NEW YORK, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Adolfo Carrion, former Deputy Assistant to President Obama and Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, and former Region II Regional Administrator for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development has joined CSA Group as Senior Advisor for Corporate Development.

"We at CSA Group are very excited and honored that Adolfo has agreed to join our firm," stated JJ Suarez, Chairman and CEO, CSA Group. "Adolfo's proven track record in empowering urban communities throughout the United States, coupled with his economic development experience, will be of vital importance as we continue to position CSA Group as a first-in-class, full service project delivery firm in the Infrastructure and Building markets."

CSA Group, is the largest Hispanic-owned architectural, engineering, environmental services, consulting, and construction and program management company in the United States. The firm is staffed with over 550 professionals. It is consistently ranked among the largest firms in the industry in many of its services, with offices in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean, including: Puerto Rico; Florida; Pennsylvania; New York; New Jersey; Illinois; Colorado; Brazil; Mexico; Panama; Peru; Argentina; and Haiti.

CSA Group is the only architectural/engineering firm in the country with a Corporate Plus designation from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC).

For the past three years, Mr. Carrion served as a Presidential Appointee in the Obama Administration. Most recently, as Regional Administrator for Region II of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. He was responsible for overseeing nearly $6 billion in HUD investments in New York and New Jersey.In this capacity he worked with members of Congress, mayors, city managers, and local public and private sector stakeholders to ensure HUD's policies and programs worked to create economically competitive, environmentally sustainable, and opportunity-rich communities. Mr. Carrion also served as intergovernmental relations advisor to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

Prior to his HUD appointment, Mr. Carrion served as Deputy Assistant to President Obama and Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, where he was charged with coordinating the policies of cabinet agencies into an effective agenda for cities and metropolitan areas in the US.

Adolfo's work at the White House resulted in the establishment of a White House Urban Policy Working Group and the first comprehensive interagency review in 30 years of federal government approaches and funding in urban and metropolitan areas. His work launched a set of policies and initiatives that aligned the work of federal agencies to offer place-based competitive opportunities for stakeholders throughout the country. These include, among many others, Regional Planning and Sustainability Grants, Promise Neighborhoods, Choice Neighborhoods, The Interagency Partnership on Sustainable Communities, The White House Neighborhood Revitalization Initiative, the Strong Cities/Strong Communities Fellowship to assist troubled cities, a coordinated effort to end veterans' homelessness, and a proposal to Congress for a National Infrastructure Bank included in the American Jobs Act.

At the time of his White House appointment, Mr. Carrion was serving his second term as Bronx Borough President and President of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO). As Borough President, Mr. Carrion ushered in an era of building and growth in The Bronx that increased annual investment in the borough from $361 million in 2002 to almost $1 billion in 2008, including the development of 40,000 new housing units, 50 new schools, and two million square feet of office and commercial space. Working with his colleagues in the NYC Council and the NYS Assembly, Mr. Carrion shepherded the plan for a new Yankee Stadium and the stadium area redevelopment.

Adolfo is an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow alum, has served on numerous governing boards of not-for-profit and governmental entities, and is a renown speaker on issues related to urban policy, smart growth, demographics, metropolitan and regional planning. He is also known for his motivational speaking skills. Adolfo holds a master's degree in urban planning from Hunter College in New York City.

Mr. Carrion, 51, was born and raised in New York City and is married to Linda Baldwin, Director of the U.S. Department of Justice S.M.A.R.T. Office. He is the proud father of three daughters and a son.

Read the original here:
Former Deputy Assistant to President Obama, Director of the White House Office of Urban Affairs, & NY/NJ Regional ...

Recent federal contracts, deals and bankruptcy filings involving Maryland businesses include the following:

FEDERALAmerican Truck & Bus of Annapolis won $44,395 from the General Services Administration for cargo vans.

Brown & Co. CPAs of Largo won up to $7 million from the Department of Agriculture for audit remediation services.

Cherry Hill Construction of Jessup won $7.69 million from the Department of Transportation for improvement services. Place of performance will be in Alexandria, Va.

Consulting Network of Middletown won $17.72 million from the Navy for engineering services.

Development Alternatives of Bethesda won $45.63 million from the Agency for International Development for professional, administrative and management support services.

Dulaney Center Business Trust of North Bethesda won $3.13 million from the General Services Administration to lease up to 18,560 square feet of office space.

Earlbeck of Baltimore won $61,215 from the Army for welders and accessories.

Ingenium of Greenbelt won $2.75 million from the Air Force for information technology services.

J.S. International of Silver Spring won $137,432 from the Army to repair dual temperature water piping.

Read this article:
Gazette.Net: Contracts, etc.

