Building Design & Construction articles from January 2006

Building Design & Construction archives from January 2006

Eminent domain revisited.(EDITORIAL)
January 1, 2006... The dust kicked up by the Supreme Court's decision in Kelo vs. New London is spreading all around the country In its 5-4 ruling last June, the Court found that New London, Conn., was within its rights under the Fifth Amendment to condemn...

A new building type: 'workshop condos'.(NEWS & TRENDS)
January 1, 2006... Nicholas Abraham found it peculiar when a growing number of tradesmen seemed to be hanging around his self-storage developments. It's common for small businesses to rent out storage space, but this was different. "There were an awful lot of...

Portland art museum sues its architect.
January 1, 2006... Portland art museum sues its architect. The Portland (Ore.) Art Museum has filed a $1.5 million lawsuit against Boston-based Ann Beha Architects, the firm that designed the renovation of the museum this year. The complaint says that inadequate...

Green building report on reconstructing New Orleans available online.
January 1, 2006... Green building report on reconstructing New Orleans available online. The New Orleans Principles, a 27-page report from the Gulf Coast Reconstruction Charettes, contains the recommendations of more than 160 industry professionals from the Gulf...

Developers face a towering problem: not enough cranes.
January 1, 2006... Developers face a towering problem: not enough cranes. Nothing is in tighter supply right now than tower cranes, without which a skyscraper can't get off the ground. Normally, tower cranes are available on a few months' notice. Now they need to...

Dear Santa: Send us carpenters, estimators, and other skilled hands.
January 1, 2006... Dear Santo: Send us carpenters, estimators, and other skilled hands. Some 250,000 trained jobs go unfilled each year in the U.S. construction industry. Demand for skilled workers has tripled since 1950, from 20% of the total 6.3 million work...

First new high-rise in almost 20 years planned for downtown Pittsburgh.
January 1, 2006... First new high-rise in almost 20 years planned for downtown Pittsburgh. PNC Financial Services Group will build downtown Pittsburgh's first skyscraper more than 24 stories in height in nearly two decades. The project is part of a $170 million...

Japanese police raid 117 buildings looking for faulty plans.(NEWS)
January 1, 2006... Last month police raided 117 locations in Tokyo and five prefectures of Japan, including the offices of property developers and former architect Hidetsugu Aneha, to gather criminal evidence on earthquake resistance data allegedly fabricated by...

Westlake Reed Leskosky.(PEOPLE/firms)
January 1, 2006... Dennis Barrie has joined Westlake Reed Leskosky, Cleveland, as associate and director of cultural planning.

American Institute of Architects.(PEOPLE/firms)
January 1, 2006... Christine McEntee has been named executive VP and CEO of the American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.

Leo A Daly.(PEOPLE/firms)
January 1, 2006... Omaha, Neb.-based Leo A Daly has made three appointments: Elizabeth Niedzwiecki, AIA, has been named VP and director of healthcare in the Atlanta office; Mieszko Niedzwiecki, AIA, joined the firm as principal and director of design, also in...

Nigel Howard quits U.S. Green Building Council.(NEWS & TRENDS)
January 1, 2006... Nigel Howard, the affable British chemist responsible for guiding the implementation of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, has quit his post as chief technology officer at the Washington, D.C.-based U.S....

Clarifications.(NEWS & TRENDS)(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2006... The Professional's Choice column in November (p. 55) stated that Blaine Brownell specified Richlite panels for the Alley24 in Seattle. The research, selection, and specification of Richlite was actually a collective effort shared by: Dave...

California nondenominational church plans a campus.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Encompassing 398,000 sf on 121 acres, the Calvary Chapel Murrieta in Murrieta, Calif., will be one of the largest nondenominational evangelical churches in the country upon scheduled completion in 2010. The $140 million campus, located on a...

Pre-Civil war building redesigned by Enrique Norten.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... One York Street, a block-long pre-Civil War building in New York City's Tribeca district, is being redesigned as a luxury condominium building with a new 14-story glass tower as its central core. Designed by Mexican architect Enrique Norten,...

Historic Florsheim building set for redevelopment.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... The Chicago City Council recently approved an ordinance calling for the redevelopment of the Florsheim Building on the city's North Side. Chicago-based Dubin Residential is converting the building into 175 residential units, retail, and office...

Molecular science center under way in Puerto Rico.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... In San Juan, Puerto Rico, ground was broken on a 180,000-sf Molecular Sciences Complex for the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras (UPRRP). The building is part of the university's effort to establish itself as a prominent scientific...

