American businesses large and small say medical cost inflation, legal liabilities and technology risks are among their top concerns, according to the new annual Business Risk Index from insurance provider Travelers. A recent survey polled more than 1,100 business decision-makers to better understand what they believe pose the biggest threats to their business. Many leaders said the risks they identified as their biggest concerns are also the issues their business is least prepared to address.“While the new Business Risk Index revealed some typical risks for businesses, it also uncovered some uncertainties that are indicative of the times, including medical cost
In April, available construction jobs edged up in Nevada, while construction jobs were off by 2,200 in Arizona and 1,100 in New Mexico. Nevertheless, there seems to be general optimism among construction professionals about the job market among the southwestern states.In April, Nevada’s construction jobs edged up to 62,600, reflecting a 9.4% increase year-over-year on the month. The state’s overall unemployment rate was down to 8% in April, and its civilian labor force was down to 1,376,000 in April. In March, the labor force was up from about 1,373,400 in February to 1,380,800, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
The Denver Art Museum’s new administration building is now open and in full operation. The three-story, 50,000-sq-ft structure is located on Denver Art Museum (DAM) property formally used for staff parking, directly west of the DAM Hamilton Building and just south of the Clyfford Still Museum. Photo courtesy of Roth Sheppard Architects The new building consolidates the museum’s 100-plus employees, including administration, curators and others, allowing for greater cross-campus collaboration. Its modernist interior has been designed to heighten staff creativity and productivity, while the structure’s exterior completes Denver’s iconic Civic Center Cultural Complex, according to the designers.In addition to staff
Donors, educators and students celebrated the early May groundbreaking of the University of Denver’s new Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, the future home of the Knoebel Center for the Study of Aging.The $47-million, 130,000-sq-ft, five-story project is designed to organize instruction and research by theme. Facilities will include common spaces, laboratories and classrooms, bringing together science, engineering, robotics and social sciences. Rendering by AMD, DU Architects Office, courtesy of GH Phipps The new building’s engineering and computer science elements will be named after Chancellor Emeritus Daniel Ritchie’s father, the result of Ritchie’s lead gift on the
The Broadmoor West received its certificate of occupancy in mid-May, marking the final step on the $45-million, 26-week “flash-track” renovation and addition to the historic Colorado Springs hotel. Photo courtesy of GE Johnson Construction General contractor GE Johnson Construction, Colorado Springs and Denver, completed the vertical expansion and complete reconstruction two days ahead of schedule, more than 200,000 sq ft of ultra-high end construction in less than six months.Guests began arriving May 15 to mark the next chapter in the history of the resort and kick off what promises to be an extremely busy tourism season.Designed by CSNA Architects, Colorado
Denver International Airport is retrofitting more than 5,400 lights located in the airport’s east and west parking garages with energy-efficient LED fixtures, resulting in substantial energy and cost savings. The majority of the lights—high-pressure sodium bulbs rated for 188 watts per fixture—are being replaced with 51-watt LEDs. Combined with other lighting systems in the overall retrofit package, DIA expects a net energy savings of about 45%, resulting in energy cost savings of about $327,000 per year.Over the system’s estimated lifespan of 20 years, the airport expects to save more than $6.5 million in electricity costs. The new fixtures will also
Overall construction materials prices increased 0.4% in April and are up 1.5% year over year, according to the May 14 Producer Price Index released by the U.S. Dept. of Labor. Nonresidential construction material prices were up 0.5% for the month and are 1.4% higher than the same time last year. “Construction materials prices have increased for five consecutive months, the longest streak in more than two years,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While some may interpret this increase as the onset of a period associated with significantly higher inflation, it seems more likely that the consistent
Arizona State University Athletic Director Ray Anderson revealed some new details about renovations to Sun Devil Stadium at the Tempe Historical Museum in mid-April, including that previous renderings had been withdrawn as the university seeks to make the new facility a 365-day a year attraction. By Jason Fifield Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz., under construction in Mid-April. “We believe that a refurbished renewed facility will be a shining light,” Anderson says.Anderson says the university is in the process of selecting a design firm and getting feedback but from all stakeholders to determine exactly what attractions will be added while
The world’s tallest observation wheel took its inaugural spin on March 31 on the Las Vegas Strip. By John Guzzon The Linq observation wheel is now open in Las Vegas. The 550-ft-tall, 28-cabin “Las Vegas High Roller” anchors Caesar Entertainment’s recently opened $550-million, 200,000-sq-ft. Linq entertainment complex. The 520-ft-dia., 1,120-passenger wheel is taller than the London Eye and 9-ft. higher than the former record holder, Singapore Flyer. American Bridge Co., Coraopolis, Penn., was the general contractor, with the San Francisco office of Arup as engineer-of-record.However, an observation wheel planned for the northeast side of Staten Island could soon wrest title
Alvin C. Dominguez has joined Wilson and Co., where he will be responsible for developing and sustaining client relationships in southern New Mexico. Dominguez is a Native American with 28 years of engineering leadership experience. He was formerly a technical support engineer for the New Mexico Dept. of Transportation and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. Related Links: Engineering News Record Architectural Record Lawrence Pobuda has been hired as senior vice president and general manager of Opus Development Co. in Phoenix. The firm works in such sectors as office, industrial and residential real estate. Pobuda had
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