BD+C's roundup of the top construction market news for the week of August 18 includes the latest architecture billings index from AIA and a BOMA study on the nation's most and least expensive commercial real estate markets.
AIA ARCHITECTURE BILLINGS INDEX UP AGAIN IN JULY
The ABI, a leading indicator in commercial construction, was up more than a full point last month, to 52.7 (any score above 50 means increased billings). The number was above 50 in every region and every market sector tracked by the AIA. New projects index also up dramatically, to 66.7, from 62.6 in June. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/aia-architecture-billings-rise-july
FIVE MOST (AND LEAST) EXPENSIVE COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE MARKETS
At the top: Stamford, Conn. ($16.11/sf), New York, Grand Rapids, Mich., Newark, N.J., and San Francisco. At the bottom: Stockton, Calif. ($3.57/sf), Fresno, Calif., Huntsville, Ala., Virginia Beach, Va., and Albuquerque, N.M. Total operating expenses were down 3.9% overall from 2011 to 2012, BOMA says, crediting maximization of operating efficiency. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/5-most-and-least-expensive-commercial-real-estate-markets
2013 WILL BE A RECORD YEAR FOR HOTEL RENOVATIONS
Duro-Last blogger Drew Ballensky reports that the U.S. hotel industry is expected to spend $5.6 billion on capital expenditures this year, beating the prior record set in 2008. NYU's Preston Robert Tisch Center for Hospitality says 20% of hotels will receive improvements this year. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/blog/2013-will-be-record-year-hotel-renovations
CODE AMENDMENT IN DALLAS WOULD LIMIT EXTERIOR REFLECTIVITY
Proposal would limit exterior reflectivity of "visible light" to 15%, in attempt to cut down "undesirable" and "potentially hazardous" glare. Potential "non-green" side effect: use of dark or tinted glass that interferes with daylighting. Of note to all designers and glass/enclosures manufacturers. http://www.bdcnetwork.com/code-amendment-dallas-would-limit-building-exterior-reflectivity
Also see: Top construction news for the week of August 11, 2013
Related Stories
| May 20, 2013
4 emerging trends in parking structure design
Survey of parking professionals reveals how technology is transforming the parking industry.
| Apr 30, 2013
Tips for designing with fire rated glass - AIA/CES course
Kate Steel of Steel Consulting Services offers tips and advice for choosing the correct code-compliant glazing product for every fire-rated application. This BD+C University class is worth 1.0 AIA LU/HSW.
| Apr 2, 2013
6 lobby design tips
If you do hotels, schools, student unions, office buildings, performing arts centers, transportation facilities, or any structure with a lobby, here are six principles from healthcare lobby design that make for happier users—and more satisfied owners.
| Feb 22, 2013
Zaha Hadid to help plan new London-area airport hub
The Mayor of London has appointed Zaha Hadid Architects to help create a major new airport in southeastern England.
| Jan 31, 2013
More severe wind storms should prompt nationwide reexamination of building codes, says insurance expert
The increased number and severity of storms with high winds nationally should prompt a reexamination of building codes in every community, says Mory Katz, vice president, Verisk Insurance Solutions Commercial Property, Jersey City, N.J.
| Aug 28, 2012
McCarthy begins construction on transportation center at Bob Hope Airport
Designed to meet LEED silver certification standards, the facility will feature unique, above ground base isolators that will resist a maximum credible earthquake.
| Jun 14, 2012
Viscardi joins LEO A DALY as VP, corporate director of aviation programs
Viscardi will be responsible for providing the vision and strategy for growing the firm’s aviation practice, identifying and establishing new clients, as well as maintaining existing client relationships.
| Jun 1, 2012
New BD+C University Course on Insulated Metal Panels available
By completing this course, you earn 1.0 HSW/SD AIA Learning Units.
| May 30, 2012
Construction milestone reached for $1B expansion of San Diego International Airport
Components of the $9-million structural concrete construction phase included a 700-foot-long, below-grade baggage-handling tunnel; metal decks covered in poured-in-place concrete; slab-on-grade for the new terminal; and 10 exterior architectural columns––each 56-feet tall and erected at a 14-degree angle.
| May 29, 2012
Reconstruction Awards Entry Information
Download a PDF of the Entry Information at the bottom of this page.