New JetBlue terminal being built at New York's JFK Airport.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has begun construction on JetBlue airline's new terminal at JFK International Airport. The 635,000-sf terminal will have 26 gates and capacity to serve 20 million customers a year. The $875...

$45 million library and research center takes shape.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... A 93,000-sf, $45 million Library and Resource Center broke ground in Fontana, Calif. The two-story facility will house a collection of more than 141,000 books and publications, 7,500 reference items, 143 media resources, and 198 periodical...

Secure consulate complex planned in Mumbai, India.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Washington, D.C.-based URS Corporation broke ground on the U.S. Consulate Complex in Mumbai, India. URS was selected by the U.S. Department of State to design and build the $81 million consulate project, expected to be completed in late 2008....

NEW hotel checks in to Boston's Waterfront.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Marriott International Corp. recently broke ground on a $145 million, 471-room hotel in South Boston's Waterfront District near the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is scheduled to open during the...

Famed Chinese hotel to get a facelift from award winner.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Minneapolis-based architecture firm Parker Durrant International (PDI) will oversee a $36 million renovation and expansion of the landmark Yellow Dragon Hotel in Hangzhou, China, as winner of an international design competition for the...

Medical device company HQ begins site work in Minnesota.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Developer Opus Northwest of Minneapolis broke ground on Phase 1 of a three-phase, 1.5 million-sf headquarters for Medtronic Inc.'s pacemaker, cardiac defibrillator, and other medical device businesses. Phase I of the new headquarters will be an...

$12 million rugby facility planned for West Point.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Baker Barrios Architects of Orlando, Fla., has completed designs for a rugby training facility at the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Baker Barrios is providing architectural and program management services for the 12,000-sf,...

Media center to speed up coverage at Texas speedway.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Larrison Construction of Fort Worth, Texas, has started construction on a new media center at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Stuckey Architects, of Weatherford, Texas, is the project architect. The broadcast center will be a...

Police facility being built on a former marine base.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... The Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy broke ground last month in Tustin, Calif., on 15 acres of a former Marine Corps base. The $20.6 million, 52,000-sf facility will include four 80-person classrooms and 38 offices. GKKworks of...

Design-build BMW service center going up in Virginia.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... Forrester Construction has been awarded the $12 million design-build contract for the BMW Service Center in Fairfax, Va. The 150,000-sf, three-level structure will have nearly 50 service bays and will be prepped for the addition of 40-50...

Clinic set for construction at Alabama Hospital Campus.(ON THE DRAWING BOARD)
January 1, 2006... The Simon-Williamson Clinic recently broke ground on a new clinic site in Birmingham, Ala. The 100,000-sf medical office building will be located on the campus of Princeton Baptist Hospital. Specialties offered at the new facility will include...

South and Midwest lead the factory spending spree.(INDUSTRY DATA)
January 1, 2006... With the help of a spending surge in late 2004, manufacturing construction spending increased 20.4% in 2005. But since December 2004, spending has been stalled at a $28 billion annual rate. Manufacturing construction spending is expected to...

Rocky road ahead for the healthcare sector?(INDUSTRY DATA)
January 1, 2006... Healthcare construction spending has increased 10% year to .date through October. Continued expansion at about the same pace is forecast through 2007, based on the 17% rise in healthcare construction starts so far in 2005. Healthcare...

Office project starts up 16% in Q3.(INDUSTRY DATA)
January 1, 2006... The national office vacancy rate fell to 17% in the third quarter from 17.2% in the prior quarter and 17.7% a year earlier, according to Property & Portfolio Research. The Boston-based real estate research and portfolio strategy firm expects...

Cost comparisons per square foot in select metro markets.(INDUSTRY DATA)
January 1, 2006... Cost comparisons per square foot in select metro markets Parking garage '06 '05 % chg. Atlanta 33.48 31.16 7.4 Baltimore 34.79 ...

The AEC industry is poised for an excellent '06.(INDUSTRY DATA)
January 1, 2006... The coming year is expected to be a strong one for the AEC industry, with firms working in the healthcare and higher education sectors primed for a particularly good 2006, according to consultant ZweigWhite. The firm compiled its 2006 AEC...

Hotel condos: a profitable new market opportunity: developers who add private condominiums to hotel projects find it easier to secure financing, and four-star hotel chains are cashing in on them.(MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT)(Cover Story)
January 1, 2006... A few years ago, developer Kathleen Webb wondered about the viability of a mixed-use project that her firm was planning in Arlington, Va. Webb, a principal at The JBG Companies, Chevy Chase, Md., says the property, located in the Rosslyn...

