Construction Bulletin articles from September 2005

Construction Bulletin archives from September 2005

Expanding Business Services.(adding winter services to landscaping buisness)
September 2, 2005... Staff Should you consider adding snow and ice removal services to your existing business offerings? Most contractors and landscapers in cold weather climates view the seasonality of the business as both a blessing and a curse. For more...

New Look For The Presidents.
September 2, 2005... Staff German company KEnrcher is performing restorative cleaning work on Mt. Rushmore as part of a culture-sponsoring project. KEnrcher, the German cleaning equipment manufacturer, is cooperating with the National Park Service to clean...

Surviving The Claim Game.
September 2, 2005... Staff Specialty trade contractors lose claims for additional money when extra work is required for two primary reasons. Both can be avoided with proper filing and documentation. This article is reprinted from the Third Quarter 2005...

Build Relationships.
September 2, 2005... Staff When It Comes to Government Snow Removal Contracts Are you considering applying for or currently in the process of applying for a government snow removal contract? Contracts may range from clearing lots and drives on government...

CINTEC Announces New Anchor System.(Blast Window Retention Anchor System)(Brief Article)
September 2, 2005... Staff CINTEC America, a company working in the field of structural masonry retrofit strengthening, repair and preservation, announced a new Blast Window Retention Anchor System that offers a customized solution for each application and...

IMT Demonstrates at ICUEE 2005.
September 2, 2005... Staff Iowa Mold Tooling Company Inc. will display the Dominator I and Dominator II field service vehicles at the International Construction and Utility Equipment Exposition in Louisville, Ky., Sept. 27 - 29, 2005. Demonstrations will...

AGC of Minnesota Awards Scholarships.
September 2, 2005... Staff Directors of the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota's Education Foundation announced the awarding of 14 scholarships totaling $17,250 for the 2005-2006 academic year. Scholarships were awarded to outstanding students with...

New Rubble Crusher.(rubble crushing plant, the KRH1515)(Brief Article)
September 2, 2005... Staff Grasan's largest road-portable rubble crushing plant, the KRH1515, is now available. The plant features the Hazemag APPH primary impact crusher with a fully automatic, hydraulic cylinder system, providing an increased crusher...

FCI Hosts Seminar.(Fire Control Instruments)(Brief Article)
September 2, 2005... Staff Fire Control Instruments, a part of Honeywell Fire Systems, announced a 16-city seminar series entitled "Meeting Survivability Code Requirements Using Integrated Mass Notification Technology," beginning in September. FCI, a provider...

APA Accepting Award Applications.
September 2, 2005... Staff The Asphalt Pavement Alliance is now accepting applications for the 2005 Perpetual Pavement Awards. The awards honor owners of hot-mix asphalt pavements which are at least 35 years old, have never had a structural failure, have been...

New Terex Finlay Jaw Crusher Plant.
September 2, 2005... Staff Terex Finlay announces the debut of its new compact J-1175 single-toggle jaw crusher. The new model is easily transported, quickly set up and maintains exceptional on-site mobility in a heavy-duty plant. The J-1175 is designed for...

Keep Your Cool.
September 9, 2005... By Brent Salverson, Caterpillar Inc. Maintaining an Air Conditioning System for Top Performance There was a time when air conditioning was considered a "nice-to-have" feature on heavy equipment. Not any more. These days if you don't...

Construction Resources.
September 9, 2005... Staff Here are some of the newest resources for construction industry information. Websites: AASHTO Launches Highway System Anniversary Website In preparation for the 50th anniversary of the Interstate Highway System in 2006,...

Raising The Bar On Safety.
September 9, 2005... By Marvin Sasser The safety director for a large contractor shares his insights on the value and implementation of an effective safety program. As corporate safety director for Hardin Construction, I have the awesome responsibility of...

Herc-U-Lift Receives Award.
September 9, 2005... Staff Ingersoll-Rand is proud to announce Herc-U-Lift as a 2004 Sales Excellence Award winner. This award has been presented to Herc-U-Lift because the dealer has best exemplified sales in the material handling equipment category for 2004....

2005 Perpetual Pavement Award Program.
September 9, 2005... Staff The Asphalt Pavement Alliance announces that applications are being accepted for the 2005 Perpetual Pavement Awards. The award honors owners of hot-mix asphalt pavements which are at least 35 years old, have never had a structural...

CIFA USA, Inc. Appointment.
September 9, 2005... Staff CIFA SpA of Milan, Italy, a worldwide leader in concrete management equipment is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Matteo Rolla to senior vice president of CIFA USA, Inc., headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

TCA Announces 2006 Awards Program.
September 9, 2005... Staff The Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA) -- a non-profit international organization that serves to expand and improve the use of tilt-up as the preferred construction method -- has announced the call for entries for the 2006 Tilt-Up...

AGC Scores Highway Bill Victories.
September 9, 2005... Staff The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) applauded the House and Senate Conferees for their agreement on the long-awaited Transportation Equity Act--Legacy for Users (TEA--LU), legislation that will authorize investing...

