After five consecutive months of growth, demand for design services declined in the Midwest in November, according to data compiled by Washington, D.C.-based American Institute of Architects. AIA's Architecture Billings Index, reflecting the nine- to 12-month lead time between billings and construction spending, reported a near five point slide for the region, from 54.4 to 49.8, between October and November. Scores above 50 denote an increase in billings. By comparison, the South extended its growth streak to six months, though billings dipped modestly, from 58.4 to 57.9, for the same period. The West likewise logged its six consecutive month of
On the heels of news that Chicago-based Magellan Development Group is joint-venturing with a Chinese firm to construct an 89-story residential structure that will stand as Chicago's third tallest, the city's planning commission has approved plans by developer Related Midwest, Chicago, to construct a 67-story residential tower just blocks away in the city's Streeterville neighborhood. When completed, the 2.2-acre project, designed by New York City-based architect Robert A.M. Stern, will house 250 apartments and 100 condominiums, scaling back plans that originally called for a 67-story structure containing 400 apartments and 100 condominiums. The redesign was prompted by concerns about increased
Illinois added 12,000 construction jobs in November, placing it among the nation's top five gaining states for a third consecutive month, according to year-over-year data compiled by Arlington, Va.-based Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Only Texas (47.300 jobs), California (40,800 jobs), Florida (34,900 jobs) and Washington (12,800 jobs) posted stronger showings for the same period, AGC data indicate.In October, Illinois added 14,800 construction jobs, the fourth largest gain among states in year-over-year comparisons. The state added 11,700 jobs in September, placing it third among states. On a percentage basis, Illinois (6.2%) placed 10th among job-gaining states in year-over-year comparisons,
Amid rumors that costs for a planned event center near Chicago's McCormick Place had skyrocketed 75%, the city's Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (McPier) on Tuesday awarded a $164-million contract for the facility, about 17% greater than originally budgeted. The contract, awarded to a team led by Clark Construction Group, Chicago, also calls for construction of a $391-million hotel in efforts to transform the area into an entertainment district and boost prospects for McCormick Place, the city's premier convention center. Among other uses, the 10,000-seat event center will host basketball games for DePaul University's Blue Demons.The center, designed by New
Illinois added 14,800 construction jobs in October, the fourth largest gain among states in year-over-year comparisons, according to data compiled by Arlington, Va.-based Associated General Contractors of America (AGC). Only Florida (38,900 jobs), Texas (38,500) and California (34,300 jobs) made stronger showings for the same period, AGC data indicate. Illinois additionally logged the fourth-largest percentage increase (7.8%) among states in October, followed by neighboring Wisconsin (7,000 jobs 7.2%).Other Midwest states, including Michigan (4,300 jobs, 3/3%), Indiana (3,500 jobs, 2.8%) and Missouri (1,700 1.6%), also added jobs in October, with only Ohio, (1,000, -0.5%) posting declines for the same period.In all,
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett says he intends to use $49.3 million in tax incremental financing (TIF) to extend a proposed 2.1-mile street car line and finance infrastructure alterations for the $123.9-million project. Subject to approval by Milwaukee's Common Council and Redevelopment Authority, funds would finance a 0.4-mile lakefront extension added to original plans and, if required, the cost of relocating utility lines for the project. Earlier this week, Milwaukee sued the Wisconsin Public Service Commission, seeking to reverse a commission ruling requiring the city to finance the relocations rather than utilities and their ratepayers. The suit, filed with Milwaukee County
Midwest construction backlogs continued to rebound in the third quarter, rising from 6.42 months to 6.92 months – a 7.9% increase – in quarter-to-quarter comparisons, according to data compiled by Washington, D.C.-based Associated Builders and Contractors. Midwest backlogs additionally rose by 12.7% in quarter-over-quarter comparisons. Strong showings in the Midwest, West and Northeast propelled national backlogs to 8.8 months in the third quarter, an all time high, eclipsing the previous record of 8.5 months in the second quarter of 2014.“Recent data regarding nonresidential construction and employment has shown only sporadic gains, which is consistent with the less optimistic backlog readings
The rehabilitation of historic Union Station's 9,500-sq-ft Grand Hall and Market called for restoration of cornices and terrazzo floors, the addition of a 90-ft bar, coffee shop and train display, and installation of a projection system to support one of North America's largest multimedia shows.
Downtown Detroit's 10-story Z, so named for its zig-zagging floor plate, combines a 1,300-space parking structure with the works of more than 27 mural and graffiti artists from around the world.
Health care long has espoused the influence of environment on healing, a relationship Cincinnati's Mercy Health – West Hospital develops to an extent rarely seen in a contemporary hospital setting.
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