New Gilbane Construction Industry Economic Report Foresees Ongoing Industry Challenges

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gilbane Building Company announced the publication of the Winter 2011 edition of Construction Economics — Market Conditions in Construction. Based on economic data, construction starts and material cost trends, this free report projects the recovery of the construction market will lag behind the overall economic recovery and will take much longer due to the severity of current conditions. Nevertheless, some critical indicators are illustrating a positive trend. “New construction starts have been strong four of the last five months, construction spending has improved throughout the year, and industrial production related to construction materials is up five months … Read more

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McCarthy Building Companies Completes Construction of Methodist Hospital New Patient Tower

ARCADIA/NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — McCarthy Building Companies Inc. recently completed construction of a 154,486-square-foot patient tower at Methodist Hospital of Southern California in Arcadia. The North Tower is the latest addition to the 122-acre Methodist Hospital campus, which originally opened in 1957 and has undergone building additions and renovations over the years. The $140-million project included construction of the Hollfelder Emergency Care Center on the first floor; a 20-bed ICU and pharmacy on the second floor; 40 medical/surgical beds each on the third, fourth and fifth floors; support services on the basement level and a new entry structure to include … Read more

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Construction Material Prices Inch Down in November

The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.1 percent in November but climbed 6.2 percent from a year earlier, outstripping the increase in contractors" bid prices for finished buildings, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Officials with the construction association warned that the cost squeeze on contractors, combined with declining public sector investments in construction, may drive many contractors out of business. “Price increases have moderated or even reversed direction at the moment for essential construction materials but prices are likely to increase … Read more

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Soka Performing Arts Center, Academic Building Earn LEED Gold

ST. LOUIS, Mo.— Soka University of America's new Soka Performing Arts Center and Academic Building project recently received LEED Gold Certification. The project opened in September 2011.   The Soka Performing Arts Center, which is located on 1.9 acres of the Soka University campus in Aliso Viejo, serves as a venue in South Orange County for concerts, theater productions, lectures and assemblies, furthering Soka University's role as a cultural center and community gathering place. “One of Soka University's guiding principles is to foster leaders for the creative coexistence of nature and humanity, and the Soka Performing Arts Center project demonstrates … Read more

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AEM Releases Annual Construction Equipment Business Outlook

Construction equipment manufacturers anticipate overall business to close out 2011 with double-digit increases over last year in the U.S., Canada and worldwide. Growth is expected to continue but at a slower pace for 2012 through 2014, according to the annual business outlook survey of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. AEM is the North American-based international trade group representing the off-road equipment manufacturing industry. Each year the association polls its construction equipment manufacturer members about anticipated sales of the machines and equipment that build and repair roads, bridges, houses, offices, schools and other infrastructure worldwide. Respondents were asked to rank several … Read more

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