AIA Releases Consensus Construction Forecast; Nonresidential Construction Recovery Possible by Latter Part of 2011

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Even with modest improvements in the overall U.S. economy, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by more than 20 percent in 2010 with a marginal increase of 3.1 percent in 2011 in inflation adjusted terms. Poor conditions remain because of an oversupply of nonresidential facilities in most construction categories, weak demand for space, continuing declines in commercial property values, and a strong reluctance to provide credit from real estate lenders. These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation's leading construction forecasters. “There are a number … Read more

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AUI Contractors First Firm in Texas to Receive Green Contractor Certification

Challenging Program by Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. Recognizes Firm’s Sustainability Practices FORT WORTH, Texas — AUI Contractors of Fort Worth was recently named a Certified Green Contractor by Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. (ABC), a national construction trade association. ABC’s Green Contractor Certification program recognizes construction companies that implement green practices and principles in the workplace, including headquarters, branch offices and jobsite offices. To achieve certification by ABC’s National Green Building Committee, AUI Contractors submitted an application detailing its green efforts and underwent a third-party onsite assessment.   AUI President Doug Alumbaugh said of the award, “We’re honored to … Read more

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Journal of Safety Research Releases Special Issue on Construction

Case Study Reveals Rare Safety and Health Insights Unique to Large-Scale Construction Projects ITASCA, Ill., — The National Safety Council today released a special edition of its Journal of Safety Research focused on construction. The special issue includes a research-based case study sharing lessons learned from eight tragic deaths that occurred within 18 months in 2008. These events occurred at the largest privately owned, commercial construction project in U.S. history, the CityCenter and Cosmopolitan Towers in Las Vegas. Upon completion of safety needs assessment surveys conducted at the worksites, four recommendations for management were compiled: General contractors need to demonstrate … Read more

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Union Ironworkers Raise the Bar with Continuous Training, Competitions, and New OSHA Relationship

Iron Workers Union reinforces skills development, safety to ensure its ironworkers are ready to meet the construction demands of industry rebound. AUSTIN, Texas   — While U.S. industries struggle to rebuild, today’s union ironworkers are preparing to lead the next wave of new business construction. That’s because amidst the economic challenges of the past several years the Iron Workers International Union (www.ironworkers.org) — teaming with the Ironworker Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust (IMPACT) and the Ironworkers National Training Fund (www.ironworkers.org/organization/Apprenticeship.aspx) — has invested heavily in worksite-ready training programs for union ironworkers. In March, the Iron Workers Union announced an unprecedented … Read more

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Hardin Construction Awarded Second Major Project At Medical Center Hospital In Odessa, Texas

ATLANTA, GA – For the second time within a year, Hardin Construction Company, LLC has broken ground on a new project for Medical Center Hospital (MCH) in Odessa, Texas. MCH selected Hardin Construction to build a two-floor vertical expansion of the hospital’s Women’s Center, including a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and expansion of the hospital’s maternity ward. The project, valued at $28.9 million, also includes demolishing a portion of the existing central energy plant and constructing a new central mechanical plant, to include road and parking lot repaving and a new playground area. The project recently got underway … Read more

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