News and Notes on Trends, New Projects and Construction In the Commercial Real Estate Development Pipeline Around the U.S.

Fort Lauderdale-based Stiles is developing a new apartment community in a joint venture with Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI). Independently, Stiles owns and is redeveloping the commercial retail component, the adjacent University Shoppes.

The mixed-use project is located at the northwest quadrant of University Drive and I-595 in the Midtown area. Stiles President Doug Eagon estimates an average of 225 construction workers will work at the job site each month.

Completion of the residential community is expected by June 2013, and the completion date for the retail centers redevelopment is early 2014.

A Stiles partnership acquired the site several years ago, recognizing its potential as a cornerstone location in the city's vision for Midtown, Eagon said.

"We foresee continuing, strong demand for amenity-rich rental residences just steps away from shopping, dining, services and entertainment," he said. The partnership has obtained $40.6 million in construction financing from PNC Bank.

The residential component will be a gated apartment community on a 5.5-acre site, with two 12-story towers offering a total of 321 residences. Stiles Construction is building the residential complex, which is one of Broward Countys first multifamily rental communities designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

The commercial component will reconfigure and renovate the existing University Shoppes retail and office center to create a more appealing customer environment with easier access and improved traffic flow. Stiles Architectural Group designed the 65,000-square-foot renovation on a 9.5-acre site just north of the new apartment community.

Less than a year after starting construction, Excell has reached the vertical peak of its $750 million International Gem Tower in Manhattan's Diamond District.

Project team members from developer Extell, AECOMs Tishman Construction Corp., and architectural/engineering firms celebrated the topping out of the building on West 47th Street, expected to be completed by year-end.

Continued here:
In The Pipeline: CoStar Development & Construction News for March 18 - 24

CHICAGO, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --New Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations originally announced in 2010 officially took effect on March 15. Property owners across the country will now be required to meet these expanded regulations for renovation or construction projects, or risk ADA compliance lawsuits. To help owners and operators avoid the potentially millions of dollars in legal fees and civil penalties, the Jones Lang LaSalle Project and Development Services group, together with LCM Architects, a leading national architecture and design firm specializing in ADA-friendly design, offers an ADA compliance platform. This construction management program assists owners in achieving ADA compliance and is particularly focused on the needs of multi-site property portfolios.

The Jones Lang LaSalle and LCM program combines LCM's comprehensive knowledge of the new requirements and the Jones Lang LaSalle network of more than 1,000 experienced construction management professionals. It addresses multi-site and campus ADA compliance through a program that includes amassing data about the facilities, and providing portfolio-wide construction management services. The platform enables project managers to share blueprints, documentation and best practices easily across multiple locations. For a retail or hotel chain with hundreds or thousands of similar locations, the ability to generate consistently accurate real-time status reporting for every location is critical to litigation avoidance.

"Compliance is good business. In addition to avoiding litigation, being proactive in enabling access for everyone builds a positive and welcoming brand image," says Kevin Hughes, vice president of Project and Development Services. "Jones Lang LaSalle has helped hundreds of companies across all product sectors to navigate these changes to ADA regulations and successfully minimize disruption to the operations of hotels, banks and retail environments while delivering cost savings."

In this video, Hughes gives an overview of multi-site construction project management, including an ADA compliance project the firm performed on behalf of a client with more than 5,000 sites.

What's New

The ADA is a complex law that has not previously had any major refinements since it was signed into law in 1990. In the past, charges of non-compliance have led to a number of lawsuits, which have led to fines and civil penalties when plaintiffs were successful.

Properties for which construction was completed before March 15, 2012 fall under the safe harbor provision and are considered to be in compliance as long as they meet the original standard. Conversely, projects for which renovation or construction is completed after the cut-off date will be required to comply with the new rules immediately.

Some of the significant changes to existing regulations include:

In commercial buildings, the ADA applies mainly to areas open to the public. In the past, ADA lawsuits have centered mainly on retail, restaurant and hospitality chains, since these are organizations with many locations that often share similar or identical designs. A non-compliance issue at one location is likely to be repeated at many locations, greatly magnifying the potential liability.

For more news, videos and research resources on Jones Lang LaSalle, please visit the Jones Lang LaSalle U.S. media center Web page. Bookmark it here:http://www.us.am.joneslanglasalle.com/UnitedStates/EN-US/Pages/News.aspx

Original post:
New ADA Rules Now In Effect for Commercial Renovation and New Construction

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

From architects and specifiers to contractors and residential painters, the recently launched ppgpro.com website from PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG - News) architectural coatings business helps paint professionals easily find the products, information and resources relevant to their needs.

