The increased pace of merger and acquisition activity late in 2010, including some huge deals, suggests that 2011 will be an active year. Low interest rates, significant cash on many firms� balance sheets, and stock prices that are low enough to attract buyers but high enough to move sellers off the sidelines all reinforce that possibility. Decisions on acquisitions are always a challenge. There is extensive literature that documents the too-high percentage of failed combinations, ones that failed to reward shareholders with a positive return on their investment. Yet most firms are motivated to consider acquisitions as an element of
Felsburg Holt & Ullevig of Centennial is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Cos.� 45th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for the 6th Avenue Waste Tire Noise Wall Project in Lakewood. FHU�s reuse of a waste product addressed the problem of limited landfill space and the demand for effective barriers to insulate neighborhoods from traffic noise. Although several wall products with recycled-tire content are already in use across the country, these systems were deemed too large for the project site. The project team then turned to Tire-Tie, a recycled tire product mainly used for railroad applications. By stacking
The prices contractors must pay for many essential construction materials continued to increase in January, even as the amount they charge for completed projects remains flat, according to an analysis of January producer price index figures recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the price trends are cutting into already tight bottom lines for contractors, undermining chances for an industry-wide recovery in 2011. “The last thing contractors need after two years of depression-like conditions is to pay more to make less,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “With margins continuing to shrink, few
The value of new construction starts retreated 6% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $423.4 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of The McGraw-Hill Cos. The decline came as the result of a pullback for nonresidential building after a strong December, combined with a loss of momentum for residential building. At the same time, the nonbuilding construction sector showed further growth in January on top of its elevated December pace, aided by several large public works projects. On an unadjusted basis, total construction starts in January were reported at $28.4 billion, down 4% from the same
JOHANSEN BROWN Lance Brown, EIT, LEED AP BD+C, mechanical engineer of Spectrum Engineers, Salt Lake City, has earned his LEED AP certification. Brown’s experience includes complex health-care projects in government, office, higher education and other areas. He joined Spectrum as an intern in April 2008. Peter Johansen, P.E., LEED AP BD+C, principal electrical engineer, Spectrum Engineers, Salt Lake City, has also earned his LEED AP. He focuses on K-12 education and complex health-care projects. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Brigham Young University and an MBA from San Jose State. SWERDFEGER Keith Swerdfeger , chairman of the
With many industry economists predicting slow but steady improvement for construction this year and next, firms may see more work coming their way. But as stimulus funding runs out and the industry faces uncertain infrastructure funding from Congress and overburdened state governments, few contractors and designers can rest easy. The six firms featured here have done more than survive; they have thrived in this tough economy through creativity, risk-taking and solid leadership. Each of their stories is slightly different but all have fostered innovation and diversity on their way to increased revenues. Rowland + Broughton Architecture Aspen design firm extols
Article toolbar Modernization of the 1960s-era Byron G. Rogers Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in downtown Denver is putting new chilled-beam technology to work to help reduce energy use in the building’s office tower by almost 70%. Work on the 18-story, 494,000-sq-ft building, home to 11 federal agencies, includes upgrades to structural elements and all major building systems, including mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Built in 1965, the tower’s inefficient and inflexible mechanical system will be removed and replaced with a chilled-beam system. Chilled-beam technology has been used extensively in Europe but is just making its way to the U.S., says
Article toolbar When the Jackson Hole Airport decided three years ago to expand and renovate the terminal, the design was driven by location, location, location. Nestled within Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, the airport is the only U.S. commercial facility to operate within a national park. It must comply with FAA regulations and operate within rules set by the National Park Service. Beyond a concern for parklands and wildlife, the $31-million expansion had to meet strict boundary limitations and an 18.6-ft height restriction to ensure unobstructed views of the Tetons. The tight parameters meant challenges for the design team,
Article toolbar With the rebirth and expansion of light-rail service in the Salt Lake Valley, a warehouse that once housed fur coats for high-end retailers has been converted into a maintenance and storage barn for new trains. The 300,000-sq-ft building, which will include office space as well as a 120,000-sq-ft maintenance facility, sits on 24 acres west of Interstate 15 adjacent to the Jordan River. The current TRAX light-rail system services downtown Salt Lake City and reaches south to the city of Sandy as well as east to the University of Utah and west to the Salt Lake City Intermodal
SnapShot February 28, 2011 Architect Pierre Langue, Axis Architects, Salt Lake City Architect Pierre Langue, Axis Architects, Salt Lake City, designed this strikingly modern residence, located high in Salt Lake City’s East Bench neighborhood. Living spaces are oriented around expansive western views, with large overhanging shades shielding the residence from the sun while providing a distinctive exterior. The sections of the house follow the slope of the terrain, helping to integrate it with the environment. Photographer: Paul Richer/Richer Images LLC Submitted By: Pierre Langue, principal, Axis Architects, Salt Lake City