Published: August 26, 2014 | Last Modified: August 26, 2014 01:10AM

By Dan Brechlin Record-Journal staff

MERIDEN Plans are being developed to convert existing office space into 16 apartments at a downtown building. Before planning is completed, officials want to know how to attract young professionals to downtown.

The building at 1-3 Colony St. was selected for the Connecticut Main Street Come Home to Downtown program. Aimed at converting commercial and office space to apartments, the program offers free architectural services and other benefits.

Although plans are in the works, Economic Development Director Juliet Burdelski said its important to find out what people want in downtown.

Part of the final report on the building is to get public feedback, so we want to know what it would take to get people downtown, Burdelski said.

Plans were developed over the last several years to revive Meridens downtown. The addition of a park at the Hub, the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line, traffic improvements and new zoning regulations to encourage development are part of the effort to attract young professionals and businesses.

A community meeting will be held Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. at Middlesex Community College to discuss the projects and get feedback. Those attending will be asked what types of businesses, events and other attractions they would like to see in the area.

Representatives from businesses in downtown were invited, as were downtown landlords and property owners in addition to the YMCA and Middlesex Community College.

We would like to see a younger crowd, Burdelski said. We want to have a positive discussion with people who are down here already and people who want to come in or are looking at the possibility.

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City seeks younger perspective on buildings future

Shares of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. ( APOG ) went up 0.34% after the company announced that its second-quarter fiscal 2015 (ended Aug 30) results will benefit from a tax credit of approximately $6 million (20 cents per share). The benefit under Section 48C of the Internal Revenue Code is related to the successful startup and commercial production of coatings on Apogee's new $30 million architectural glass coater earlier this month.

The tax credit was started in 2010 by the IRS in cooperation with the Department of Energy as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and as an incentive for energy-efficiency investments throughout the United States. Apogee's new coater will produce coating products with higher levels of energy efficiency for commercial buildings.

Apogee invested in the new state-of-the-art coater with an aim to reap dividends as it is expected provide a competitive edge to the company when architectural markets improve. The coater will enable Apogee's architectural glass business to cater to the needs of advanced energy-efficient and aesthetic coatings for landmark buildings around the world.

In the second quarter, Apogee is witnessing significantly strong growth in its architectural market than previously expected. As customer lead times are extending across the industry triggered by a sustained growth trend for commercial construction, the company is incurring higher costs in the quarter as it ramps up to meet immediate customer demand. Apogee is also evaluating options to enhance architectural glass capacity in the near term.

Given the current market strength, Apogee expects strong backlog growth and is maintaining its full-year guidance. For fiscal 2015, Apogee expects revenue growth in the range of 15% to 20% and earnings in the range of $1.40 to $1.50 per share. Apogee now expects a 20 cents per share tax credit impact.

The company is slated to release its second-quarter results after the market closes on Sep 16. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter is at 27 cents, reflecting a 28.6% year-over-year growth, and for fiscal 2015 is at $1.45, a 52.6% annual growth.

Apogee will benefit from its strategy of international growth and new product introductions. Apogee's strong backlog bodes well for its future performance. Moreover, the company intends to add new capacities and fund acquisitions. Focus on operational improvements, expansion into new geographies and markets as well as product launches will drive Apogee's revenue growth going forward.

Apogee Enterprises is a leader in technologies for the design and development of value-added glass products, services and systems. Apogee currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

Some better ranked stocks that are worth considering in this sector include Blount International Inc. ( BLT ), DXP Enterprises, Inc. ( DXPE ) and IDEX Corporation ( IEX ). While Blount International sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), DXP Enterprises and IDEX Corporation carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

APOGEE ENTRPRS (APOG): Free Stock Analysis Report

Original post:
Apogee Q2 to Benefit from Tax Credit & Architectural Market - Analyst Blog

FAIRFIELD, N.J., -- Designed as a family of architectural slim-line recessed and pendant mounted luminaires common in quality, efficiency and aperture size, Amerlux introduces the Linea 1.5 pendant and the GRUV 1.5 recessed family of LED linear luminaires that can transition nicely from walls to ceiling, to open ceiling applications, with an equally high level of aesthetics and performance. These miniature LED linear luminaires interact from multiple mounting applications in offices, conference rooms, classrooms and other institutional and commercial interiors.