Organized into five professional segments commercial, new home, multi-family, industrial and residential ppgpro.com delivers to visitors in two clicks or fewer targeted content such as most popular products, key services and support, color tools and ecological solutions.

Professionals can quickly find the products they need at ppgpro.com with a unique dynamic product search tool that offers more than a dozen filters such as brand, substrate and conformance standard. The search tool makes it easy to identify product features and benefits and to find and save Technical Data and Material Safety Data Sheets.

Additionally, sustainable-building professionals can find detailed information about PPG products compliance with governmental regulations, third-party certifications and LEED. The site also offers color tools and services for commercial and residential designers as well as a new intelligent retail locator and the latest PPG Architectural Coatings news relevant to professionals.

With ppgpro.com, our professional customers now have a one-stop shop for all of our products, services and support, said Dori Marks, PPG senior marketing manager. This makes it easier for customers to find specific, relevant and meaningful information.

PPG Architectural Coatings is an industry leader serving professionals and homeowners through a network of company stores and independent dealers across North America under the PPG PITTSBURGH PAINTS, PPG PORTER PAINTS and PPG brands. To learn more about PPG Architectural Coatings and PPG services, or to find a location that sells paints from any of the PPG Architectural Coatings brands, visit http://www.ppgpro.com.

PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.

PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the worlds leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2011 were $14.9 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:PPG - News). For more information, visit http://www.ppg.com.

Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

Read the original:
New PPG Professional Paint Solutions Website Provides Comprehensive Online Tool

20.03.2012

Opportunity To Be Part Of Christchurchs Most Dynamic Neighbourhood

A new office development in Christchurchs burgeoning commercial and industrial precinct is available for lease urgently needed in the city after so many office buildings have been destroyed or demolished after the earthquakes.

The modern low-rise office building on the popular Lincoln Road in Addington is slated for completion in 2013, offering floor place options ranging from 400 square metres to 5,500 square metres.

The suburbs of Addington and neighbouring Sydenham have recently been dubbed SOMO South of Moorhouse Avenue and were described by iconic travel guide Lonely Planet as the citys most dynamic neighbourhood.

The three-level building has been structurally engineered by leading engineering consultancy Ruamoko Solutions, to create a structural steel design which complies with the newly created Christchurch seismic standards.

Designed by leading architectural and planning consultancy Jasmax, with construction by well-known Christchurch company Armitage Williams Construction, the offices feature flexible working spaces with high levels of natural light, energy efficient features, and green landscaped areas. Upon completion, the offices will be supplied with all essential services including access to fibre optic cabling.

The ground floor of the building has been created in a way to allow for a caf as well as retail tenants.

The office space is for lease by Bayleys, and is being marketed by Bayleys Canterbury salespeople Stewart White and Chris Frank.

Mr White said the space would appeal to business owners seeking to position their business to maximise the revitalisation of the Addington area.

Go here to read the rest:
Be Part Of Christchurch’s 'Most Dynamic Neighbourhood'

Nathan Kalaher is all about breaking down barriers ... literally.

Walking into the second floor loft space that he shares with his PLaN Architecture partners, wife Lisa Kalaher and Paul Martin Jr., the first thing you'll notice is the wood which frames the office space.

That, and none of the partners' office is encumbered by walls.

"This is what works best for our business," Kalaher said, explaining the loft's deliberately unfinished look. "I need to be able to communicate with my partners constantly. Walls would just get in the way."

He smiles while leaning into the wood posts that separate his wife's office and the firm's central space.

"Plus with no walls, it's cool to pretend we all have X-ray vision," Kalaher said with a laugh.

Taking what had previously been a building that was home to an auto garage, Kalaher envisioned the 255 Fifth Street offices for PLaN Architecture to be both funky and functional.

The firm's reception area displays a sleek, clean and modern aesthetic while exposed wood and duct work offers an urban, visual pop of energy.

Paintings are on display throughout the office space (even PLaN Architecture's kitchenette and restrooms boast artwork) and furnishings reflect individuality.

Kalaher wants the layout he's devised for his firm to serve as a template for offices designed for many of PLaN's clients.

See the rest here:
No walls, no problem: Breaking down the barriers of architectural design

OLATHE, Kan., March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Butler National Corporation (OTC QB: BUKS), a leader in the growing global market for aircraft structural modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and a recognized provider of management services in diverse business groups, announces its financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended January 31, 2012. In conjunction with the release, the Company has scheduled a conference call Monday, March 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time.

What: Butler National Corporation Third Quarter Fiscal 2012 Financial Results Conference Call

When: Monday, March 19, 2012 - 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

How: Live via phone by dialing 800-624-7038. Code: Butler National Corporation. Participants to the conference call should call in at least 5 minutes prior to the start time. A replay of the conference call will be archived on the Company's web site.

