The Capitol Cove complex in Providence, R.I. was repositioned, changing from 96 private condos to Johnson & Wales University student housing. |
22. Commercial Properties Repositioned for University USE
Six previously stalled Value Place hotels are being completed by Englewood Construction’s new distressed property division. |
23. Distressed Property Division Targets Stalled Projects
24. Bundle Communications and Data Services for Major Savings
We've all seen the TV commercials for AT&T and Comcast selling the cost advantages of bundling phone, cable, and Internet services. Shane Ketterman, network engineer and administrator with ZGF Architects, applied similar logic when searching for ways to cut costs and streamline communications at the 473-employee Portland, Ore., firm.
Ketterman found a partner in PATEC Holding Corp. to develop a customized solution to bundle and transmit all voice, video, Internet, and data services using a dedicated radio frequency line instead of traditional wire distribution. Radio antennas mounted on the roof of each of the firm's five offices transmit and receive voice/data three times faster than before, and at a fraction of the cost. Ketterman's solution will save ZGF $320,000 this year alone.
"Transmitting data via radio waves is much more cost effective and allows greater flexibility for increased bandwidth and additional services as the needs of the business change," says Ketterman. His solution is also much more reliable than traditional delivery methods—the dedicated FCC radio frequency cannot be interrupted or jammed—and it requires less energy to operate.
25. Revit Boot Camp
26. Keep Your Subcontractors Happy and Save Big Bucks
As part of a companywide commitment to improve relationships with subcontractors, Farmington, Conn.-based KBE Building Corp. (formerly Konover Construction) developed a custom online resource center that provides 24-hour, real-time access to payment status, insurance information, compliance forms, and project details for subcontractors and KBE staff.
"Subs were frustrated with the length of time to get paid, and would frequently call for payment status and other information," says John Patterson, information architect with KBE and developer of the online resource center. He says KBE staff spent hours on the phone daily answering calls, returning calls, and fulfilling requests from subs, costing the company thousands of dollars a month in personnel costs.
After launching the resource center in late 2006, the company saw an immediate 75% reduction in phone calls, in addition to fewer faxes and mailings. Patterson estimates a productivity gain of 25%, saving the company $100,000 annually.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2024
Technical brief addresses the impact of construction-generated moisture on commercial roofing systems
A new technical brief from SPRI, the trade association representing the manufacturers of single-ply roofing systems and related component materials, addresses construction-generated moisture and its impact on commercial roofing systems.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Mar 14, 2024
First-of-its-kind sports and rehabilitation clinic combines training gym and healing spa
Parker Performance Institute in Frisco, Texas, is billed as a first-of-its-kind sports and rehabilitation clinic where students, specialized clinicians, and chiropractic professionals apply neuroscience to physical rehabilitation.
Market Data | Mar 14, 2024
Download BD+C's March 2024 Market Intelligence Report
U.S. construction spending on buildings-related work rose 1.4% in January, but project teams continue to face headwinds related to inflation, interest rates, and supply chain issues, according to Building Design+Construction's March 2024 Market Intelligence Report (free PDF download).
Apartments | Mar 13, 2024
A landscaped canyon runs through this luxury apartment development in Denver
Set to open in April, One River North is a 16-story, 187-unit luxury apartment building with private, open-air terraces located in Denver’s RiNo arts district. Biophilic design plays a central role throughout the building, allowing residents to connect with nature and providing a distinctive living experience.
Sustainability | Mar 13, 2024
Trends to watch shaping the future of ESG
Gensler’s Climate Action & Sustainability Services Leaders Anthony Brower, Juliette Morgan, and Kirsten Ritchie discuss trends shaping the future of environmental, social, and governance (ESG).
Affordable Housing | Mar 12, 2024
An all-electric affordable housing project in Southern California offers 48 apartments plus community spaces
In Santa Monica, Calif., Brunson Terrace is an all-electric, 100% affordable housing project that’s over eight times more energy efficient than similar buildings, according to architect Brooks + Scarpa. Located across the street from Santa Monica College, the net zero building has been certified LEED Platinum.
Museums | Mar 11, 2024
Nebraska’s Joslyn Art Museum to reopen this summer with new Snøhetta-designed pavilion
In Omaha, Neb., the Joslyn Art Museum, which displays art from ancient times to the present, has announced it will reopen on September 10, following the completion of its new 42,000-sf Rhonda & Howard Hawks Pavilion. Designed in collaboration with Snøhetta and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture, the Hawks Pavilion is part of a museum overhaul that will expand the gallery space by more than 40%.
Affordable Housing | Mar 11, 2024
Los Angeles’s streamlined approval policies leading to boom in affordable housing plans
Since December 2022, Los Angeles’s planning department has received plans for more than 13,770 affordable units. The number of units put in the approval pipeline in roughly one year is just below the total number of affordable units approved in Los Angeles in 2020, 2021, and 2022 combined.
BIM and Information Technology | Mar 11, 2024
BIM at LOD400: Why Level of Development 400 matters for design and virtual construction
As construction projects grow more complex, producing a building information model at Level of Development 400 (LOD400) can accelerate schedules, increase savings, and reduce risk, writes Stephen E. Blumenbaum, PE, SE, Walter P Moore's Director of Construction Engineering.
AEC Tech | Mar 9, 2024
9 steps for implementing digital transformation in your AEC business
Regardless of a businesses size and type, digital solutions like workflow automation software, AI-based analytics, and integrations can significantly enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.