"Our new Linea and GRUV 1.5 family delivers robust illumination while offering clean understated aesthetics and design continuity from discreet linear profiles," explained Amerlux CEO/President Chuck Campagna. "This system unveils a special combination of unobtrusive light sourcing with various mounting capabilities, superior performance, high-quality extruded materials and best-in-class LED technology and drivers."

The Linea 1.5 and GRUV 1.5 share equal components and a miniature aperture that allows designers to create recessed patterns running walls and over ceilings, then transitioning nicely to open ceilings. Available at 5w or 10w per foot, luminaires deliver a high output with up to 650 lumens per foot and a significant efficacy at 73 lumens per watt. Custom-sized lengths are available to meet designers' exact specifications.

Available with flanged or trimless styles, the luminaires can be recessed in ceilings or walls while performing at high levels in gypsum board, Armstrong TechZone(TM), USG Logix(TM), slot and T-grid ceilings, or J-mold for all configurations. Luminaires can be individual or continuous row-mounted using a drawer latching system that provides easy and precise joining of units for straight runs, wall runs for longer runs with J channels, or in T- or L-shaped patterns.

Perfect for direct, indirect or both direct/indirect illumination, luminaires can be cable mounted for open ceiling applications, over desks or over a conference table, with or without a louver, or as architectural decorative lighting above a reception counter.

The system offers the industry's first linear LED fixture designed for use with a louver, for optimal glare control, light diffusion and sight line reduction.

Full range dimming capabilities offered, as well as the option to operate with Lutron EcoSystem().

Other options include a broad array of accessories and more than 200 durable powder coat painted finishes to complement nearly any design scheme.

GRUV is also available in 4-, 6- and 12-inch apertures and with a fluorescent light source, while Linea is offered in other sizes using fluorescent.

About Amerlux LLC Amerlux speaks the language of light for design and construction professionals around the world by manufacturing a broad array of optically superior, energy efficient lighting solutions for the retail, supermarket, hospitality, commercial and exterior lighting markets. Amerlux products and services include track lighting, recessed downlighting and multiples, pendants, linear fluorescents, and custom lighting systems, as well as support for energy reduction plans that can be used as a guide to state, city and local utility rebate programs for maximum energy savings and utility incentives. The company's domestic and international clients receive the support of Amerlux's highly trained specification sales force, as well as expert service from initial design to on-time delivery made possible by strategically located manufacturing, warehousing and shipping locations.

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Amerlux Linea 1.5 and GRUV 1.5 Family Delivers Architectural, Slim-line LED Linear Lighting ...

Miller Stauffer Architects announce promotions

Architects Anneliese Miller and Micheal Walker were recently promoted from associate architect and project architect to partners at the Coeur d'Alene architectural firm of Miller Stauffer Architects, PA.

Both licensed architects are National Council of Architectural Registrations Boards members. Miller is also a National Council for Interior Design Qualification certified interior designer.

Principal partners are Monte Miller and Dick Stauffer. Located in downtown Coeur d'Alene since the firm's inception in 1983, its office offers a full range of architectural design related services.

Edward Jones representative hosting Social Security talk

Debbie Holmes of Edward Jones will host "Understanding Social Security" on Aug. 27 in Rathdrum. Jon Lewis will be the guest speaker. The event will be held at 5:45 p.m. at The Turn Bar & Grill at Twin Lakes Village, 5416 A Village Blvd. To reserve a spot, call Tamie Phelps, (208) 687-5765, by 4:45 p.m. today, Aug. 22.

Stearns joins Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty

Kim Stearns has joined Coldwell Banker Schneidmiller Realty as licensed agent. Stearns was previously the executive director of the Panhandle Parks Foundation. She also has 25 years of experience in high-tech sales, sales consulting and commercial business ownership.

