It takes time and skill to weave authentic Native American baskets. But when those baskets are made of a few hundred tons of concrete and steel, and are being constructed next to a busy freeway, the task can be tricky. “Working around traffic has been a big challenge on this project because of site constraints and safety,” says Gary Baker, director of construction for the Foothill Extension Construction Authority, the entity in charge of the project.Located along the 210 Freeway in Arcadia, about 10 miles northeast of Los Angeles, the “baskets” are actually columns supporting the $18.6-million “Gateway to the
The new $73.5-million bus facility for Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation is not an average garage. Built to achieve LEED Gold certification, the 442,265-sq-ft project will stack the vehicles in a state-of-the art three-story building. Courtesy of RNL Design Built to achieve LEED Gold certification, the 442,265-sq-ft project will stack the vehicles in a state-of-the art three-story building. “An interesting aspect is that this is a multi-level structure for buses which you don’t see too often,” says Aaron Kelly, project director with RNL Design, Los Angeles. “These projects are usually a large, flat surface lot that all the facility is parked
A new Solar Energy Research Center (SERC) in Berkeley aims not only to create green energy through artificial photosynthesis technology; it is designed to operate sustainably, shooting for a LEED Gold Rating. Courtesy of SmithGroup JJR Located on the campus of UC Berkeley, the $54-million SERC building broke ground October 19 and will become part of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “This is a very high-tech project and the science on it is super exciting,” says Suzanne Napier, principal in charge for SmithGroup JJR, San Francisco, the project’s designer.Located on the campus of UC Berkeley, the $54-million SERC building broke
Construction has begun on Phase II of the Presidio Parkway Project in the heart of San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The $1.4 billion endeavor is the first public-private partnership transportation project delivered in California under the state’s recently enacted PPP statute. Related Links: Project Page for Presidio Parkway Construction involves the replacement of out-dated Doyle Drive with a new, state-of-the-art roadway. "This world-class project will not only improve earthquake safety, it will also support jobs and preserve the natural, cultural, and recreational resources of the Presidio," Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty said in a statement.Built in 1936, Doyle Drive was
From airfield to horse racetrack to transit station, Bay Meadows has brought variety and history to Northern California. And now with the groundbreaking of two large townhome projects developed by Wilson Meany, the famous plot of land in San Mateo is helping spur resurgence in the housing market. “These 156 townhomes along with two parks will be a fantastic start to the community,” says Kim Havens, Wilson Meany project director. “They will provide much needed inventory to a market with very little new housing supply.The projects, which broke ground this month, are Landsdowne, a 93-unit enclave by Shea Homes, and
Joseph Hernandez has been hired as Reno Contracting's chief estimator. Hernandez, an industry veteran with 30 years of experience, has worked in all levels of estimating—from conceptual through final estimate—for complex construction projects as well as in pre-construction services, value engineering and project management. His responsibilities at Reno also will include performing and reviewing detailed takeoffs, life-cycle cost analysis, conceptual and hard-bid estimates, procurement and materials selection. Hernandez previously held senior estimator positions with construction companies PCL and Roel in San Diego. Most recently, he was an estimating consultant for Diego Construction Management. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record
A new government center facility in Vacaville was dedicated last month and named in honor of former county supervisor and Vacaville mayor William J. Carroll, the first Solano County building named in honor of an individual. Photo courtesy of Turner Construction The new William J. Carroll government center. Carroll contributed 36 years of public service and was an active supporter of health care. The 38,864-sq-ft facility features a public health clinic; a dental clinic; employment and eligibility services; mental health services; women, infants and children services; special inspection bureau; substance abuse services; public health nurse; child welfare services; and older
When the Exploratorium science museum in San Francisco relocates next spring to a new $220-million waterside home, visitors no doubt will marvel first at the spectacular views of San Francisco Bay from the building's perch on Piers 15 and 17. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record But even at second glance, museumgoers probably won't spot another important aspect of the new facility: a network of heating, cooling, water-use and other systems that the building team hopes will achieve its goal of net-zero energy use—a lofty target for a major museum.Visitors surely won't see a third key component of the
Though specialty contractor firms in California and across the nation have been buffeted by severe market and financial pressures, Cupertino Electric Inc. (CEI) is expanding.
After weathering several years of revenue declines, staff cutbacks and shrinking margins, California specialty contractors say they are finally seeing rays of hope, especially in some regions along the coast.
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