The Associated Builders and Contractors’ Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) hit a post-recession high in the fourth quarter of 2013, growing from 8.2 months to 8.3 months (1.3%). Compared to a year ago, CBI is 3.9% higher—up from 8 months at the end of 2012. The CBI is a leading indicator that reflects the amount of construction work under contract but not yet completed. A lengthening backlog implies expanding demand for construction services.“CBI indicates that the final three quarters of 2013 were a period of progress for nonresidential construction,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Although other indicators have not been
This year's ENR Mountain States Top 20 Under 40 winners are architects, engineers, constructors, college professors, planners and project managers, but also green gurus, technology experts, attorneys and accountants.
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
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
Associated Builders and Contractors recently appointed Dave Hill, H&H Group, as 2014 chairman of the board for the Utah Chapter. As chairman, Hill will be responsible for oversight of the chapter, including the board of directors and executive committee, as well as policy development for the chapter and industry. He will also serve on ABC’s national board of directors representing Utah’s nonresidential construction industry at the national level. Photo courtesy of ABC Utah 2014 ABC Utah Chairman Dave Hill In addition to his term as chairman of the ABC Utah Chapter, Hill currently serves as a member of the Woods
W.W. Clyde & Co., Springville, Utah, was recently awarded the Victory Pipeline Phase I project, a $12-million water transportation job that will serve seven water districts in Duchesne County, Utah; and the I-15, South Davis Operational Improvements Project from the Utah Dept. of Transportation. The Victory project consists of building a new water pipeline from Starvation Reservoir to Roosevelt City and, according to the Utah Permanent Community Impact Fund Board, will provide increased capacity for Duchesne County’s economic and population growth.The project will directly benefit the populations of Duchesne City, Roosevelt City, Myton City, Johnson Water District, East Duchesne Water
Total construction spending edged up 0.1% in December and rose by a modest 4.8% for all of 2013, as a robust market for apartments and single-family houses outweighed downturns in private nonresidential and public projects, according to a recent analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America. “Residential construction ended on a strong note in 2013 and should remain positive for at least the next several months,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Meanwhile, private nonresidential spending appears to be poised for a rebound, but the short-term outlook for public construction is still negative.”Construction
Structural engineering firm Studio NYL is marking its 10-year anniversary in business. The Boulder-based firm, launched by co-founders Christopher O’Hara and Julian Lineham on February 4, 2004, continues to expand on its portfolio of regional and international work. Photo by Rogne Photography Studio NYL co-founders Julian Lineham and Chris OHara stand atop a three-story structural glass stairway in an Aspen-area residence. The faade and structural-glass features were designed by the firm. Photo by Torres Cineteca Nacional, site of the National Film Center in Mexico City, is the largest and busiest film center in the world. The project architect was Rojkind
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