Construction began on a new shade structure at Chase Field that will generate 75 KW of solar power upon completion in May, just in time to provide Arizona Diamondbacks fans with some much-needed shade for Phoenix�s hot summer months. Image courtesy of HKS Inc. Chase Field�s new shade structure will generate 75 KW of power. Through a partnership between the Diamondbacks, Maricopa County Stadium District and Phoenix-based utility APS, the structure will cover 17,280 sq ft of the plaza near the ballpark�s western entrances and ticket booths. The Phoenix office of Dallas-based HKS Inc. is the architect for the project.
In an attempt to prevent a Las Vegas-style resort/casino from being built near Glendale, Ariz., Gov. Jan Brewer (R) signed a bill into law allowing Glendale to annex the 54-acre site. Casinos can be built only on tribal land, according to the state’s Indian Gaming Compact. However, as the law takes effect in 90 days, the window is open for legal maneuverings by the project’s developer, the Tohono O’odham Nation. Despite a scaled-back design, West Valley Resort still faces opposition. The bill, HB 2534, was pushed through the Republican-controlled Legislature last month but failed to reach a two-thirds majority that
Bernalillo County voters approved a $70-million bond issue which will allow Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) to perform upgrades and renovations to multiple buildings among the school�s five locations. Unofficial results show 65% approval for the bond, which supporters said would not raise any existing taxes (though property taxes would have fallen slightly had the measure failed.) The largest allotment�$16 million�will help fund renovations of Jeanette Stromberg Hall on CNM�s main campus in Albuquerque to add facilities for the nursing and allied health programs. High-tech labs and simulated hospital environments will help prepare CNM students for the demands of
Union Pacific Railroad, the largest rail network in the U.S., is expected to break ground later this year on a new transportation hub that will expand its existing operations in the Southwest. The $400-million project will be constructed in Santa Teresa, N.M., not far from the Omaha-based rail company�s existing El Paso, Texas, facility. Photo courtesy Union Pacific The new hub is located along the historic �Sunset Route� between El Paso and Los Angeles. Image courtesy Union Pacific The $400-million hub is located in Santa Teresa, N.M., near Union Pacific�s existing operations in El Paso, Texas. Originally proposed in 2006,
Union Pacific Railroad, the largest rail network in the U.S., is expected to break ground later this year on a new transportation hub that will expand its existing operations in the Southwest. The $400-million project will be constructed in Santa Teresa, N.M., not far from the Omaha-based rail company’s existing El Paso, Texas, facility. Originally proposed in 2006, the project has been on hold in part because the railroad was waiting for the New Mexico Legislature to pass a locomotive fuel tax exemption. At a press conference in Santa Teresa on Jan. 8, newly elected Gov. Susana Martinez (R) said
Every year in the construction industry, some firms achieve new milestones in contracts or find success where others faltered. As the new year gets under way amid what may be the twinklings of an economic recovery, ENR Southwest looks at six diverse companies whose work could make a difference in the coming year, and help to shape and refine the future of the region's construction industry. Kovach Inc. Metal panel subcontractor uses design-assist to add panache to key projects Specializing in the fabrication and installation of high-quality metals, aluminum composite material and stone veneers for complex exterior designs, Kovach also
Southwest Contractor’s annual awards competition, now in its 13th year, honors the best in design and construction over the past year. Diverse categories, from engineering design to worship, acknowledge the excellent work and the variety of disciplines in the industry today. Photo: � FRED HOLDEN U.S. Courthouse, Las Cruces Related Links: Atrisco Heritage Academy High School: K-12 Education Barcelona Elementary School: Green Building Canyon Rim Trail Bridge: Honorable Mention - Civil/Public Works CNM Rio Rancho Campus: Higher Education Connor Hall at the New Mexico School for the Deaf: Honorable Mention - K-12 Education Coronado Elementary School: Renovation/Restoration Elements Townhomes: Small
Southwest Contractor’s annual awards competition, now in its 13th year, honors the best in design and construction over the past year. Diverse categories, from engineering design to worship, acknowledge the excellent work and the variety of disciplines in the industry today. Photo: Matt Carbone Photography The Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health Related Links: Campos Office Building & Parking Structure: Government/Public Building City of Henderson Senior Center: Honorable Mention - Government/Public Building I-515/Galleria Drive Interchange: Transportation McCarran Terminal 3 Central Utility Plant: Honorable Mention - Industrial Mt. Rose - Ski Tahoe Winters Creek Lodge: Hospitality Red Rock Canyon
Southwest Contractor’s annual awards competition, now in its 13th year, honors the best in design and construction over the past year. Diverse categories, from engineering design to worship, acknowledge the excellent work and the variety of disciplines in the industry today. Photo: Kirk Gittings Photography The University of New Mexico, Cancer Center in Albuquerque won a Best of 2010 award in the health care category. Related Links: Arizona Winners Nevada Winners New Mexico Winners While it’s clear that the economy has taken a toll on the industry and the number of projects completed, judges still had to narrow down nearly