"Kim's passion, dedication and community leadership will prove to be a significant benefit to her clients in this new endeavor," states a press release announcing the career move.

A resident of Coeur d'Alene since 1994, Stearns enjoys hiking, running, boating and visiting the many parks in the area with her husband and two children.

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Movers and Shakers

(PRWEB) August 21, 2014

Turner Construction Company is proud to announce the topping out of 7 Bryant Park, a 30-story, 474,000-square-foot office building for developer Hines. Turner upheld an aggressive schedule and achieved this milestone, and the completion of all concrete work, on time through a collaborative, team-oriented approach and effective communication with all stakeholders.

Pei Cobb Freed & Partners visionary architectural design offers 200,000 square feet of striking glass features, including 10-foot glass panels adjacent to two conical incisions carved into the corner of the building. Tenant amenities will include a 10,000 square foot lobby retail space, a fitness center, an exclusive rooftop terrace and direct access direct access to public transportation. Of note, 7 Bryant Park is NYCs first Wired pre-certified Platinum building. This exclusive WiredNYC pre-certification exemplifies Hines commitment to its tenants, said Turner Project Executive, Patrick Murray.

A unique feature of this project, shared by only one other building in New York, is concrete core first construction. The concrete-core-first construction technique creates a stronger, more robust building that can be built more efficiently and cost effectively, said Turner Project Manager, Michael Nolan, P.E., LEED AP. The core serves as the lateral load-resisting structural frame that was built ahead of the connecting steel framing.

The core presented a constructability challenge to build upwards while carefully coordinating vertical collaboration of concrete, iron and elevator subcontractors in such a high-profile location, said Turner Project Engineer, Susan Fusi. She went on to say that the concrete core is composed of a total of 950 tons of rebar and 9,200 cubic yards of concrete for 2.5-foot thick walls, poured at a rate of 4 days per floor. Turner used an innovative climbing form system called Tru-lift, composed of steel grid support and hydraulic jack systems, to embed the previous floors cast placement and safely jump up to the next floor.

Turners safety program recently earned the company OHSAS 18001 certification, which recognizes a commitment to safety and the successful implementation of preemptive safety initiatives such as Ladders Last, an award-winning policy the team implemented on the 7 Bryant Park project. Under the policy, stable alternatives such as scissor lifts, scaffolding, and mobile platforms, replace ladders. Our proactive approach to safety has decreased risk exposure in this complex building project and will potentially save time and money, said Turner Safety Manager, Elijah Aidelogie.

Turner also adhered to strict rules regarding pedestrian and traffic safety during operations, which required communicating effectively with a staff of approximately 250 union workers from the more than 30 companies on site at any given time. Turner coordinated delivery times, designated loading zones, and phased the project to meet a delivery schedule of 15 concrete trucks daily.

We allocated half hour time intervals during morning hours to unload each truck, stated Randy Brzezinski, Turner Project Superintendent. Since 40th Street is a through-street to the Lincoln Tunnel, we scheduled trade flow to alleviate afternoon commuter traffic. He specified that only two trucks at a time were permitted to queue and make deliveries on Sixth Avenue. Additionally, the number of subcontractors allocated to assist with deliveries was limited, and the team enforced time-specific sidewalk closures to allow safer and more efficient direct hoisting of heavy steel and other materials off the trucks.

Turner also used Just-in-Time delivery which limits material deliveries to items ready to be installed, reducing on-site material storage and improving housekeeping and safety to manage the flow of trades and meet the projects fast-track schedule. Developing an electric chain-flow system to facilitate glass deliveries from a locally sourced vendor, Turner arranged for crate-less, nightly deliveries of 40 glass curtainwall panels. Once they were on site, subs arranged the panels for each floor on custom-made dollies and sent them directly to their installation areas via winch and exterior hoist. We developed custom-made dollies to decrease time, labor and wood debris affiliated with traditional crate delivery systems, continued Brzezinski. The team also took this approach for sections of the buildings conical glass structures.