Condo crazy: as competition heats up in the condominium market, Building Teams rethink market-rate condo buildings to help developers win buyers over.(MULTIFAMILY HOUSING)
January 1, 2006... Stroll through the heart of virtually any major city in the U.S. and you'll see a slew of new condominium developments dotting the streetscape, from ultra-luxury high-rises to market-rate loft conversions. This explosion of new condo...

Window treatment: more than 12,000 sf of acrylic windows break down barriers between humankind and the 125,000-plus marine species at the new Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.(INTERIOR SOLUTIONS)
January 1, 2006... The recently opened Georgia Aquarium, said to be the largest such indoor facility in the world at 450,000 sf, was designed to evoke the image of a ship crashing through the ocean's waves--a wondrous addition to Atlanta's cultural,...

Slipping through the cracks: porous pavements are getting favorable reviews from the likes of Wal-Mart and Safeway, but you may have trouble finding a qualified installer.(BUILDING TECHNOLOGY)
January 1, 2006... Pavements occupy twice the surface area of buildings in the U.S. In urban watersheds they produce two-thirds of excess runoff and are responsible for essentially all the runoff pollution and temperature gain. By utilizing porous pavements,...

9 tips for watertight brick walls.(MOISTURE CONTROL SOLUTIONS)
January 1, 2006... When it comes to maintaining the durability of brick masonry wall systems, moisture control is perhaps the most crucial design consideration. Unwanted moisture can cause masonry to experience dimensional changes, metals to corrode, and...

CE survey underscores thirst for knowledge in professions.(CONTINUING EDUCATION)
January 1, 2006... "Continuing education in many professions is a proven means for ensuring that the profession remains current." So stated the American Institute of Architects in its 2003 report, "The Business of Architecture." For that very reason, the AIA...

3form architectural resin panels.(The Professional's Choice)
January 1, 2006... Composed of 40% post-industrial polyester resin, 3form panels can be formed into virtually any shape and size, and can be detailed using a variety of methods, including embossing, interlayers, und resin dyes. The panels can be used to create...

Elevators will scale the Comcast Center.(PRODUCTS AT WORK)
January 1, 2006... ThyssenKrupp Elevator is providing transportation in Philadelphia's newest and tallest skyscraper, the 57-story Comcast Center. The company will install 39 units in the new building, including 30 gearless elevators, seven hydraulic elevators,...

Fire-suppression fluid saves delicate data.(PRODUCTS AT WORK)
January 1, 2006... With a zero ozone-depletion potential and an atmospheric lifetime of just five days, 3M's Novec 1230 fire-suppression fluid is helping engineers and building specifiers meet halon replacement regulations. Novec 1230 fluid is a fluoroketone (a...

Portable chapel is almost entirely wood.(PRODUCTS AT WORK)
January 1, 2006... Made nearly entirely out of prefabricated plywood panels and other UPM wood products, this small, portable chapel can be easily transported to wherever a place of worship or sanctuary is needed. The facade is made of painted UPM WISA-SP...

Coating is built for offshore structures.(PRODUCTS AT WORK)
January 1, 2006... Minnesota-based Cortec has created a new coating system specifically for offshore and close-to-shore structures that are regularly exposed to harsh marine environments, such as the Gulf Coast. The CorrVerter system, which offers up to 10 times...

Tile survives Wilma.(PRODUCTS AT WORK)
January 1, 2006... Total Flooring Contractors of Coral Springs, Fla., finished a 27 -acre tile project in Palm Beach Gardens last November, despite Hurricane Wilma. The massive job (tile covered 65,000 sf in 12 buildings throughout the city) was only 90% complete...

Correction.(PRODUCTS AT WORK)(Correction Notice)
January 1, 2006... An item that appeared in this section last month on Alcan Composites' ACM panels incorrectly identified the Madison County Criminal Justice Center in Edwardsville, Ill., where the panels were installed. The panel product's fabricator, Universe...

Stairway to ... anywhere.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Stair system is designed to meet virtually any industrial need. Four tread surface options (diamond, grip, bar grating, and pan), several tread widths, and a variety of finishes are available. The stringers are constructed from 10- or 12-inch...

Blinding light.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Certified by Scientific Certification Systems as environmentally preferable products, Blaze and Blinding Light carpet lines are made with a high-luster yarn that catches the light to provide a sparkling look. Bentley Prince Street ...