JCB Announces Acquisition.
September 9, 2005... Staff JCB, the global manufacturer of construction equipment, has announced the acquisition of German-based Vibromax Compaction Equipment GmbH. The company will be known as JCB Vibromax and will be managed as part of the JCB Group with...

New Fargo Library.(Civic Center parking lot for a new downtown library )(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Fargo, N.D.-- The Library Building Committee recommended using part of the Civic Center parking lot for a new downtown library last month. The committee voted to recommend the site to the Library Board and City Commission, stating...

Mixed-Use Stadium Site.
September 16, 2005... Staff Minnesota Vikings owner Zygi Wilf remains actively interested in a proposed mixed-use stadium site which would be built on 740 acres in Blaine, Minn. The site would be anchored by a new football stadium, but would also include...

Revitalizing Downtown Austin.
September 16, 2005... Staff A project is under way to revitalize downtown Austin, Minn., while emphasizing arts and entertainment. Ideas for the block of Fourth Avenue Northeast, home of the project's central focus, the Paramount Theatre, include an art...

Possible New Stadium.
September 16, 2005... Staff A local referendum in Rochester, Minn., could approve a proposed $6-million multisport domed stadium at the University Center Rochester. The proposal is now under consideration by the city council. Post-Bulletin, 7/12/05

Increasing Minnesota Development.
September 16, 2005... Staff More than a half-dozen major mining and mill projects are currently being planned for Northeastern Minnesota. Proposed projects by local companies include: PolyMet -- mining copper and other minerals near Babbitt and processing...

Location Controversy for Proposed School.(Farmington City Council high school)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff The Farmington City Council delayed action on a proposal to amend plans for a 2,000-student high school in Farmington, Minn., last month. The original proposal stated the school would be built on 110 acres of farmland off Flagstaff...

New Lodge.(at Inver Grove Heights)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Inver Grove Heights, Minn.-- Plans are under way to build a new lodge after Moose Lodge 1088 burned down early July 4. The new one-level structure will be smaller, of prefabricated steel, and is to be built on the same site in the...

Proposed New Car Dealership.
September 16, 2005... Staff Brad Skytta expressed interest last month in developing a 7-acre piece of property flanking Miller Creek in Hermantown. Before development for the proposed car dealership can be considered, however, all wetlands on the site must be...

Disapproval for Coal Plant.
September 16, 2005... Staff Environmentalists and the state of Illinois expressed their disapproval last month for a proposed $2.15-billion expansion of a 1950s-era power plant 80 miles north of Chicago in Oak Creek, Wis. An expanded plant would produce...

Senior Housing Development.
September 16, 2005... Staff The St. Paul-based architectural firm WAI Continuum has been named to plan and design the senior housing project for the Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society. The project, located in Inver Grove Heights, will contain 40 one-...

North American Bear Center.(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Ground may break on the North American Bear Center half a mile west of Ely along Highway 169 later this month. The $1.2-million center will boast exhibits and a 2-acre bear enclosure that will house two bears. The proposed center...

School Renovations in Fargo.
September 16, 2005... Staff Oak Grove Lutheran School of Fargo, N.D., is building a new elementary school slated to open this fall. The new school will house kindergarten through fifth grade in the former Sullivan Middle School building, 2710 32nd Ave. S. Some...

New Retail Development.(Solomon Real Estate Group Inc. at Yankee Doodle Road and Town Centre Drive)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Solomon Real Estate Group Inc., an Eden Prairie-based firm, acquired 10 acres for development in Eagan, Minn., at Yankee Doodle Road and Town Centre Drive. The firm will tear down the Red Robin restaurant and Mann Theatre currently...

Revised Housing Plan.
September 16, 2005... Staff Minneapolis, Minn.-- David Bernard Builders and Developers, a division of Roseville-based Rottlund Co., revised its original plan for a new housing project near the Guthrie Theatre. Revisions were approved by the Minneapolis City...

New Dealership in Duluth.
September 16, 2005... Staff Duluth, Minn.-- Krenzen Auto Mall has plans to build a stand-alone Honda showroom and lot south of its existing dealership at the intersection of Mall Drive and Haines Road in Duluth Heights. The 3-1/2-acre site proposed for...

Controversy on Clough Island.(Superior City Council's planned development district )(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff The Superior City Council is considering adopting a planned development district on Clough Island in Minnesota, though many locals are not in favor of the zoning change which would allow Progress Land Co. of Savage, Minn., to begin...

Contributing Development Ideas in Duluth.(real estate)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff The city of Duluth, Minn., held a brainstorming session, known as a charrette, last month. The session was open to the public and promoted citizens generating ideas for future development of East Downtown and Central Hillside....

School District Seeks Repairs.(Rocori school)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Cold Spring, Minn.-- Rocori school board members are considering whether to ask voters for $360,000 in November to make building repairs in the district. Repairs would include roof work, asphalt repair and window caulking. Rocori put...

Condominiums Get Go-Ahead.
September 16, 2005... Staff Duluth Board of Zoning Appeals agreed to loosen its setback requirements last month on a 30-unit condominium and apartment building at 6030 E. Superior St. The board will now allow would-be developers to build right up to the front...