Clark D. Stewart, President & CEO, Butler National Corp., will be leading the call and discussing results of the third quarter and nine months, the status of new and existing orders, gaming activities and an outlook on the balance of fiscal 2012.

Historical selected financial data related to all operations:

Quarter Ended January 31

Nine Months Ended January 31

Continued here:
Butler National Corporation Announces Third Quarter and Nine Months Fiscal Year 2012 Financial Results and Conference ...

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WattStopper announced today two appointments to its executive management team. Jim Young will join the company as Vice President of Sales and Marketing while Shireen Zekanoski becomes the Vice President of Operations and Engineering.

Young joins WattStopper from a series of senior positions with Acuity Brands, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the company's specialty group, encompassing Winona Lighting, Peerless, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, and Mark Architectural Lighting brands. Prior to that, he held executive-level positions with Peerless Lighting for seven years. A graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in planning and energy management, Young is a member of IESNA and IALD. "Emerging technologies like LED lighting, and evolving market trends, such as increasing regulatory demands for maximum energy efficiency, are creating opportunities and challenges. Control solutions are at the heart of these trends and WattStopper has proven itself as a leader in bringing new ideas forward to reduce energy waste for nearly 30 years It's an exciting time to join the WattStopper team and find new ways to partner with customers to maximize energy performance," Young observed.

Zekanoski has held numerous senior positions with Silicon Valley companies over the past ten years, including NeoPhotonics, Apple, Celerity, and 3Com. Most recently, Zekanoski served as Vice President of Global Operations for Santur Corporation (acquired by NeoPhotonics) in San Jose. Prior to that, Zekanoski held various positions with increasing responsibility at Apple Computer where she led the NPI Program for the Portables Operations division and managed the business operations for one of the company's fastest paced product lines, the iPod.

"We're delighted to welcome Jim and Shireen," WattStopper President Dean Pournaras said. "Their vision and industry savvy will help WattStopper continue its rich heritage of innovation while also positioning the company for continued growth in a rapidly changing marketplace."

WattStopper (www.wattstopper.com), a Legrand group brand, is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with our comprehensive range of products, programs, and services. Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com), located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Contact: Rita A. Renner rita.renner@wattstopper.com 408-486-7526

See more here:
WattStopper Appoints Two Industry Veterans to Management Team

March 13, 2012 - AAMA recognized contributions and achievements of its members at the 75th Annual Conference Banquet. Gantt Miller of Winco Manufacturing Co. received Outstanding Member Award, while Mike Turner of YKK AP America, Inc. received Architectural Products Group Distinguished Service Award. In addition, Kim Flanary of Milgard Manufacturing, Inc. won Residential Product Group Distinguished Service Award and Brent Slaton of Keymark Corporation was chosen for Marketing Distinguished Service Award. American Architectural Manufacturers Association 1827 Walden Office Sq #104 Schaumburg, IL, 60173 USA Press release date: February 29, 2012

Schaumburg, Ill. -- The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) recognized the contributions and achievements of its members and congratulated award winners at the 75th Annual Conference Awards Banquet held in Naples, Fla. Award presenters noted the importance of these member contributions as they serve to further the industry as a whole.

"The 2012 Annual Conference marked AAMA's 75th anniversary as the leading trade association representing both the residential and commercial sectors in the fenestration industry," says Rich Walker, AAMA's president and CEO.

Outstanding Member Award -- Gantt Miller (Winco Manufacturing Co.)

Gantt Miller, CEO of Winco Manufacturing Co. (St. Louis), was named Outstanding Member, as presented by the previous year's award winner, Mike Kinard (Kinro, Inc.).

The Outstanding Member Award is given to an individual who has distinguished themselves in their work and dedication to the advancement of AAMA and the industry as a whole.

Miller has been a part of 50 different committees and task groups during the ten years that he has been active in AAMA and has served as a co-chair on five of these committees. He is the former chair of the AAMA Board of Directors, but continues to serve in numerous other groups and roles involved in guiding the day-to-day operations of AAMA.

In presenting the award, Kinard noted that Miller's career is "as diverse as it is stellar, being a registered AIA [American Institute of Architects] architect and venturing successfully into entrepreneurship as a builder and real estate developer."

Miller has worked at Winco Manufacturing for 30 years, having previous experience as a residential developer and maintaining an architectural practice.

Architectural Products Group Distinguished Service Award -- Mike Turner (YKK AP America, Inc.)

Read the original post:
AAMA Recognizes Member Leadership During 75th Anniversary Celebration