The Colorado State University System is moving ahead with plans to launch a significant presence in Denver’s South Metro area early next year. The CSU-South Metro project is part of a strategic effort to showcase a new model for higher education that caters to both students and the business community, demonstrating how graduate and undergraduate programs can be delivered in a scalable, innovative and collaborative format. “This is something being driven by business leaders in the South Metro region, and we’re honored that they approached the CSU System as their first choice for a higher education partner,” CSU System Chancellor
Total construction spending hit a four-year high in July as private residential and nonresidential activity increased while public spending declined, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America. “The patterns seen earlier this year reappeared in July, with strong year-over-year gains in single- and multifamily building, a range of results for private nonresidential categories, and deepening downturns in most public segments,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These trends are likely to hold for the remainder of 2013.”Construction put in place in July, $901 billion, was the highest mark since June
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index, which had declined in July, increased slightly in August. The index now stands at 81.5 (1985=100), up from 81.0 in July. The Present Situation Index decreased to 70.7 from 73.6. The Expectations Index increased to 88.7 from 86.0 last month. Consumers’ assessment of current conditions moderately declined. Those stating business conditions are “good” decreased to 18.4% from 20.8%, while those stating business conditions are “bad” was virtually unchanged at 24.8%. Consumers’ appraisal of the labor market was mixed. Those claiming jobs are “plentiful” decreased to 11.4% from 12.3%, while those claiming jobs are “hard
As part of its effort to enhance safety on the state highway system, the Colorado Dept. of Transportation has installed a pilot system to monitor the structural behavior of its bridges. CDOT installed the equipment in early Steptember under the Williams Canyon Bridge on U.S. 24 at the west end of Manitou Springs. With the technology in place, CDOT will be able to monitor the structure’s movements from its Denver headquarters. It is the first bridge in the state to have this technology. “We’re in the testing phase at this point but it’s important to find out how well it works in
Construction employment stagnated in August, while the industry unemployment rate fell and a majority of companies reported difficulty finding workers, according to a recent analysis of new government data and an industry survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. “After a strong rebound in 2012, construction hiring and spending have been stuck in neutral through most of 2013,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “Yet the unemployment rate for former construction workers hit the lowest August level in five years, suggesting that experienced workers are leaving the industry rather than returning to it. As a result, firms are
AIA Colorado South 2013 Awards The AIA Colorado South chapter recognized its 2013 architectural design awards recipients during a ceremony on Aug. 16 at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center in Colorado Springs.The following two architectural design awards were selected from seven entries submitted by architect members of AIA Colorado South. The awards were presented by Jury Chair Carol Ross Barney of Ross Barney Architects, Chicago.• Merit Award for Interior Architecture: Falcon Virtual Academy, Colorado Springs; Firm/Architect: DLR Group, Colorado Springs• Merit Award for Unbuilt Architecture: U.S./Mexico Work Program Border Crossing, El Paso/Ciudad Juarez; Firm/Architect: markharris Architects, Colorado SpringsAIA Colorado
There is a new law on the books that will affect contractors and design-builders doing business in Utah. Related Links: Does Your Contract Call For Liquidated Damages or a Penalty? A Common-Sense Solution to Mitigation of Damages Rule The Utah Supreme Court recently simplified the test that determines whether a court will enforce a liquidated damages clause. The clause provides a way to calculate damages up front if there is a breach of contract or a delay in project completion.When the contract is breached, the law aims to restore both parties to where they would have been had the contract
New construction starts are forecast to rise 6% this year to $506 billion, according to a Midyear Update to the “2013 Construction Outlook” from McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. This is the same rate of increase for total construction starts predicted last October, and follows the 8% gain that took place in 2012. “The recovery for construction continues to unfold in a selective manner, proceeding against the backdrop of the sluggish U.S. economy,” said Robert A. Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw Hill ConstructionHere are the main points by sector for the 2013 construction market:•
The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) saw a jump of more than a full point in July, indicating acceleration in the growth of design activity nationally. The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 52.7, up from a mark of 51.6 in June. This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 66.7, up dramatically from the reading of 62.6 the previous month. “There continues to be encouraging signs that the design and construction industry continues to improve,” said AIA Chief Economist Kermit
U.S. construction machinery exports dropped 21% during the first half of 2013, with $10.8 billion shipped to global markets compared to $13.7 billion at midyear 2012, according to the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). The AEM off-road equipment manufacturing trade group consolidates U.S. Commerce Dept. data with other sources into global trend reports for members. Nearly all world regions recorded double-digit declines, except Central America, with a double-digit gain. For construction equipment exports for the first half of 2013, compared with midyear 2012:• Exports to Europe declined 20% for a total $1.4 billion, and dropped 15% to Canada for a
RSS