Turner predicts 1,000 jobs will follow its $153-million San Diego Main Library project, which broke ground last year. Scheduled for completion in summer 2013 and seeking a LEED Silver rating, the library project consists of nine stories and 295,000 sq ft plus a 350-seat auditorium and two floors of a charter high school.

Meanwhile, contractors say they still are experiencing the effects of increased bid competition, a result of the depressed economy. Winning contracts now is based on promoting company strengths, says McCarthy's Henry. “We continue to invest heavily in developing strengths and skills in managing the preconstruction side of our business, especially as it relates to implementing [building information modeling] and alternative deliveries that include design-build and design-assist with the major subcontractors on a project,” he says.

Henry adds that the finer details of the construction side of a project bring “significant value to the overall budget management process, where there are no surprises in times when contingencies are being reduced to very tight levels during even the early stages of the design process.”

Airport projects have been a California bright spot in the past year, at such sites as John Wayne Airport in Orange County, as well as San Francisco, Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland, Sacramento and San Diego.

McCarthy plans an end-of-year completion on the $102-million new Terminal C project at John Wayne. As general contractor, McCarthy is building a new 280,000-sq ft, three-level terminal with six bridged gates just south of the existing terminal complex.

The project also includes upgrades and renovations to the existing Terminals A and B. Gensler is architect/engineer on the project. The team also includes Parsons as program manager, Arcadis/Pinnacle One as construction manager, Jacobs as civil/mechanical-electrical-plumbing engineer and IDS Group as the structural engineer.

Turner recently completed the renovation of Terminal 2 at San Francisco International and terminal expansion and renovation projects at Oakland International. The company also is overseeing a terminal modernization at Sacramento International.

PCL's San Diego International Terminal 2 work includes expanding the facility to three stories and adding 19 boarding gates. A revamped roadway system on the airport's west side is another element.

Flatiron, ranked No. 11 this year, is involved in a $96-million taxi-lane improvement project at LAX, including paving and underground utilities.

LAX's major facilities project is the $1.5-billion Bradley West international terminal expansion, slated to be completed in 2013. It includes adding 18 boarding gates, dual passenger-loading bridges, a great hall for dining and shopping and upgraded customs and immigration areas. The general contractor is Walsh-Austin Joint Venture.

McCarthy's Henry says metals and construction materials derived from petroleum are starting to show price increases ahead of rising demand. He says that will “place more pressure on owners to get projects started while pricing levels are still low.” Henry adds, “That will help break loose some work for those who have shovel-ready projects but are waiting for the right time to jump back in the market with their products.”

California will continue to be a land of “innovation,” Henry says, “and a breeding ground for entrepreneurs in the markets of the future, such as technology, biosciences, health care and future means of transportation.” If that innovation pays off, it could mean more projects for construction companies down the road.