Downlights for high places.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Prescolite's new six- and eight-inch aperture metal-halide fixtures are designed for commercial and institutional environments with high ceilings where lamp access is often difficult. The new downlights, which are part of the company's...

Textured indoor/ outdoor panels.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Foam Visions' Texture Plus high-impact interior/exterior wall panels are now available in a coral block interlock pattern. The textured coral block panels come in a muted, neutral coloration with a random brick and block surface pattern. The...

Bridging the light.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Architectural pendant light features two glass shades supported by a double bar system and decorative cabling that is designed to mirror the graceful lines of a suspension bridge. The glass shades are situated approximately 26 inches apart, and...

A Fascia for all types of roofing systems.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Perma-Tite Omni Fascia is designed for use with virtually any type of roofing systems, including built-up, modified-bitumen, and single-ply systems. The system has no exposed fasteners and follows NRCA's guidelines for raised-perimeter edge...

Faux wood flooring.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Flooring made from 100% vinyl provides the look of natural wood without the maintenance hassle associated with wood. Wood Naturals Solid Vinyl Tile is resistant to wear, indentations, delamination, and shrinking. Available in a variety of...

Penny round tile.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Unglazed porcelain tile resembles a collection of pennies neatly arranged in tile form. Available in 21 solid colors, Penny Round can be installed on floors, walls, and countertops, and around pools. The tile resists abrasion, chemicals, and...

Up with the light.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Indirect Linear Fluorescent light fixtures for schools, hospitals, and offices are available in four- and eight-foot lengths and with up to three lamps. The bottom face of the fixture can be solid or perforated to provide some downlighting. ...

Smoke detector.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Single-ended, reflected-type Beam Smoke Detectors have a protection coverage of up to 328 feet, making them ideal for open areas with high ceilings. The system is easy to install--alignment is accomplished using a built-in, two-digit signal...

Underlayment gets full exposure.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Polyglass's Polystick TU P is a new roofing underlayment designed to withstand exposure to the elements for up to 36 months. The APP rubberized asphalt waterproofing membrane has a glass fiber-reinforced polyester mat with a granulated surface...

Fighting fungi.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Anti-microbial Treatment available for all Astro Climaplus and Eclipse Climaplus ceiling panels provides resistance against fungi, mold, mildew, bacteria, yeast, and algae. Both ceiling panels have a 30-year warranty against mold and mildew and...

Why buy automatic doors?(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Well, because nearly 99% of consumers prefer automatic to manual doors, according to a recent study by the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers. Based on the results of the study, AAADM has published a brochure that offers 10...

Exotic wood collection.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Armstrong has added several "exotic wood" varieties to its Timberline and Standard Excelon commercial resilient flooring lines. Among the styles and colors added to the Timberline collection are deep, rich colors and wood visuals (e.g., bamboo...

Interlocking brick panels.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Texture wall panel for high-end retail applications features an interlocking design that allows for fast installation and results in random patterns. Coral Block adds subtle highlight and texture to both indoor and outdoor retail environments....

An easy way to hard wire doors.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... Ceco hollow metal doors are now available with a quick-connect feature that makes it easy to install electrified door hardware products, including hinges, locks, exit devices, magnetic holders, and strikes. ElectroLynx utilizes standard "plug...

Polish your Spanish with Lingo Guide.(EDITORS' PICKS)
January 1, 2006... In the U.S. construction industry, foreign-born Hispanics make up almost 20% of the workforce, according to the Pew Hispanic Center, Washington, D.C. Yet, most project managers and construction superintendents are not fluent in Spanish, leaving...

Vista UVShield.(PRODUCT & SERVICES DIGEST: windows and doors)
January 1, 2006... Vista UVShield window film reduces excessive solar heat gain, cuts glare, and virtually eliminates harmful UV rays (99.9%) reduction). It is professionally installed in the interior of glass and has a lifetime manufacturer's warranty on...

HeavenScape[TM] Premium Skylights.(PRODUCT & SERVICES DIGEST: windows and doors)
January 1, 2006... HeavenScape[TM] Premium Skylights feature easy, no-bracket installation, completely encapsulated weather stripping, bottom apron sealing strip, and extra-wide flashing to accommodate today's larger designer shingles. The skylight sits deeper in...

Roger Staubach: 'I want to represent the tenant'.(THOUGHT LEADERS)(Interview)
January 1, 2006... Roger T. Staubach is chairman and CEO of The Staubach Company, a real estate advisory firm based in Addison, Texas. The firm's 1,300 employees specialize in providing tenant services to such blue chip clients as Blockbuster Video, Blue Cross...