The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had increased in January, fell moderately in February. The index now stands at 78.1 (1985=100), down from 79.4 in January. The decline was driven by the Expectations Index, which dropped to 75.7 from 80.8. The Present Situation Index, by contrast, climbed from 77.3 to 81.7. Consumers’ appraisal of current conditions improved for the fourth consecutive month. Those claiming business conditions are “good” increased to 21.5% from 20.8%, while those claiming business conditions are “bad” declined to 22.6% from 23.4%. Consumers’ assessment of the labor market also improved. Those claiming jobs are “plentiful” increased
The value of new construction starts fell 13% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $485 billion, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. The downturn followed a healthy performance in December, which was the third highest month for total construction starts during 2013. January’s retreat encompassed all three main construction sectors, with moderate declines reported for nonresidential building and housing, as well as a more substantial loss of momentum for nonbuilding construction (public works and electric utilities) after a particularly robust December. On an unadjusted basis, total construction starts in January came in
Prices for materials used in construction and for nonresidential building construction both increased more than overall prices for “final demand” in January, according to a new analysis of retooled federal data on producer prices released by the Associated General Contractors of America. As a result, margins remain very tight for most construction firms even as private-sector demand for construction continues to grow. “Although contractors on average were able to raise bid prices in line with materials cost increases, the results varied widely by commodity, building type and specialty trade,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Several key construction materials,
After consecutive months of shrinking demand for design services, there was a modest uptick in the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) in January. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lead-time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the January ABI score was 50.4, up from a mark of 48.5 in December. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.5, down a bit from the reading of 59.2 the previous month.“There is
The $51-million upgrade and expansion of the 40-year-old University of Colorado Boulder Recreation Center has been a real workout for contractors, led by Centennial, Colo.-based Saunders Construction Inc. Crews gutted the original 235,242-sq-ft building on the Boulder campus and are replacing electrical and mechanical systems as well as adding 70,000 sq ft of new space. The project's mechanical upgrades include one of the most sophisticated, sustainable air-displacement systems ever used in a university rec center. Working as the project's general contractor, Saunders is building the project to net-zero LEED Platinum standards and says it expects to achieve the Platinum rating.
Who and what will you be watching across the industry this year? In this, the first 2014 issue of ENR Mountain States, we are launching a new feature called "Things to Watch." The use of the generic word "thing" is intentional because we are not limiting our choices to projects or companies or people—although those certainly will be included. We will also highlight trends, issues, industry milestones and even some cautionary tales. Related Links: CDOT Opens New I-70 Eastbound Twin Tunnel AIA Colorado Presents Young Architects Awards We're looking across the industry to see who is making an impact—an above-and-beyond
Tres Amigas and Broadview Energy recently announced agreements have been reached in a move designed to guarantee the viability of the project that backers hope will lead to the development and construction of up to 500 megawatts of wind energy generation in northeast New Mexico. Minneapolis-based NRS LLC is the manager/developer for Broadview Energy, with currently has about 2,000 megawatts in active development around the country, and a history of successful wind farm development, principally in Midwest and Western states.“Our associate, Robert Walker, has been working on acquiring the transmission path from New Mexico to California for several years,” said
The 13-story Art Deco Professional Building at Central Avenue and Monroe Street in the heart of downtown Phoenix has been sold to CSM Corporation and will be converted into a premium select-service hotel. Image courtesy CSM Corporation Rendering of the Professional Building at Central Avenue and Monroe Street in downtown Phoenix. The building originally opened in 1932, housing the offices for Valley Bank and Trust and the Maricopa County Medical Society above. It is traditional Art Deco style with strong vertical lines, a central tower with setback wings and windows, and decorative grills above the main entrance. at Monroe Street
The 2014 Jury of Fellows from the American Institute of Architects has elevated 139 AIA members to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession. Three members from Colorado were named as Fellows. The three—Nan Anderson, FAIA; Alan Ford, FAIA; and Mary Morissette, FAIA—will be honored at an investiture ceremony during the 2014 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Chicago, held from June 26 – 28. Nan Anderson, with Denver’s Anderson Hallas Architects PC, was nominated in AIA’s category one, for architects who promote the aesthetic, scientific and practical
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