms to Award $61,000 to Students

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CLEVELAND, Ohio — University Hospitals, together with Gilbane Building Company and Regency Construction Services, Inc., awarded $61,000 in scholarships to students in the ACE (Architecture, Construction and Engineering) Mentor Program. This is the second $50,000 scholarship award made from the health system's $200,000 donation to the ACE Mentor Program of Cleveland. Individual student scholarships were provided by Gilbane and Regency while Kent State University, Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland State University provided matching scholarship awards to senior students entering architecture and engineering programs next fall. Mayor Frank G. Jackson gave the keynote address at the event, which took place at … Read more

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