Set on Sixth Avenue between 39th and 40th Streets with expansive views of Bryant Park, 7 Bryant Park offers countless neighborhood retail, dining and lodging amenities and ideal access to several modes of transportation, including immediate building access to five subway lines, with Grand Central Terminal and Pennsylvania Station just one subway stop away. 7 Bryant Park is scheduled for completion in 2015.

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Turner Team at 7 Bryant Park Tops Out, Completes Concrete Work

(PRWEB) August 20, 2014

According to a new market research report "Smart Glass market by technology (Electrochromics, SPD, Liquid Crystal, Microblinds, Thermographic and Photochromics), by application (Architectural, Transportation, Solar power generation, Electronics & others), by geography - Global Forecast to 2014 - 2020", published by MarketsandMarkets, the value of Smart glass market was worth $1581.4 Million in 2013, and is expected to reach $5814 Million by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 20% from 2014 to 2020.

Browse 131 market data Tables and 61 Figures spread through 520 Pages on "Smart Glass market - Global Forecast to 2020". http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/smart-glass-market-907.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomization.asp?id=907

"Smart Glass" is also known as "Switchable glass". It is a kind of glass which changes its light transmission properties when provided with stimulus such as light, voltage or heat. In its application to windows, smart glass is also referred as 'Smart windows' which can control the amount of light passing through them. When activated, the glass changes from transparent to translucent, blocking some or all wavelengths of light. In this way, a chromogenic smart window responds to heat, light and voltage.

"Smart Glass" from its early introduction in 1986, has evolved enormously and witnessed a commercialization after 2000. Traditionally, applications of Smart Glass were limited to a few experimental projects but now potential applications of Smart Glass has reached various sectors such as architectural, transportation, power generation (solar) and electronics & others.

The architectural segment is recognized as a major market for smart glass. Due to its ability to allow or block the light and (thereby heat), smart glass has been increasingly used in commercial and residential buildings in the form of windows, doors, sky lights, partitions and so on. In addition, transportation sector (automotive, bus/rail, aerospace, marine) is another significant market which holds the potential for growth, in terms of demand, for smart glass. Adoption of "smart windows" in aviation sector is started by Boeing Company. This aviation player used smart windows in 787 Dreamliner aircraft to offer passengers customize luxurious experience. In order to further analyze the integration of smart windows in Boeing's 787 Dreamliner, a case study based on the same is included in this report.

The technological development is expected to lead the growth of smart glass in various commercial applications. Smart glass technologies covered in this report are, Thermochromic, Suspended particle device (SPD), Electrochromic (EC), Liquid crystal (LC)/ Polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC), Photochromic and so on. In addition to this, the latest, emerging smart glass technology 'Micro blinds' are analyzed.

It is expected that in the coming years, healthcare sector will adopt smart glass products in order to achieve healthy and natural ambience in cost efficient manner. Need of energy efficient products, presence of key industry players will continue to be the driving factors for making Americas and Europe as the major market places for smart glass. Also, APAC and RoW are expected to show rapid growth in coming years due to the presence of developing economies such as China and India.

The report has segmented the Smart Glass Market by technology, application and geography. It provides thorough analysis of the present market scenario and its projection till 2020. The report also captures the market roadmap with market size estimates, revenue forecasts, value chain, leading players, and their key developments, strategies, and profile. Besides, major smart glass technologies have been discussed in the report. Whereas, the geographical segmentation section gives the Smart Glass Market for various geographical regions namely: North America, Europe, APAC, RoW and Latin America.

Continued here:
Smart Glass Market by Technology Worth $5814 Million by 2020 New Report by MarketsandMarkets

8401 W. 47th St. in McCook

CHICAGOThe metro areas industrial economy in general, and the south suburban submarket in particular, keeps making progress on the road to recovery. Premier Design + Build Group, LLC, for example, will soon begin the design-build process on a speculative project for Bridge Development Partners, LLC and Akard Street Partners, LP at 8401W. 47th St. in suburban McCook. The Itasca-based Premier recently completed an institutional grade build-to-suit just next-door for the same developers.

