The Colorado Dept. of Transportation recently completed inspections of the 491 bridges on the state highway system that were potentially damaged by recent flooding in northern and northeastern Colorado. Of the 491 bridges, 120 were determined to be stable but in need of repair. The remaining 291 are currently open with no need for repairs. After further inspection, some bridges were reported to have “notable damage,” but none were in need of replacement.“Early in the flooding it had initially appeared as though some of the bridges may have been destroyed when viewed by aerial photography,” said CDOT State Bridge Engineer Josh Laipply. “Once
New construction starts in September advanced 13% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $556 billion, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. Nonresidential building bounced back after losing momentum in August, and the nonbuilding construction sector was lifted by the start of several large power plants, which ran counter to the sharply downward trend for electric utilities that’s been present during 2013. For the first nine months of 2013, total construction starts on an unadjusted basis were reported at $379.3 billion, up 2% from the same period a year ago. If electric utilities were excluded
Showing a steady increase in the demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index continues to accelerate, as it reached its second highest level of the year. 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 September ABI score was 54.3, up from a mark of 53.8 in August. This score reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.6, down from the reading of 63.0
Gov. John Hickenlooper and Colorado Dept. of Transportation Executive Director Don Hunt announced 44 partnership projects on Oct. 17 as part of the state’s Responsible Acceleration of Maintenance and Partnerships (RAMP) program. The projects total $580 million to expand the statewide transportation system. The RAMP program was created in December 2012 as a new approach to budgeting and planning to accelerate completion of transportation projects. “The innovative RAMP program will allow us to make critical improvements to our state’s transportation system,” Hickenlooper said. “These transportation improvements will increase the safety and access of our roadways. Also, these projects will boost
The 600,000-sq-ft Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center is a timeless addition to the exquisite architecture that defines Denver's Civic Center Park. The center's architecture complements the classical buildings surrounding it yet remains very much a current statement. The court complex is open to the public and offers a rich collection of public artwork along with a learning center that educates visitors about judicial functions. Photo courtesy of Fentress Architects The judicial center is situated along the perimeter of the historic Civic Center Park adjacent to the State Capitol. Photo courtesy of Fentress Architects A four-story glass atrium serves as
Software company Adobe Systems Inc. wanted to provide offices and amenities for its growing work force. The design of its new campus supports the company's culture of diversity, collaboration, sustainability, hard work and active lifestyles, says the submitter. Offices and conference rooms mesh with basketball courts, exercise rooms and cafes to encourage a sense of community. The layout had to provide easy access for all employees to campus amenities. Photo by Tim Griffith The campus has become a regional architectural icon, enhancing the architectural landscape of exurban Salt Lake City. Photo by Tim Griffith The campus design supports Adobe's culture
The $112-million Sand Creek Byway was the largest single contract in Idaho Transportation Dept. history. The 2.1-mile project realigned a segment of U.S. 95 that bypasses Sandpoint in northern Idaho. Photo courtesy of Parsons RCI Inc. The 2.1-mile project realigned a segment of U.S. 95 that bypasses Sandpoint in northern Idaho. Related Links: Stimulus Money Fuels Highway Projects in Eastern Idaho New Report Card Hard on Idaho Infrastruture The project was constructed adjacent to an existing historic railway depot, several operating commercial buildings and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. Sensitive environments nearby include Sand Creek, Lake Pend Oreille, bald
The 26,500-sq-ft Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center just north of the Wyoming-Colorado border is a model of energy efficiency and highly sustainable design. Photo courtesy of The RMH Group The building uses renewable energy such as wind and solar to generate its power. Photo courtesy of The RMH Group Extensive daylighting strategies also reduce electrical demand. Related Links: New Southeast Wyoming Welcome Center Opens Green Building Growing Rapidly in Hotel and Retail Sectors The mechanical and electrical systems were designed to limit energy demand while maximizing the use of onsite resources. Extensive daylighting strategies reduce electrical demand, and renewable-energy power sources
Galileo's Pavilion at Johnson County Community College is an inspired learning space that also serves as an information center for the campus and the community. The facade of the LEED-Platinum-designed pavilion is clad in recycled slate chalkboard panels and large glass panels reclaimed from an unfinished building project. A glass louver system, highly insulated glass curtain walls, operable windows and skylights, and the thermal mass of the concrete floors manage the sun's heat and prevailing winds for passive heating, cooling and daylighting. Other green features include rainwater harvesting and green roof trays, solar panels and a wind turbine. Photo courtesy
Swire Coca-Cola USA, which touts itself as the third-largest independent bottler in the U.S., expanded its 402,577-sq-ft headquarters in Draper, Utah, to keep up with its fast-paced growth over the last few years and allow for future expansion. Additions were made to office, warehousing and distribution space. Related Links: Yesco Corporate Office and Manufacturing Facility MSC Aerospace to Expand Operations The expansion evolved on all four sides of the facility, coordinating new elements with the old. Materials such as masonry, brick, paint and flooring were procured to match the existing building. Many functions of the old building were expanded and
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