Construction is brisk in Texas and Louisiana. The region posted big increases for project starts in all sectors, particularly in energy, transportation and water infrastructure. The top 25 projects of 2014 totaled $28.9 billion, more than double the previous year's $12.5 billion.
"The market is robust, and there are a lot of opportunities in all segments, including mixed-use," says Jack Baxley, president and CEO of Dallas-Fort Worth-based TEXO, a commercial trade association of 1,400 general contractors, specialty contractors and suppliers in northern and eastern Texas.