It is a promising time to begin a new development project. The recently completed Bridge/Akard project, at 8201 W. 47th St., was a 365,400-square-foot build-to-suit that was just occupied by Freeman Decorating. Furthermore, the vacancy rate in the I-290 submarket dropped dramatically from the first quarter level of 7.0% to 5.32% a stunning 168 bps decline and the most of any Chicago area market, according to Colliers second quarter report. This was largely due to extremely strong second quarter sale volume.

And in addition to the new construction for Freeman, Golden State Foods moved into a 152,700-square-foot build-to-suit just down the street at 8901W. 47th St. and this new spec is not the only one in McCook. DP Partners has already begun construction at LogisticCenter McCook that will add 662,700-square-feet of speculative space to I-290 Souths industrial inventory, according to Colliers.

The new 14-acre site for Bridge and Akard will have relatively quick access to I-290, I-55 and I-294. Distributors, manufacturers and freight forwarders could take up space in the newest project, which can house up to four tenants. The new facility will contain 34 exterior truck docks and four drive-in doors. Building envelope materials will include insulated load-bearing precast wall panels, a 45-mil fully ballasted EPDM roofing system and glass and glazing at the office entryway. Users will have a 32 clear height, and an ESFR sprinkler system.

The builders will install a new asphalt parking lot with 11 trailer and 219 car stalls. They anticipate completing the project in the first quarter of 2015.

Jeremy Jelonek with Premier is the project manager and Scott Lebak is field superintendent. Cornerstone Architects are delivering architectural services. Manhard Consulting, Ltd. is the civil engineer. The project is being financed by the PrivateBank and Associated Bank and Vern Schultz and Tom Condon of Colliers are the brokers for the facility.

Originally posted here:
Bridge and Premier to Start McCook Spec

THE British Embassy is enhancing its visa application services in Manila and Cebu City, as the United Kingdom (UK) has welcomed record numbers of Filipino visitors to its shores.

The British Embassy said in a press release that in the 12 months to March 2014, over 49,000 UK visas were issued to Filipinos, with a 27 percent growth in tourists and business visitors driving the increase in numbers.

"It is great to see our people-to-people links growing in such a way that we are seeing more Filipinos travelling to the UK not just for sightseeing but also to do business," said British Ambassador to the Philippines Asif Ahmad.

He said they launched last year the "Great" campaign to showcase the UK as a destination that offers a diverse range of attractions from historical sites to modern architectural designs, world-class universities and inspiring commercial enterprises.

Also last year, the European Union lifted the ban on the Philippine Airlines, allowing the country's flag carrier to fly directly to London from Manila. In April 2014, another carrier, the Cebu Pacific, was allowed entry to Europe, giving Filipinos a wider range of flight options.

With the lifting of the ban, the Great campaign, and the availability of a visa application centers in the country, Ahmad said: "We want to welcome even more Filipino visitors in the coming 12 months."

He also dismissed the belief that it is difficult for Filipino travelers to get a UK visa, saying: "Over 90 percent of Filipinos who apply for a tourist or business visit visa are successful."

He encouraged applicants to apply early and to have all necessary documents on upon their appointments.

"Be clear about the purpose of your visit. There are additional services you may want to look into, such as the priority visa service and Prime Time service, for those who need a bit more flexibility," Ahmad said.

The Embassy said in a press release that among the enhancements to the UK visa services in the Philippines to improve the customer experience and make the journey to the UK an easier one are the following:

More here:
UK welcomes more Filipinos, enhances visa application services

Muncy, PA (PRWEB) August 12, 2014

Construction Specialties Inc. (C/S), a leading manufacturer of high-performing architectural specialty products, introduces its new line of wall and door protection, Acrovyn by Design and Acrovyn Doors by Design. These revolutionary products offer unprecedented design freedom to architects and designers by embedding high resolution images and logos as well as simulated woods, metals and stones into impact-resistant, rigid sheet material.

