As profit margins shrink, savvy owners and construction firms are harnessing technology to match sites with their intended uses before acquiring the land. Using a type of 3D modeling software known as macro BIM [building information modeling], which produces real-time cost estimates, estimators can practice site “optioneering” to quickly evaluate the merits and costs of alternative designs. For years, developers have relied on historic square-foot averages to predict land development costs. Unanticipated site problems could substantially inflate a project’s price tag. Preconstruction pros on the developer’s side are starting to recognize that the wrong site can be fatal to a
The amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials held steady in September but climbed 8.1% from the year-earlier level, according to an analysis of producer price index figures released last week by the Associated General Contractors of America. Meanwhile, the price contractors charge for new nonresidential building construction edged up only 2% to 3% over 12 months, depending on building type. “Feeble demand for construction is forcing contractors to absorb the bulk of materials price hikes, instead of passing them along to owners,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “This pattern has persisted for more than
A new public opinion poll recently released by Denver’s Regional Transportation District shows that seven years into RTD’s multi-billion dollar FasTracks transit expansion program, 80% of metro-area residents say that approving FasTracks funding in 2004 was a good decision. Not surprisingly, jobs, employment and the economy continue to be seen as the top issues facing the Denver metro area, cited by 47% of survey participants. However, when asked to identify the most important benefits specific to FasTracks, the top three responses were:• Reducing traffic congestion – 26%• Providing more choice to get to and from places throughout the region –
Montage Deer Valley is a new LEED-Silver, first-class luxury resort constructed on 16 acres at the Deer Valley Ski Resort in Park City, Utah. It combines deluxe guestrooms and suites with private residences ranging from one to four bedrooms that feature fireplaces and expansive views of the majestic Wasatch Range. Photo courtesy of Layton Construction The resort combines deluxe guestrooms and suites with private residences ranging from one to four bedrooms that feature fireplaces and expansive views of the Wasatch Range. Photo courtesy of Layton Construction Montage Deer Valley is a first-class luxury resort constructed on 16 acres at the
Planning/DesignColorado The U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs is seeking a site to build a new 200-acre VA national cemetery in the Colorado Springs area, with land acquired either through purchase or donation. The site must be within El Paso County and have unencumbered water rights and infrastructure already in place for immediate access and availability. VA anticipates an initial water demand of 120 acre ft per year, with a future increase up to 350 acre ft per year. U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Kelli Witt, 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C., 20420-0001. DR# 11-605243. IdahoDesign is under way for upgrades
SnapShot October 31, 2011 Submitted By: Jackie ShumakerJackie Shumaker Photography Denver Denver’s Sema Construction upgrades the Union Pacific Railroad Arvada Double Track. Construction photographer Jackie Shumaker used a Canon EOS-1D Mark II N with a Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 USM lens set at f/8, 1/250 sec. and ISO 200. “The scene reminded me of a time gone by,” Shumaker says. “I chose black and white to emphasize the romance of the railroads and the workers, past and present, who build them.” Photographer: Jackie Shumaker
Denver Water has hired Julie Anderson as director of customer relations and Sally Covington as director of public affairs. Anderson joined Denver Water as manager of customer care in 2008. Before that she was group manager of consumer affairs at Molson Coors Brewing Co., where she oversaw all North American contact center operations from 2001 to 2008. Covington joins Denver Water from Denver International Airport, where she worked for 11 years, most recently as deputy manager of aviation marketing and government affairs. Her expertise is in local, national and international media relations; marketing; public relations; and government affairs. Steve Parkerof
On The Scene October 31, 2011 Bill Ritter Former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter spoke at the unveiling of the dedication stone for the new History Colorado Center in Denver on Oct. 7. The ceremony marked the end of a two-year construction period for the $110.8-million museum. Other officials in attendance were, from left, Gov. John Hickenlooper; Lieutenant Gov. Joe Garcia; David Tryba,principal at Denver’s Tryba Architects; Bill Mosher,principal and area director for project manager Trammell Crow Co.; Jerry Morgensen, chairman emeritus at Greeley, Colo.-based Hensel Phelps Construction Co.; and Ed Nichols, president and CEO of History Colorado. Photo Courtesy Of
Nov. 4, 2011 Courtesy of History Colorado Former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter spoke at the unveiling of the dedication stone for the new History Colorado Center in Denver on Oct. 7. The ceremony marked the end of a two-year construction period for the $110.8-million museum. Other officials in attendance were, from left, Gov. John Hickenlooper; Lieutenant Gov. Joe Garcia; David Tryba,principal at Denvers Tryba Architects; Bill Mosher,principal and area director for project manager Trammell Crow Co.; Jerry Morgensen, chairman emeritus at Greeley, Colo.-based Hensel Phelps Construction Co.; and Ed Nichols, president and CEO of History Colorado. Photo courtesy of City
Boulder’s Casey Middle School is one of the most sustainable new schools in the state. Courtesy of Saunders Construction Boulder's 107,000-sq-ft Casey Middle School features geothermal and solar power, a zero-waste cafeteria, ample use of recycled materials and a salvaged partial faade from the original school. Designed by RB+B Architects, Fort Collins, Colo., and constructed by Saunders Construction, Centennial, Colo., the 107,000-sq-ft facility features geothermal and solar power, a zero-waste cafeteria, ample use of recycled materials and a salvaged partial façade from the original school, which gives the new building character and a connection to its historical roots.Construction of the
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