Texas & Louisiana City Scoop: Construction Starts in Oklahoma City
Total Construction Spending Expected to Sink 8% in 2020 After Rising 5% in 2019
Non-building and non-residential sectors to fall 17% and 13%, respectively, while residential work remains unchanged.
City Grill
Doug Combes
Executive Vice President
Chamberlin Roofing & Waterproofing
Combes expects to see a rise in the medical and industrial sectors in Oklahoma as well as new data centers and distribution centers. Oklahoma City will continue its revitalization with renovations in the downtown area, he adds.
“Developers are investing in tracts of land in Oklahoma City suburbs for extensive mixed-use developments to include residential, retail, restaurants and more,” Combes says.
The hospitality market has been significant in Oklahoma as well, specifically large-scale hotels and casinos. “This year, a $500-million expansion at the Choctaw Casino in Durant will add 1,000 hotel rooms and provide 1,000 more jobs for the city,” Combes says.
The labor market has proven to be tight over the last several years with no significant improvement anticipated in the near future. “Chamberlin has in-house craft and safety training and certifications that help improve employee retention,” he says. “Also, utilizing industry associations and other programs to teach about careers in construction will help spread awareness.”