Until now, designers and commercial building operators have struggled to incorporate patterns and high resolution graphics into environments such as hospitals, schools, transportation terminals and corporate centers. In many cases, design and durability have been compromised with the use of limited-offering, type-II graphic wall coverings and solid color or wood grain materials that dont withstand the extensive abuse customary in high traffic environments.

In response, C/S developed Acrovyn by Design composed of a .040 inch-thick rigid sheet made from environmentally-preferable, durable Acrovyn 4000, a PETG compound that contains no PVC, PBTs or halogenated or brominated fire retardants. The rigid sheet serves as a protective shield for graphics and provides impact-resistant, easily cleanable wall protection, which C/S customers have come to expect from the renowned Acrovyn brand. Available in 4'x8' and 4'x10' sheets, Acrovyn by Design can protect and enhance any wall space with high resolution graphics. From subtle visual textures and refined patterns to vivid, space-defining imagery, Acrovyn by Design offers limitless possibilities that can complement C/S Acrovyns existing wall and door protection suite.

Acrovyn Doors by Design offer the same durability and design capabilities as Acrovyn by Design while utilizing the standard line of durable Acrovyn Doors customers expect. A facilitys doors can now be included in the interior design, and featured as part of a full mural with Acrovyn by Design or any other surrounding motif -- instead of interrupting it. With no minimum to buy, doors can look like anything customers want.

Acrovyn by Design and Acrovyn Doors by Design introduce a new level of graphic freedom and protection to commercial interior environments, said Joe Neidig, Vice President and General Manager at C/S. These are industry-changing products.

Many applications of Acrovyn by Design and Acrovyn Doors by Design are unique. Architects and designers can compose their own designs, choose from C/S catalog of Organic and Geometric patterns or utilize the in-house design services to create or locate imagery.

For more information about Construction Specialties, visit the companys website.

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About Construction Specialties Construction Specialties manufactures and sells specialty architectural products internationally, with over 30 offices and manufacturing facilities worldwide. Its products include interior wall and door protection, entrance flooring, expansion joint covers, louvers, grilles, sun controls, explosion vents, smoke vents, and cubicle track/curtains. The company serves architects and designers, building owners, facility managers and contractors. Construction Specialties, Inc. was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Lebanon, New Jersey.

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Construction Specialties Introduces Digitally Printed Acrovyn by Design Wall Protection and Acrovyn Doors by Design

BERKELEY -- Changes are in store for a pair of Telegraph Avenue properties, each involving longtime businesses, that are now on the market.

The iconic Caffe Mediterraneum -- synonymous with the Telegraph Avenue Bohemian scene and birthplace of the cafe latte -- is for sale.

But, building owner and current cafe operator Craig Becker said that if he has his way the caf's character and tone, and even its renowned coffee, will stay.

The business, also known as Caf Med, has been at 2475 Telegraph Ave. about four blocks from the UC Berkeley campus, since 1957, and Becker said it is not closing.

The block on which the cafe sits also includes the former Tienda Ho clothing store (now vacant,) part of a corner parcel at Telegraph Avenue and Dwight Way that is also on the market.

Craig Becker, owner of Caffe Mediterraneum in Berkeley, poses in front of his Telegraph Avenue business on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012. (Doug Oakley/Staff file)

Tenants of that corner lot include Shakespeare & Co. Books, which has occupied that site since 1964; and Maxi Hair Care in business in its spot for four decades.

The corner property itself has not been on the market for 95 years, according to Gordon Commercial Real Estate Services in Berkeley, which is handling the sale.

The Telegraph Avenue commercial district has had its struggles and changes in recent years and Becker said the area is not for everybody. But he added he is staying on as the cafe building's owner.

Becker said he is looking for someone to lease the spot who can provide strong management and do some remodeling.

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Berkeley: Change underway on block of Telegraph Avenue