Notably, Dodge foresees across-the-board increases in its three major construction categories, with the volume of non-residential starts forecast to increase by about $500 million to a total of $4.6 billion. Meanwhile, the residential sector is projected to see a boost of nearly $1 billion in 2026 starts, for an estimated total of $8.75 billion.

In its non-building category, Dodge sees nearly $2.3 billion in new starts for 2026, with “other public works” the lone declining category.

One of the largest and high-profile projects currently moving forward is the latest redevelopment of Orlando’s Camping World Stadium, with construction led by a team of Barton Malow Builders and AECOM Hunt, with DLR Group as the architect. Key stakeholders include the city of Orlando, City of Orlando Venues, Orange County and Florida Citrus Sports.

With this $400-million contract— which marks the largest investment in the stadium’s history—the redevelopment is intended to modernize the venue into a facility capable of accommodating college football playoff games and major concerts.

The project is expected to generate approximately 1,500 construction‑related jobs over its duration, with up to 400 workers on site during peak periods.

“This $400-million renovation represents a full‑scale modernization of a nearly 90‑year‑old stadium that has remained in continuous use,” says Len Moser, Barton Malow vice president.

During this contract, contractors will rebuild the east and west upper terrace levels and add upgraded concession and restroom facilities, a new north end zone tower with premium amenities, flexible south end zone seating for concerts and large events and improved gate entrances and vertical circulation.

Another notable stadium addition will be its new metallic exoskeleton, which the project team describes as also serving as “hurricane bracing, providing protection against Florida’s severe weather conditions.

The project’s website describes the exoskeleton feature as a “transformation [that] enhances the stadium’s structural integrity while presenting a contemporary and robust appearance.”

For the Barton Malow-AECOM Hunt team, “the primary challenge is executing that scale of transformation within an existing structure,” Moser says.

“Coordinating demolition, reconstruction and new systems inside an active venue require careful phasing, sequencing and collaboration, which the team is addressing through early coordination, detailed phasing plans, and close integration across all partners,” Moser adds.

The project’s goals are to “maximize [the] seating mix” to include a minimum of 65,000 seats, improve the stadium’s functionality, improve the upper seating bowls, elevate the fan experience and modernize and improve stadium systems.

Delivering such a project in an already-busy construction market is challenging. Moser says the project team is taking steps to address this critical issue.

“The Orlando market remains very active, so competition for skilled labor exists,” he says. “However, the size and duration of this project provide stability that is attractive to trade partners, and early workforce planning has been key to maintaining progress.”

Looking beyond this major project, Mosers says the greater Orlando area continues to provide additional opportunities for contractors.

“Central Florida continues to be a strong and active construction market,” he says, “particularly in sports and entertainment, hospitality, education and public infrastructure.

“There are still significant opportunities, especially for complex projects that require experienced teams and disciplined execution.”

Overall, Moser says, “Construction activity in Central Florida is expected to remain steady” due to continuing population growth, tourism investment and ongoing infrastructure modernization.

“The market will continue to reward projects that are well‑defined, properly funded and carefully executed, with an increasing focus on upgrading existing facilities rather than new ground‑up development,” Moser says.