New Branch for Mayo Credit Union.
September 16, 2005... Staff The Mayo Clinic Employees Credit Union is building a new branch in northwest Rochester on the southeast corner of 41st Street Northwest and Olmsted County Road 22. A groundbreaking ceremony for the 4,800-square-foot building was held...

Developer Reconsiders Site.
September 16, 2005... Staff Rochester, Minn.-- City officials want local builder Joe Weis, developer of a proposed five-story apartment building with affordable rent downtown, to put his plans on hold and reconsider the project's location. Weis' $8-million...

Bonding Bill Funds Renovations.(University of Minnesota genomics research )(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Rochester, Minn.-- An $866-million bonding bill will provide a $21.7-million state investment in the Mayo Clinic-University of Minnesota genomics research partnership. The money will pay for construction of a research center in...

New Kwik Trips.(new facility )(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Kwik Trip has plans to build its 10th Rochester, Minn., convenience store and gas station along Second Street Southwest, in front of Shorewood Senior Apartments. The building will be a 5,000-square-foot brick structure, featuring...

New Housing Development in Duluth.
September 16, 2005... Staff Duluth, Minn.-- The St. Louis County Board agreed to sell 77 acres of tax-forfeited land to the Duluth Economic Development Authority for development by the Trinity Development Group last month. Dan and Ted Stocke plan to build 70...

New Apartments in Duluth.
September 16, 2005... Staff A&L Downtown Housing LLC of Duluth, Minn., intends to have 30 to 33 studio apartments ready for occupancy inside the renovated Bridgeman-Russell building at 10-14 W. Fist St. by February 2006, however the developer does not...

Permit Delays Slow Projects.(Minnesota Department of Transportation stops issue of permit partially )(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff A partial state shutdown last month caused the Minnesota Department of Transportation to stop issuing new oversized-load permits to truckers and a number of highway rest areas to close. According to the American Trucking Association,...

New Music Center in Minneapolis.
September 16, 2005... Staff School officials unveiled plans last month to move the MacPhail Center for Music from downtown Minneapolis to a new location near the Mill City Museum and the Mississippi River. The new MacPhail will house an acoustically designed...

New Library.(Ramsey County)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Commissioners approved the site purchase last month for a new library in Ramsey County, Minn. The $8-million project will be built just west of Maplewood Mall on vacant land south of Interstate 694 in the new Legacy Village...

Lowe's Comes to Hibbing.
September 16, 2005... Staff The Hibbing, Minn., City Council approved the Memorandum of Agreement of construction of Lowe's Home Center at a special meeting in June. According to Lowe's officials, the intent of construction was to have bids for contracts for...

Major Health Care Facility Renovations.
September 16, 2005... Staff Five health care construction projects totaling nearly $100 million are ongoing or planned for completion during the next two years on Minnesota's Iron Range. The IRR Board awarded $750,000 in grants last month that will aid medical...

New 911 Facility.(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff The St. Paul City Council approved a pair of joint powers agreements last month to combine the 911 answering center and public safety dispatch operations for the city and most of its suburbs. The combined facility will be built at...

New Factory in Pipestone.(Suzlon Wind Energy)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Suzlon Wind Energy, an India-based wind turbine manufacturer, may build a factory to manufacture rotors in Pipestone, Minn., approximately 200 miles southwest of St. Paul. If the company finalizes its decision to build in the town,...

New Luxury Housing.
September 16, 2005... Staff Opus Corp., a Minnetonka-based commercial developer, will build a luxury housing development of condominiums and twin homes in Mendota Heights. Construction is to begin later this year on The Summit's 48 condos and 62 twin homes,...

New Water Treatment Plant.
September 16, 2005... Staff Minnesota lawmakers agreed to contribute $3 million last month toward a proposed $12-million water treatment plant on the Edward Kraemer and Sons Mining Quarry west of Interstate 35W. The proposed treatment plant would allow...

Medtronic Plans New Facility.(headquarters)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Medtronic, a Fridley, Minn.-based company, plans to buy property and break ground this fall on a $65-million headquarters facility. The future site of the 82,000-square-foot building is presently a 72-acre city-owned golf course....

New Development in Blaine.(Edina Development Corp.)(Brief Article)
September 16, 2005... Staff Blaine, Minn.-- Edina Development Corp. may soon demolish the 79-year-old Finn Farm Barn. Edina Development President Rick Lewandowski stated the cost of restoring the barn and providing land on a 3-acre park around it could be as...

Weather Challenges Mathiowetz On Highway 14.
September 16, 2005... By Richard Rybka, Topcon The major challenge of this project has been keeping the moisture content of the road subgrade within an acceptable range. "Since we started this spring, we've never worked more than three consecutive days...

Granite City Rental Does It All With Thawzall.
September 23, 2005... Staff In addition to blanket sales, training and rental of Thawzall equipment, GCR's Ground Frost Removal Division provides turnkey services for general, concrete and excavating contractors. "Minnesota Invention Makes Winter...

Hard Surfacing.
September 30, 2005... By Chris Monroe, Application Technician, CWI/CWE, Hobart Brothers Basic Considerations for Choosing the Right Alloy By definition, hard surfacing "is the deposition of a special alloy material on a metallic part, by various welding...