Trumbull, Conn.-based COWI USA, Inc. has been selected as the prime consultant for the first phase of constructing an ocean-based anemometer tower, part of the Palmetto Wind Research Project and a key step in researching the viability of a proposed offshore wind farm. COWI USA will lead a team in helping Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, select the appropriate anemometry equipment, platform, and foundation for an offshore meteorological tower. Phase one of the project also includes an alternative analysis and concept design for the wind data collection system. The design will consider cost, bankability of data,
Work has stopped on 515 formerly active construction sites throughout New York City�s five boroughs, according to a New York Building Congress analysis. Inspection records for the New York City Dept.. of Buildings inspection record showed that as of November 29 the number dropped slightly from the beginning of the month, when 531 stalled projects were reported. This reverses a trend in which the number of stalled building projects was accelerating. The DOB first began tracking stalled sites back in July. While no breakdown of building type is available, almost all of the stalled projects are residential developments. In July,
Designs for Red Hook Green, New York City�s first sustainable, zero-energy, live/work building is scheduled to break ground in February 2010. Rendering courtesy of Garrison Architects The design of Red Hook Green is inspired by shipping containers and is made up of modular units that are stacked and shifted to create a variety of terraces and angles. Red Hook Green is the brain-child of New York technology and media entrepreneur, Jay Amato and is expected to become one of the most distinctive architectural additions to the up-and-coming Red Hook section of Brooklyn. The 4,000-sq-ft Red Hook Green will be able
Several large public projects will continue to move forward in 2010, but with the economy still troubled and financial markets unyielding, private jobs are few. Yet they create opportunities for some firms as the industry right-sizes and moves forward. “The name of the game for 2010 and beyond is to make sure you are well diversified in different product types,” says Pat Di Filippo, executive vice president of Turner Construction Co. in New York, who adds that his firm has a lot of work under way and in the pipeline, even though overall, there has been a dramatic drop in
American Infrastructure of Worcester, Pa., was the first firm to win a stimulus project in the state, but Mark Compton, director of government affairs at American Infrastructure, says there are “deep concerns” about the program going forward. Prior to the stimulus, the state announced the deferral of $1.1 billion in projects in MDOT’s six-year program and subsequent cuts have been made throughout the year. The joint venture of Bradley Enterprises and Nason Construction was awarded a $22-million, design-build contract on the Non-Medical Chemical Biological Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. In addition, the federal highway bill hasn’t been reauthorized, which
The U.S. Green Building Council has made changes to its well-known Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. These changes respond to historical questions relating to energy performance of LEED certified projects. They not only contains hints of where the LEED program may be heading in the future, but also an indication of potential areas of growing legal risk and exposure. LEED 3.0 Changes In June 2009, USGBC went live with its LEED 3.0 for New Construction. LEED 3.0 generally reflects a growing focus on carbon footprint related issues. The new LEED 3.0 contains a revamped credit point system, which
The $15.89-million Solomon G. Brown Corps Center in Washington, D.C., provides the Salvation Army a place of worship and space in which to deliver community extension services, including day-care, workforce training and wellness programs. Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards WCS Construction of Washington broke ground on the 74,049-sq-ft, five-story building in January 2006. At certain times of the year, the ground water topped the ground slab in the building. To fight that condition, the team designed an innovative bentonite clay-lined foundation liner, effectively sealing the subgrade of the building and walls from the interior of the project.
The Takoma Park Library renovation team went to great lengths to restore the original architecture of this 1911, Carnegie-funded building while creating a modern library. Using the design-build delivery method, crews were able to deliver the $2 million restored library project one month ahead of schedule. Photo Courtesy of Kenneth M. Wyner Photography Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards Historic records were examined and a master woodcarver hired to create woodwork and furniture that matches the originals. Crews uncovered a skylight hidden by a painted ceiling. The entire library was restored, including the plaster, wood, window glass, exterior
The $175 million, 46-story The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton in Philadelphia combines legendary Ritz-Carlton amenities with carefree Center City living. Photo Courtesy of Al Fazzini Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards L.F. Driscoll Co., Bala Cynwyd, Pa., broke ground on the 628,000-sq-ft, 289-unit tower in May 2006. The lower structure was intertwined with 49 transfer girders, weighing 733 tons and traditional steel framing, with reinforced concrete beam and slab construction through the third floor. The company used a German automatic-climbing forming system for the concrete placement. It featured a perimeter protection barrier, enclosing the entire working deck, which
A demanding construction schedule and creative design solutions allowed the $50 million renovation and expansion of Tyser Tower at the University of Maryland’s Byrd Stadium to be completed a year early, in time for the fall 2009 football season. Photo Courtesy of Clark Construction Group, LLC Related Links: Mid-Atlantic Construction�s Best of 2009 Awards The scope of work called for a 66,000-sq-ft addition to the original 33,000-sq-ft football stadium pressbox and seating facility and the complete renovation of the existing space. The owner selected the construction manager, Clark Construction, early in the design process. Soon after joining the team, Clark
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