Cost of Construction Materials Continues To Climb 0.9% In January Even As Bid Levels For Construction Services Remains Flat

  • Posted on

Latest Producer Price Index Figures Show Prices for Diesel, Steel, Bars, Steel Pipe and Other Key Construction Materials Have Double-Digit Spikes During the Past 12 Months The prices contractors must pay for many essential construction materials continued to increase in January, even as the amount they charge for completed projects remains flat, according to an analysis of January producer price index figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the price trends are cutting into already tight bottom lines for contractors, undermining chances for an industry-wide recovery in 2011. “The last thing contractors need … Read more

Filed under: Economic News, News

Design/Build Team Wraps Up Construction on San Francisco Cliffhanger

  • Posted on

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. —   The design/build team of DPR Construction, SmithGroup and Forell/Elsesser Engineers has completed construction of the Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building for the University of California, San Francisco. Schematic architectural design was provided by Rafael Viñoly Architects of New York City and structural engineer Nabih Youssef & Associates of San Francisco. Located on the university’s Parnassus campus in San Francisco, the new $123-million building houses the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF. Supported by funding from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and private donations, … Read more

Filed under: News

Government Unveils Plans for Country’s First Net-Zero Energy Historic Building

  • Posted on

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — The General Services Administration recently unveiled plans to turn the 92-year-old Wayne Aspinall Federal Building and Courthouse in Grand Junction, Colo. into the country’s first net-zero energy usage historic building. “This building is on track to be the first of its kind in the entire nation,” said GSA Administrator Martha N. Johnson. “GSA will partner with regional businesses to maintain the historic features that make the building unique, while investing in sustainable technologies to make it one of the most energy- and cost-efficient buildings in the country. The result will be something special that the entire … Read more

Filed under: News

Topping Off Ceremony Held at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital

  • Posted on

Construction workers recently placed the final steel beam atop the new Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital, marking a milestone in the construction of the freestanding building. The beam bearing the signatures of patients, staff, students, volunteers, donors, and community members was hoisted into the air by a crane then carefully lowered and guided into place. “Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital already offers state-of-the-art care, and soon we will have a facility to match. The strong support we have received from donors and the community as a whole and the hard work of many people, including the construction team, have made … Read more

Filed under: News

ICC, NACTM Agreement Will Make Tribal Land Construction Safer, More Sustainable

  • Posted on

The International Code Council and Native American Construction Training Management (NACTM), Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that combines safe and sustainable construction methods that result from building to code and continues the Native American heritage for efficient use of natural resources. The agreement centers on strategies that will create a single, complete system of sustainable commercial and residential codes for all that live on and use Tribal lands throughout the United States. Both organizations promote greater public safety through the implementation and enforcement of building codes, professional training, and the conservation of natural resources. “Wise and efficient use … Read more

Filed under: NewsTagged with: