We are seeing an increased need to deliver projects that enable growth, support the introduction of new technologies, and meet dynamic demands from our clients and the communities they serve.

NEW YORK (PRWEB) May 27, 2020

Modern Healthcare has once again recognized the firm as the leading construction management company for healthcare facilities a distinction Turner has earned for 20 years.

More than ever before, creating world-class healing environments is a serious responsibility. It is a responsibility we do not take for granted, said Randy Keiser, vice president and director of Turners National Healthcare Group. We are grateful to our respected clients who continue to put their trust in us.

Todays healthcare needs also bring about a new kind of rapid response by builders. Turner was recently called upon to build space to deliver urgent patient care in 20 communities across the United States in response to COVID-19. The efforts resulted in the availability of 4,000 patient care beds in a matter of weeks including a temporary hospital for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Stony Brook University in New York. At Stony Brook, we built a 1,038 bed facility and its associated mechanical and electrical equipment in 24 days, said Keiser. The coordination and mobilization by everyone involved to design and build that project was remarkable.

During 2019, Turner completed projects in major cities and in rural communities across the United States. The projects ranged in size from billion dollar programs to renovations that adapted space to meet the individual needs of clients. We are seeing an increased need to deliver projects that enable growth, support the introduction of new technologies, and meet dynamic demands from our clients and the communities they serve, said Keiser.

Construction Management firms are required to have extensive, broad knowledge and experience to meet the unique demands of building in the healthcare environment. They also need to lead efforts in budgeting, supply chains, and technology to be effective, said Keiser.

We work on highly collaborative teams to complete complex projects. One such project was retrofitting space within a healthcare environment to house a pioneering Cell Processing Facility for the University of Chicago Medicine and Biological Sciences, said Keiser. Our healthcare and manufacturing experience was called into one project.

We are honored to leverage our experience and expertise to help create successful projects, that cater to the needs of our most vulnerable citizens, and also consider the environment of care for our front line workers, continued Keiser.

Turner Construction Company delivers its services on more than 277 healthcare projects a year. In 2019 alone, Turner completed $3.7 billion of healthcare construction for clients in 23 states. Turners breadth and depth of experience has earned the company its reputation as a trusted, go-to builder for leading hospital systems and hospitals, clinics, specialty facilities, and medical office building clients.

About Turner Construction CompanyTurner is a North America-based, international construction services company. Founded in 1902, Turner first made its mark on the industry pioneering the use of steel-reinforced concrete for general building, which enabled the company to deliver safer, stronger, and more efficient buildings to clients. The company continues to embrace emerging technologies and offers an increasingly diverse set of services. With an annual construction volume of $13 billion, Turner is the largest builder in the United States, ranking first in the major market segments of the building construction field, including healthcare, education, sports, commercial, and green building. The firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, one of the world's leading international construction service providers. For more information, please visit http://www.turnerconstruction.com

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Turner is Making a Difference as Leading Builder in the Healthcare Industry - PR Web

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted regular activity across most of Houstons economy, but one sector has still been able to operate as an essential business throughout Harris Countys extended stay-at-home order: the construction industry.

Though day-to-day operations on work sites have slowed to allow for screening, social distancing and rigorous cleaning, several largedevelopments in Houston are still slated to deliver in 2020.

Courtesy of Hines

A rendering of Texas Tower in Downtown Houston.

Project Name: Texas Tower

Developer: Hines and Ivanho Cambridge

Address: 845 Texas Ave.

Size: 1.14M SF

Status: On track

Estimated Completion: Oct. 21

Texas Tower is a new 47-story, 1.14M SF office tower on the 800 block of Texas Avenue, the former site of the Houston Chronicle. The building will feature multiple restaurants, networking spaces, a full-service conference facility, public gardens on level 12, a high-performance fitness center and an internal 11-level parking garage to accommodate more than 1,500 cars.

In addition to developing the project, Hines has agreed to relocate its global headquarters to the property, with a 15-year lease for 180K SF, or six floors. Law firm Vinson & Elkins signed a 16-year lease for 212K SF to occupy the top seven floors, and law firm DLA Pipersigned a 14-year lease for 31K SF on one floor of the building. Texas Tower is 40% leased.

Courtesy of MLB Capital Partners

A rendering of Houston Farmers Market.

Project Name: Houston Farmers Market

Developer: MLB Capital Partners

Address: 2520 Airline Drive

Size: 230K SF

Status:Delayed

Estimated Completion: Late 2020

Houston Farmers Market was originally established in 1941 by the Farmers Cooperative Marketing Association of Houston. Over the course of 77 years, the site grew from 9.5 acres to 18 acres. MLB Capital Partners acquired the market in 2017, with the goal of upgrading and modernizing the site.

The new iteration of Houston Farmers Market will feature renovated facilities, modern infrastructure, diversified products and community programming. There will also be dedicated green spaces, which will accommodate events such as chef demonstrations, wine tastings and local entertainment.

The estimated completion date for late 2020 is about six months behind the original schedule, owing to factors such as Hurricane Harvey and delays from the city of Houston's Planning and Development Department.

Courtesy of Weingarten Realty

A rendering of The Driscoll at River Oaks.

Project Name: The Driscoll at River Oaks

Developer: Weingarten Realty Investors

Address: 1958 West Gray

Size: 365.3K SF

Status: On track

Estimated Completion: First units delivered by July 1, project completion slated for January 2021

The Driscoll at River Oaks is a 30-story residential high-rise development, offering 318 one-, two- and three-bedroom luxury units for lease. The multifamily complex also includes 11.5K SF of ground-floor retail that will tie into the existing River Oaks Shopping Center.

Amenities include executive conference rooms and separate meeting spaces, an 18K SF pool deck on level eight, a landscaped terrace with a fire pit and lawn, a private media room and 24-hour gym. The property will be managed by Hanover Co.and pre-leasing of the complex is underway.

Courtesy of Moody National

A rendering of the Village Towers development at Bunker Hill and I-10.

Project Name:Village Towers (Tower One)

Developer: Moody National Development

Address: 9655 Katy Freeway

Size: 150K SF

Status: On track

Estimated Completion: Tower One is slated for completion on June 15, with tenants to move in on June 22

Moody Nationals multiphase, mixed-use development at Bunker Hill and I-10 sits just east of Memorial City. The development is composed of two six-story office buildings with ground-floor retail space. Each office building is 150K SF, and the development will also havea seven-story open parking garage.

Moody Nationals headquarters will occupy the top floor of the first tower, which is set for completion in June. That tower is 91% leased. Tower Two has an estimated completion date of March/April 2021.

Courtesy of Radom Capital

M-K-T development

Project Name: M-K-T

Developer: Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners

Address: 600 North Shepherd

Size: 200K SF

Status:On track

Estimated Completion:Late summer/early fall

M-K-T is a collection of five adapted industrial buildings that sit on 12 acres in the Houston Heights. M-K-T is named after the historic Missouri-Kansas-Texas railroad line, which has been converted to a hike-and-bike trail.

The development will comprise about 100K SF of retail and restaurant space, 100K SF of creative office space and 4 acres of green spacefor public usage, which will be programmed for events year-round. M-K-T will also have about 1,000 feet of linear frontage to the trail.

Courtesy of Luxigon

An aerial view of POST Houston in Downtown Houston

Project Name:POST Houston

Developer: Lovett Commercial

Address: 401 Franklin St.

Size: 670K SF

Status:Slightly delayed

Estimated Completion:Building construction slated for completion in late 2020, tenant fit-out in early 2021

POST Houston is a mixed-use project in Downtown Houston. The project is redeveloping the former Barbara Jordan Post Office, which was occupied by the U.S. government until 2015. The mixed-use project will have restaurants, retail, an international market hall, creative workspace and a 210K SF rooftop park and farm. Future expansion plans include a concert venue, a hotel and an entertainment room.

The project has remained mostly on track, barring some minor disruptions in the supply chain as a result of the pandemic. POST Houston was originally slated to open to the public in 2020, but public health concerns and tenant fit-out will delay the opening to 2021. The development has signed an undisclosed anchor tenant and pre-leasing is underway.

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6 Houston Projects To Watch In 2020 - Bisnow

FlowForma's cloud-based software is increasingly used on billion-euro construction projects across the UK, Ireland, and North America replacing paper-based processes such as Permits To Dig, Check Sheets and Field Change Requests with automated workflows. A user-friendly interface and 'no-code' self-build capabilities are a boost for a sector that has lagged behind in digital transformation and now prepares for the 'new normal'.

Features in the new release will enrich the mobile experience of using the software on construction sites, including captioned photos, maps with GPS co-ordinates, and 'wet signatures', all of which can be instantly uploaded into relevant forms and shared digitally.

Furthermore, the launch of its new FlowForma app for Microsoft Teamswill significantly improve the visibility of tasks, decision making on projects and collaboration site-wide for organizations in this sector. Users will now benefit from instant notifications on when a task is delayed or in danger of delay, instant access to a dashboard within Teams containing tasks awaiting their completion, and the ability to build out processes during a Teams call collectively to maximize the productivity of online meetings. FlowForma's new remote collaboration packages equip organizations with all the tools to work effectively anywhere, anytime and improve collaboration as a team.

Olivia Bushe, FlowForma CEO, said: "Construction site work is notoriously dependent on paperwork and delays are common because forms get lost. The sector is a sweet spot for FlowForma software, which improves visibility, governance and productivity around highly regulated processes like Health & Safety and Quality Control."

In addition, the FlowForma Engageadd-on allows construction firms to engage external suppliers, customers, contractors, and subcontractors to input into their business processes securely via a public or private web link, to complete processes without delays.

"By streamlining our processes and adding value to how our customers interface with Maverick, FlowForma Process Automation has been a game changing solution that will separate us from our competition and increase our profitability. The FlowForma team has been extremely professional which just adds to the overall simplicity of the software," commented Michael McNally, CEO, Maverick Corporation.

FlowForma has emerged as a leading process automation provider in the construction industry, servicing the top 5 construction companies in the UK and others such as Maverick Corporation, Reliable Contractors and the joint venture of Costain, VINCI Construction Grands Projects and Bachy Soletanche building the east section of the Thames Tideway Tunnel.

Construction companies are encouraged to 'see for themselves' and explore some sector-specific accelerator processes to get up and running quickly such as: Pre-Return To Work Forms, Risk Assessment Forms, Employee Wellness Assessments, Emergency Response Management, Contact Tracing Log, Project Restarts, Staff Remobilization and more. Visit FlowForma's COVID-19 Centerfor more information.

Supporting Resources:

About FlowForma

FlowForma, the leading provider of Process Automation tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding.

FlowForma is a Gold Microsoft Partner, with over 150,000 users across Europe, America and Asia. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Boston and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners.

For further information or a 14-day free trial, visit http://www.flowforma.com

SOURCE FlowForma

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New FlowForma Software Release Helps Construction Sector With 'Paper To Data' Transformation - PRNewswire

New York, May 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05591535/?utm_source=GNW 7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. An unusual period in history, the coronavirus pandemic has unleashed a series of unprecedented events affecting every industry. The Metal Building Systems market will be reset to a new normal which going forwards in a post COVID-19 era will be continuously redefined and redesigned. Staying on top of trends and accurate analysis is paramount now more than ever to manage uncertainty, change and continuously adapt to new and evolving market conditions.

As part of the new emerging geographic scenario, the United States is forecast to readjust to a 5.7% CAGR. Within Europe, the region worst hit by the pandemic, Germany will add over US$1.2 Billion to the regions size over the next 7 to 8 years. In addition, over US$1.2 Billion worth of projected demand in the region will come from Rest of European markets. In Japan, the Metal Building Systems segment will reach a market size of US$3.7 Billion by the close of the analysis period. Blamed for the pandemic, significant political and economic challenges confront China. Amid the growing push for decoupling and economic distancing, the changing relationship between China and the rest of the world will influence competition and opportunities in the Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems market. Against this backdrop and the changing geopolitical, business and consumer sentiments, the worlds second largest economy will grow at 5.2% over the next couple of years and add approximately US$4.6 Billion in terms of addressable market opportunity. Continuous monitoring for emerging signs of a possible new world order post-COVID-19 crisis is a must for aspiring businesses and their astute leaders seeking to find success in the now changing Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems market landscape. All research viewpoints presented are based on validated engagements from influencers in the market, whose opinions supersede all other research methodologies.

Competitors ident

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05591535/?utm_source=GNW

NONRESIDENTIAL PREFABRICATED BUILDING SYSTEMS MCP-1MARKET ANALYSIS, TRENDS, AND FORECASTS, JUNE 2CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & REPORT SCOPE

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. MARKET OVERVIEW Prefabricated Buildings: Providing More Controlled Conditions and Enabling Improved Quality, Flexibility, Practicality, and Cost Recent Market Activity Evolution of Prefabricated Buildings as the Revolutionary Change in the Global Construction Industry: The Fundamental Growth Driver Strong Emergence of Prefab Buildings in the Non-Residential Sector Myriad Benefits and Superior Attributes of Prefabricated Construction over Traditional Construction Drive Widespread Adoption Prefabrication Turns Budget Saver Recyclability Factor Drive Uptake of Precast Concrete Structures Modular Construction Offer Cost and Speed Efficiencies Prefabricated Vis-a-vis Traditional Buildings Market Fortunes Intrinsically Linked to Performance of the Global Construction Industry Recovery in Construction Activity Worldwide Benefit Prospects for Prefabricated Buildings Introduction of Wide Range of Innovative Technologies Fuel Construction Industry Growth Prefabricated and Modular Structures Witness Increasing Popularity Rising Investments in Infrastructure Projects Upward Movement in Construction Activity in the Asian Countries Global Market Outlook Improvement in Global Economy Supports Near-term Growth Momentum Global Competitor Market Shares Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Competitor Market Share Scenario Worldwide (in %): 2020 & 2029 Impact of Covid-19 and a Looming Global Recession 2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS Alan Pre-Fab Building Corp. (USA) Algeco Scotsman, Inc. (USA) ALHO Systembau GmbH (Germany) Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc. (USA) Brytex Building Systems, Inc. (Canada) Butler Manufacturing Company, Inc. (USA) CadoltoFertiggebude GmbH & Co. KG (Germany) Consolis Service Co SA NV (Belgium) Flexator AB (Sweden) Inland Building Systems (USA) Lester Building Systems, LLC (USA) Madison Industries, Inc. (USA) NCI Building Systems, Inc. (USA) Normerica Building Systems, Inc. (Canada) Nucor Building Systems (USA) American Buildings Company, Inc. (USA) Oldcastle Infrastructure (USA) Rollalong Ltd. (UK) United Structures of America, Inc. (USA) Varco Pruden Buildings, Inc. (USA) Whitley Manufacturing Company, Inc. (USA) Yves Cougnaud S.A. (France) 3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Schedule Challenges and Chronic Cost Overruns in Engineering and Construction Drive Strong Demand for Modular Building Systems Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) Catapults Modular Construction to Greater Heights CLT: A Strong Contender for Concrete and Steel Building Systems Relocatable Buildings (RBs): Transportable, Repurposed and Reused Attributes Drive Demand Growing Interest in Permanent Modular Construction as a Sustainable Method of Construction Delivery Growing Adoption of BIM Increases Uptake of Model Driven Prefabrication Need to Expedite Procurement and Build Process Spurs Demand for 3D Printing in Prefabrication and Modularization Perennial Demand for Optimally Designed Steel Framed Buildings Make Metal Building Systems the Dominant Prefab Segment Metal Roofing Systems Offer High Aesthetic, Acoustic, Environmental, Seismic and Thermal Performances Prefabrication as a Greener and Resource Efficient Mode of Construction Immensely Benefits from the Green Construction Trend Leading Factors Fostering Future Uptake of Green Building Practices among Contractors: Ranked by Order of Importance Prefabrication: A Faster Route towards Gaining Energy Efficiency Credits Corporate Sector Relies on Prefabricated Model for Office Space Needs Investments on Prefabricated Buildings Remain High in the Educational Sector Prefabricated Buildings Gain Visibility in Healthcare Environments Industrial Establishments Aim to Leverage Prefabricated Approach for Quicker & Reliable Construction Warehouse: A Noteworthy Application for Prefabricated Buildings in Industrial Facilities Agricultural Sector Remains Key Revenue Contributor for Non- residential Prefabricated Building Systems Military Sector: One of the Foremost Adopters of Prefabricated Model Prefabricated Model Fully Suffices the Worksite Building Needs Prefabricated Structures Extend Convenience in Dining Hall Applications Prefabricated Model for Dormitory Structure Requirements Prefabricated Concept Makes Possible High-Quality Shower Structures Greater Use of Off-site Construction Methods Bodes Well for Prefabrication Industry Aging Urban Areas: A Potential Opportunity Generator Job Site Conditions: An Important Variable Influencing Uptake of Prefabrication Elements Factors Limiting the Adoption of Pre-assembly and Prefabrication Educating Owners: Need of the Hour Prefabrication Usage Patterns of Various Construction Professionals in North America - Ranking Based on Quantum of Usage 4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE Table 1: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Global Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 2: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Global Retrospective Market Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2012-2019 Table 3: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Shift across Key Geographies Worldwide: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 4: Metal Building Systems (Type) World Market by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 5: Metal Building Systems (Type) Historic Market Analysis by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 6: Metal Building Systems (Type) Market Share Breakdown of Worldwide Sales by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 7: Modular Building Systems (Type) Potential Growth Markets Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 8: Modular Building Systems (Type) Historic Market Perspective by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 9: Modular Building Systems (Type) Market Sales Breakdown by Region/Country in Percentage: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 10: Panelized Precast Concrete Systems (Type) Geographic Market Spread Worldwide in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 11: Panelized Precast Concrete Systems (Type) Region Wise Breakdown of Global Historic Demand in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 12: Panelized Precast Concrete Systems (Type) Market Share Distribution in Percentage by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 13: Other Types (Type) World Market Estimates and Forecasts by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2020 to 2027 Table 14: Other Types (Type) Market Historic Review by Region/Country in US$ Million: 2012 to 2019 Table 15: Other Types (Type) Market Share Breakdown by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 III. MARKET ANALYSIS GEOGRAPHIC MARKET ANALYSIS UNITED STATES Market Facts & Figures US Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share (in %) by Company: 2020 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 16: United States Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type: 2020 to 2027 Table 17: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in the United States by Type: A Historic Review in US$ Million for 2012-2019 Table 18: United States Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CANADA Table 19: Canadian Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020 to 2027 Table 20: Canadian Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 21: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Canada: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 JAPAN Table 22: Japanese Market for Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 23: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Japan: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 24: Japanese Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 CHINA Table 25: Chinese Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 26: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Analysis in China in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 27: Chinese Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2012, 2020, and 2027 EUROPE Market Facts & Figures European Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market: Competitor Market Share Scenario (in %) for 2020 & 2025 Market Analytics Table 28: European Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Demand Scenario in US$ Million by Region/Country: 2020-2027 Table 29: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Europe: A Historic Market Perspective in US$ Million by Region/Country for the Period 2012-2019 Table 30: European Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Shift by Region/Country: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 Table 31: European Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020-2027 Table 32: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Europe in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2012-2019 Table 33: European Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 FRANCE Table 34: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in France by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2020-2027 Table 35: French Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 36: French Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 GERMANY Table 37: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Germany: Recent Past, Current and Future Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 38: German Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Analysis in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 39: German Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ITALY Table 40: Italian Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Growth Prospects in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 41: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Analysis in Italy in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 42: Italian Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market by Type: Percentage Breakdown of Sales for 2012, 2020, and 2027 UNITED KINGDOM Table 43: United Kingdom Market for Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems: Annual Sales Estimates and Projections in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2020-2027 Table 44: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in the United Kingdom: Historic Sales Analysis in US$ Million by Type for the Period 2012-2019 Table 45: United Kingdom Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF EUROPE Table 46: Rest of Europe Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020-2027 Table 47: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Rest of Europe in US$ Million by Type: A Historic Review for the Period 2012-2019 Table 48: Rest of Europe Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Breakdown by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 ASIA-PACIFIC Table 49: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Asia-Pacific by Type: Estimates and Projections in US$ Million for the Period 2020-2027 Table 50: Asia-Pacific Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Scenario in US$ Million by Type: 2012-2019 Table 51: Asia-Pacific Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Share Analysis by Type: 2012 VS 2020 VS 2027 REST OF WORLD Table 52: Rest of World Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market Estimates and Forecasts in US$ Million by Type: 2020 to 2027 Table 53: Rest of World Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Historic Market Review by Type in US$ Million: 2012-2019 Table 54: Nonresidential Prefabricated Building Systems Market in Rest of World: Percentage Share Breakdown of Sales by Type for 2012, 2020, and 2027 IV. COMPETITION

Total Companies Profiled: 211 Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05591535/?utm_source=GNW

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WILLMAR The 2020 street improvements in Willmar will go forward as planned. The Willmar City Council adopted several resolutions during the May 18 council meeting that pushed the projects toward the construction phase.

Following a public hearing, in which members of the public could participate by phone, the council adopted the assessment roll for the three street improvement projects which could be partially assessed to property owners.

Those three projects are reconstruction of Ninth Street Southeast from Willmar Avenue to Pleasantview Drive, reconstruction of Sixth Street Northeast/23rd Avenue Northeast from Country Club Drive to 26th Avenue and overlay of First Street from 19th Avenue to the westbound state Highway 23 ramps.

The total budget for all three projects is $2,933,850. Special assessments will make up $718,020 of the total, with city funds providing the balance.

Assessments are made on the address side of the property. Properties were assessed $85 per foot for reconstruction and $45 per foot for overlay.

"The last three years we've held the assessment values at a flat value," said Sean Christensen, Willmar Public Works director.

There were three callers who had concerns and objections, all related to the Ninth Street Southeast reconstruction project. The objections were generally about the cost of the assessments. All three were rejected by the council.

Christensen explained while the city assessment ordinance allows the city to charge property owners up to 75 percent of the cost for street improvements, the actual cost of $85 per liner foot for reconstruction is only about 25 percent of the construction costs.

"The 75 percent rate was not viewed as a legitimate number to charge the residents," said Christensen.

There are assessment deferment programs available for those who are eligible and would have problems paying for the assessments. Those with questions can contact the city clerk by calling the City Office Building.

Construction on the projects should begin in June. The council awarded the Ninth Street Southeast reconstruction and the First Street overlay to Duininck Inc., and Riley Bros. Construction Inc. was awarded the bid for the reconstruction of Sixth Street Northeast/23rd Avenue Northeast. All three low bids were under the engineer's estimates for the projects.

If the weather cooperates this construction season, the projects are scheduled to be completed by Sept. 25.

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Willmar approves three major street projects expected to begin in June - West Central Tribune

By Warren Duzak 25 May 2020

In a large cluster of COVID-19 infections, 74 construction workers at an exclusive Tennessee prep school building site have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Workers for General Contractor Brasfield & Gorrie and the companys subcontractors at the Montgomery Bell Academys athletic facility construction site have tested positive for the virus, Metropolitan Nashvilles Health Department confirmed last week.

The first positive test was confirmed earlier this month, NewsChannel 5 reported. According to the television station, an email revealed that by May 18, 329 workers at the site had been tested with 60 confirmed cases.

There was no information on the condition of the workers or their families or if there had been any deaths. The Birmingham-based construction supplied only a boilerplate press release professing its concerned for the safety of workers and the great lengths it is going to protect everyone.

A large sign at the construction sites main entrance had an image of a worker attired in a highly visible bright yellow-chartreuse shirt and wearing protective glasses and hardhat. He was not wearing a mask. Nowhere on the sign was there any mention of a COVID-19 warning or any requirements or even suggestions for masks or social distancing. If there were such signs, none were readily visible.

But on the fence there was a sign cautioning, Drones May Be Operating In This Area.

At about the same time as the Tennessee cases were revealed, another Alabama-based general contractor briefly shut down operations at a University of Alabama construction site when 10 confirmed cases among workers there were reported.

Caddell Construction of Montgomery, Alabama, is the general contractor on the $106 million renovation work at the University of Alabamas Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa.

As in the Nashville case, the construction company was tight-lipped on the condition of workers or their families even after details of the infection were reported.

More than 10 people have tested positive for COVID-19, according to people familiar with the outbreak, but the number could be much higher, Joseph Goodman of AL.com reported. With so many exposures, there is a fear that more positive cases linked to the job site are inevitable. The large number of positive tests means, essentially, everyone at the job site could have been exposed.

The COVID-19 outbreak at the Alabama stadium follows an accident which severely injured two workers there in late January.

Two men were almost killed when two concrete beams fell and struck the construction vehicle they were in. One news source described one worker as paralyzed with a second worker suffering severe head injuries.

Brasfield & Gorrie reported having about 2,600 employees in 2016, and revenue of $2.4 billion. It ranked #30 in the nations top 400 contractors for 2017, according to Engineering News-Record . It also ranked third in healthcare general contractors in the nation, Modern Healthcare reported.

Caddell Construction is roughly one tenth the size of Brasfield & Gorrie in terms of employees and revenues.

The two Alabama-based construction companies share more than a home state.

Both companies are working on sports facilities and are under intense pressure to get the job done before the fall sports season. College and even high school sports are multi-million dollar businesses and are treated that way. The University of Alabama football program, for instance, brings in about $47 million in profits on $108 million of total revenues. The college football season is set to begin in September.

In Nashville, the MBA private schoolwith tuition at $27,250 a yeartouts sports as one of the legs on its three-legged student products: Gentleman, Scholar, Athlete.

A Channel 5 reporter asked one worker at the MBA worksite, Why dont you just walk off the job?

The answer from one worker was simple. Because you cant get unemployment if you just quit, he replied. So I have to provide for my family.

Another worker responded plainly but accurately. You just rely on people whose profit is at stake on telling you whether to go forward or not.

Similar answers could be given by workers in all different countries.

I have no other choice. It doesnt seem normal to have to return to work, but we have no other option, a construction locksmith in Spain told the media. I have to continue covering expenses.

A Madrid bricklayer complained, I dont know why the hell we have to go back if there is no way of keeping distance from each other. I only hope that my colleagues also work with a mask. If not, were screwed.

In China, courageous and self-sacrificing construction workers build a hospital in two weeks, but in the words of one Chinese worker: We are all abandoned tools after use.

Dont let the voice of praise fill my screen, he said on social media of government praise. There is still a lot of injustice and exploitation in the world.

A comment from a Turkish construction worker was poignant.

The conditions on our job site are deplorable, and I feel psychologically broken with worrying that I might infect other people, especially my wife or my 8-year-old son, zkan told equaltimes.org about his life as a construction worker in Istanbul, Turkey. We dont have any way to disinfect ourselves on the site, so as soon as I get home, I go straight to the bathroom to take a shower. I cant kiss my son, I can only greet him from afar.

In the United States, even though construction is considered an essential activity, construction workers look to lose almost 1 million jobs.

The latest labor figures point to a precipitous drop in construction jobs across the United States, archpaper.com reported May 8. 975,000 construction workers lost their jobs in April, with specialty trade contractors bearing the worst losses (691,000 jobs), while building construction lost 206,100.

What may be most galling to many construction workers is the prospect of putting their truly essential lives on the line to earn a living for themselves and their families by building non-essential structures.

In recent weeks, the Nashville Business Journal (NBJ) reported financing for the building of two huge office buildings costing more than $100 million each.

A third $100 million project gives conspicuous consumption new meaning.

The Motor Enclaves target audience, the developer told the Nashville Business Journal (NBJ), is simplepeople love carsand he will build car condos that start at $180,000 with the average price at $350,000 for a 1,200-square-foot condo that can comfortably fit four to six cars.

Some will be built specifically to accommodate recreational vehicles and car trailers, and those units will be priced between $700,000 and $800,000, the developers told the NBJ. The money invested in these three projects in Nashville, Tennessee, would more than pay for the $237 million the US is assessed by the World Health Organization, which is leading the fight against COVID-19.

Featured statements on the coronavirus pandemic

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Dozens of Nashville, Tennessee, construction workers test positive for COVID-19 - World Socialist Web Site

Dublin, May 27, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "North America Fire Testing Market to 2027 - Regional Analysis and Forecasts by Service; Sourcing Type; Application" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Fire testing market in North America is expected to grow from US$ 1.34 Bn in 2018 to US$ 2.39 Bn by the year 2027. This represents a CAGR of 6.9% from the year 2019 to 2027.

In an event of a fire in buildings, consumer products, or in any means of transportation, the fire resistance time of the products and materials is the most critical variable and is expected to have a direct influence on the inhabitants' safety. Fire-resistant products are designed to support the structures to retain their least functions during the time needed to evacuate the people, even regardless of the extreme conditions of heat and pressure to which they are exposed. The manufacturers of these products, must evaluate product stability, resistance, and fire insulation based on the applicable regulation.

The majority of the advanced and developing economies have laid down stringent fire regulations regarding the development of consumer products and construction of new buildings in order to ensure safety for occupants. The concerned authorities have laid down heavy punishments in case of violence of the codes. Virtually every building, process, service, design, and installation is affected by NFPA's codes and standards. These codes and standards, reflect changing industry needs and evolving technologies, supported by research and development, and practical experience. The laying of such rules and regulations have been driving the adoption of fire testing market.

Several factors which are impacting the market as a whole the macroeconomic circumstances, which affects new constructions and correspondingly the new equipment and service installations. The construction sector is witnessing a decent growth rate in the recent time. The trend is foreseen to continue over the years, thereby, creating a huge space for commercial and industrial constructions. Governments of various countries are undertaking initiatives with a motive to support the construction industry. The growth in the construction of commercial buildings is anticipated to provide prosperous opportunities to the market to grow across the globe thus, positively impacting the fire testing market. The fire testing market is competitive in nature with the presence of some of the major players operating in the fire testing market.

The fire testing market by sourcing type is segmented into the in-house and outsourcing. In-house service includes performing fire testing activities or operations within a company. It includes the company's employees as well as time by keeping a division or business activity, in-house. In-house services are implemented within the same business utilizing the company's employees and assets. In-house testing has several benefits, including, cost savings by not paying for external testing, saving on shipping costs, time-saving, and more flexibility. Additionally, it may enable the company to use higher levels of control for the activities performed by the testing divisions by observing the services and employees in direct control.

The overall North America fire testing market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. The research process begins with exhaustive secondary research using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the North America fire testing market. It also provides an overview and forecast for the North America fire testing market based on all the segmentation provided with respect to the North America region. Also, primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and commentators in order to validate data and analysis. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, and external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the North America fire testing industry. Some of the players present in the fire testing market are Applus Services, SA, Bureau Veritas SA, Dekra, Element Materials Technology, International Fire Consultants Group, Intertek Group plc, SGS SA, TUV SUD AG, UL LLC, United Technologies Corporation.

Reasons to Buy:

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction1.1 Scope of the Study1.2 Report Guidance1.3 Market Segmentation

2. Key Takeaways

3. Research Methodology3.1 Coverage3.2 Secondary Research3.3 Primary Research

4. North America Fire Testing Market Landscape4.1 Market Overview4.2 PEST Analysis4.2.1 Fire Testing Market - North America PEST Analysis4.3 Ecosystem Analysis4.4 Expert Opinions

5. North America Fire Testing Market- Key Industry Dynamics5.1 Key Market Drivers5.1.1 Stringent rules and regulations necessitating the adoption of fire safety measure5.2 Key Market Restraints5.2.1 Lack of skilled workforce and availability of counterfeit and forged products5.3 Key Market Opportunities5.3.1 The growing construction activities are expected to create lucrative market opportunities5.4 Future Trends5.4.1 Introduction to smart buildings5.5 Impact Analysis of Drivers and Restraints

6. North America Fire Testing Market -Market Analysis6.1 North America Fire Testing Market Overview6.2 North America Fire Testing Market Forecast and Analysis

7. North America Fire Testing Market Analysis - By Service7.1 Overview7.2 North America Fire Testing Market Breakdown, By Service, 2018 & 20277.3 Testing7.3.1 Overview7.3.2 Testing Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)7.4 Inspection7.4.1 Overview7.4.2 Inspection Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)7.5 Certification7.5.1 Overview7.5.2 Certification Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)

8. North America Fire Testing Market Analysis - By Sourcing Type8.1 Overview8.2 North America Fire Testing Market Breakdown, By Sourcing Type, 2018 & 20278.3 In-house8.3.1 Overview8.3.2 In-house Market Forecasts and Analysis8.4 Outsourced Services8.4.1 Overview8.4.2 Outsourced Services Market Forecasts and Analysis

9. North America Fire Testing Market Analysis - By Application9.1 Overview9.2 Fire Testing Market Breakdown, By Application, 2018 & 20279.3 Building & Construction9.3.1 Overview9.3.2 Building & Construction Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)9.4 Automotive9.4.1 Overview9.4.2 Automotive Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)9.5 Industrial and Manufacturing9.5.1 Overview9.5.2 Industrial and Manufacturing Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)9.6 Consumer Goods & Retail9.6.1 Overview9.6.2 Consumer Goods & Retail Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)9.7 Aerospace & Defence9.7.1 Overview9.7.2 Aerospace & Defence Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)9.8 Others9.8.1 Overview9.8.2 Others Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)

10. North America Fire Testing Market - Country Analysis10.1.1 North America Fire Testing Market Breakdown, by Key Countries10.1.1.1 U.S. Fire Testing Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)10.1.1.1.1 U.S. Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Service10.1.1.1.2 U.S. Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Sourcing Type10.1.1.1.3 U.S. Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Application10.1.1.2 Canada Fire Testing Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)10.1.1.2.1 Canada Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Service10.1.1.2.2 Canada Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Sourcing Type10.1.1.2.3 Canada Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Application10.1.1.3 Mexico Fire Testing Market Revenue and Forecasts to 2027 (US$ Mn)10.1.1.3.1 Mexico Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Service10.1.1.3.2 Mexico Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Sourcing Type10.1.1.3.3 Mexico Fire Testing Market Breakdown By Application

11. Industry Landscape11.1 Overview11.2 Market Initiative11.3 New Development11.4 Merger and Acquisition

12. Fire Testing Market - Company Profiles

13. Appendix13.1 About the Publisher13.2 Glossary

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/lei0dl

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

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Insights into the North American Fire Testing Industry to 2027 - by Service, Sourcing Type & Application - GlobeNewswire

ITHACA, N.Y. It was a jam-packed meeting for the Ithaca Planning Board this warm May evening, though you could forgive board members for not being aware. As with everything in the age of COVID it was conducted remotely via Zoom. Go get yourself a cup of coffee or tea, because this meeting was a long one, and so is this report. Combined, almost a thousand housing units were discussed in some stage of review last night. For those who like to read along, the 258-page agenda is here.

Before we jump into the night's contents, a quick update on a note from last month - as retired Planning Board chair David Kay tells me, 2020 is not the first time the city of Ithaca's Planning Board is majority-female. In 1993-94, the six-member board had Sarah Adams, Anne Clavel, Denise Rusoff and then-Common Councilor Pam Mackesey. (Back then, a Common Councilor was appointed to Planning Board, but the practice was stopped over concerns regarding political influence and interference). Proof that even though I've been doing this in blog or news format for over a decade, there's always more to learn.

With Board Chair Robert Lewis absent for this meeting, the proceedings were led by the Vice-Chair, Mckenzie Jones-Rounds.

First up were lot subdivision reviews - these are when property lots in the city, technically known as parcels, seek legal reconfiguration, either to be split up, reshaped or consolidated. This month, there was only one on the agenda, for the Immaculate Conception School redevelopment planned by Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services on West Buffalo Street.

Usually, these subdivision reviews are quick and dry affairs. INHS already had one subdivision approved for the site earlier this spring, creating a new lot for the former ICS gymnasium so that it can be legally acquired by the city for the Greater Ithaca Activities Center. The new lot subdivision splits the property one more time, to create a lot just for the Catholic Charities building. According to INHS's Lynn Truame, it was discovered the state won't allow Catholic Charities and INHS to both apply for grant funding because they're on the same tax parcel. That's problematic because Catholic Charities will manage their building while INHS manages the rest of the property. Splitting the lots will allow both organizations to pursue grants for their respective parcels, and has no impacts on the affordability or number of units.

As expected, the discussion was brief and passed unanimously.

Next on the agenda is the Site Plan Review, where the review of new building proposals happens.If you normally read these recaps, feel free to skip this section. If you're new to the process of planning board review, have a read through and we'll reconvene in the next section.

The way this typically goes is that, after an initial sketch plan discussion, the board agrees to declare itself Lead Agency, which means it's in charge of doing the environmental review. Environmental review, formally called State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR), entails everything from traffic effects to drainage to historic and aesthetic resource impacts. The board goes through environmental assessment forms to make sure all potential impacts are accounted for, and that the developers have a plan to effectively mitigate any adverse impacts. For example, if you're paving a parking lot over what was previously vacant land, the board's going to expect to see some stormwater management features in the project, because neither they nor the city attorney wants to go through a legal battle because rainwater drained off the parking lot and flooded your neighbor's property.

Typically, once the board has done their months of Q&A and is satisfied with the mitigations proposed, it comes time for the "Determination of Environmental Significance". Usually, if the review has been thorough and the board is satisfied, they issue what's called a "negative declaration", meaning the adverse impacts are effectively addressed. Positive declarations result in Environmental Impact Statements for submittal and review, and make for a much lengthier and more complicated review process. They usually only come up where there's simply too much information to be reviewed at a meeting - huge projects like Chain Works and the Cornell North Campus Residential Expansion. With the negative declaration, the project can then be considered for preliminary and final site plan approval. Preliminary approval means there are a few minor changes or conditions that need to be met before final approval and building permits can be granted.

Once again first on the list was the Carpenter Circle project as proposed by Cayuga Medical Center and Park Grove Realty. CMC would occupy a new 64,000 square-foot medical office building with walk-in clinic in the first phase. Two buildings with ground-floor retail and 166 market-rate apartments would be built in the second phase, and a low-moderate income apartment building with 42 units would follow. You can read more about the plan here. The project's been going through review for over a year, in part because it sought and received approval for a Planned Unit Development, which are specialized zoning regulations reviewed and approved by the city.

Last month, the New York State Department of Transportation threw everyone a curveball by saying the project needed "additional potential mitigations" even though they had given no indication there were problems over the previous year.

What DOT essentially said was that they don't accept these traffic mitigations and may not permit them, even if the planning board does. This doesn't stop the project outright - the Planning Board can still make a negative declaration if it feels the mitigations are sufficient and that a resolution can be had with DOT. But it does inject uncertainty into the process. If DOT rejects the mitigations, then new ones have to be proposed, and SEQR reopened for re-review by the board. That's a bigger issue for Carpenter Park because it has proposed break-in (a new curb cut) into Route 13 as part of its plans. Both the city and the developers disputed the DOT claims last month, citing problematic models and skewed estimates. DOT's comments noted, a determination of environmental significance and potential preliminary approval for the expansive project was on the agenda.

Whitham Planning and Design's Yamila Fournier walked the board through the latest review of how the project fits environmental review project Design Guidelines. The board has had a couple of years to get to know the project, and so they only focused on a few of the latest changes regarding design features and traffic impacts. After a few minutes of brief questions and answers, the board unanimously voted to close SEQR with a negative declaration (all adverse impacts adequately mitigated) and moved into preliminary project approval. Before final approval, submissions of material samples and colors and perspective drawings are required to help determine overall appearance.

"I feel like the medical building has a sophisticated palette...I'd like to see the mixed-use buildings match the same level of sophistication, and I'd love to see the design team propose options. We've seen this red-white-blue palette from the beginning, and I'd like see more in the thinking about it," said board member Mitch Glass. His colleague Elisabete Godden agreed, feeling that the quality of design on the mixed-use buildings wasn't quite as high quality as Cayuga Medical Center's building. That said, preliminary project approval was granted, all that's left before they can go for building permits is the final approval following review of material samples. It's been a long time coming for the $63 million development.

"We really appreciate the effort that went into this review and look forward to working through the final pieces and look forward to a great project," said Park Grove Realty's Andrew Bodewes.

Second up was the City Harbor project, a couple blocks away at 101 Pier Road. As previously detailed, the two-phase project consists of a restaurant, waterfront promenade and marina, and 156 market-rate apartments. A 60,000 square-foot medical office building for Guthrie Clinic is part of the project. It too was up for a determination of environmental significance and preliminary project approval, as well as Planning Board recommendation to the Board of Zoning Appeals, which must grant an area variance before final approval can be given.

T. G. Miller's David Herrick walked the board through project updates, mainly regarding foundation construction and impacts. Working with Elwyn & Palmer, the project has mitigation features in place to make sure the foundation work doesn't pose and disruptions to the golf course clubhouse and wastewater treatment plant nearby. Those features include seismic monitoring to make sure vibrations from pile driving don't become too strong, and protections to the wastewater plant's piping. Herrick also shared some updated renders showing the removal of the fourth-floor stepbacks from the buildings, and updated renders of the three-story Guthrie Clinic building proposed on Willow Avenue.

Board member Emily Petrina asked about decoupling the parking from the housing so as to limit parking. Developer Costa Lambrou said it was about one parking space per unit in phase one, but there would be some decoupling in phase two. "There are a lot of moving pieces, and we don't have to have too few, but we also don't want to have too many. We can see if we have too many or too few parking spaces in phase two, we just don't want to have too few for the restaurant (in phase one)." Whitham Planning landscape architect Kate Chesebrough added that there would be pedestrian and bike amenities and bus stops coordinated with TCAT. Discussions with NYS DOT for further mitigations are ongoing.

The board was favorable to the plan, another that they've been looking at for over a year. The negative declaration for environmental review passed unanimously. As with Carpenter Park, preliminary approval can be granted at any time, but BZA variance approval, material swatches, color palettes and finalized drawings are required before final approval can be granted. A nice little feature introduced at this meeting was that the project team planned educational signage about Ithaca's waterfront along the promenade, and opportunities for public art installations.

"This is a fantastic project. Of all the waterfront projects, I'm most excited about this one....I hope and trust that it will be a place for all Ithacans to come and enjoy, not merely boaters or golfers, but open for everyone. I think that promenade is going to be wonderful, and the kayak launch will be a great new amenity for the city," said board member Glass.

"I think that is really going to improve the city's waterfront landscape," added Jones-Rounds. With that, she called a vote for preliminary approval. It passed unanimously.

"Thank you very, very much," said Lambrou. "It's been interesting."

"You still have your hair, Costa," replied Planning Director JoAnn Cornish.

"I know, but it's pulling back," Lambrou laughed.

Next up on the list for this month's review was the 11-story Asteri Ithaca Green Street Garage redevelopment at 120 East Green Street. Granted, if it seems like half a dozen board and committees have looked at this project, it's because that's true, or will be true by the time all is said and done. Unlike the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency and Common Council, The Planning Board is less concerned about the finances and programmatic components, and more with the design of the new structures, namely the 218-unit low-moderate income apartment building with commercial space on the lower levels, and the design of the expanded garage next door, which will grow to seven floors with an additional 241 parking spaces (350 total).

As noted by city planners, the lower three floors of the U-shaped building will house amenities, a 49,000 square-foot conference center and a small amount of retail space. (If the fear of conference spaces grows too great in this age of COVID, the substitute plan is more apartments and a larger retail space.) The Cinemopolis Plaza will keep its current public pedestrian passage between the Commons and Green Street, with lighting, signage, art, and landscaping improvements (and to note, Cinemapolis will remain in their spot, though they'll have to temporarily relocate for several months during the garage expansion). The Vecino Group and their partners are also requesting consideration of a City Hall Plaza next door on the small parking lot between the project site and City Hall. That plaza would feature a large outdoor gathering spot with paving, lighting, landscaping, and furnishings while retaining a limited number of parking spaces.

The night's discussion had no decisions for Asteri planned; the Public Hearing was opened and will remain open (this is when public comments are typically allowed and considered for a project), and Design Review as part of SEQR continued.

Bruce Adib-Yazdi, lead architect for the project, walked the board through an updated project overview prior to the Public Hearing, to "inform the public" as they stated. As presentations go, Adib-Yazdi's was less of the dry technical and design details one typically sees at the board. It had the conversational tone and broader pitch one might expect for a presenter at a neighborhood association's ice cream social. The public hearing was opened unanimously.

Most of the comments were from the Harold's Square development team and were against the proposal, citing the density, parking needs and overall size of the project. The Asteri project is next door to Harold's Square and blocks the views from the majority of the premium-priced south-facing units. While unfortunate, it serves as a reminder that you can build as tall as zoning allows, but you don't own your views. The Harold's Square developers had submitted one of the four proposals (and the smallest proposal) to redevelop the garage in 2018, but it fell short in the scoring and was not selected by the IURA. The owner of the Yellow Deli expressed concern with the loading zone for delivery trucks, and with construction staging.

On the other hand, Brett Bossard, the Executive Director of Cinemapolis, spoke in favor of the Asteri project, saying that they had been open and transparent the whole way, and actively engaged on ideas and plans for improving their entrance plaza. "I'm very excited to be working with them, and I'm excited for what kind of real, inviting artery we're going to have...this is going to make the downtown experience really special." Frequent meeting attendee Theresa Alt lauded the proposal for its affordability and walkable location.

Quick aside, the board is lucky to have the Planning Department's Anya Harris managing the technical aspects, because a lot of folks are still trying to figure out how to make all this remote technology work well, and her advice and help is the proverbial grease that makes the gears turn.

The board decided 4-1 (Goddard opposed, Robert Lewis and C.J. Randall absent) to hold open the public hearing, mostly because it's a large project, Zoom is a bit hard to access for some folks, and the board wanted to give an opportunity for people to comment in the context of the Rimland project next door. Project team member Mark Tuttle then walked the board through a second presentation, a technical and architectural review Planning Board watchers have come to know and love. Tenants will have a fourth-floor terrace and a "Sky Terrace" on the top floor, SW corner units will have projecting bay window boxes, and on the ground level, bike rentals are planned in cooperation with a local bike shop.

Board members did express some reservations regarding the treatment of the alley between the tower and garage, parking treatments and construction logistics, which will likely be further explored in the coming few months. "I do realize there's a cutout on the fourth floor, but it might be good to get some visuals from the fourth floor and Harold's Square, so we're not creating problems with a dark space around the corner of the building," said board member Garrick Blalock. Expect further refinements in the project design as review continues next month.

Developer Jeff Rimland's 13-story proposal on the eastern end of the garage came back to the board with a brand new design for them to talk about. As previously reported, the mixed-use building proposed for 215 East State Street no longer builds into the Rothschild Building and displaces the shops and shop-owners along the Commons, but went back to the initial proposal which builds atop a rebuilt eastern third of the garage.

Rimland's proposal rebuilds the eastern third of the garage with two levels of public parking (about 130 spaces), one ground-level private parking area for the building's occupants (34 spaces) and 10 floors of residential with approximately 200 apartments. A residential lobby would front Green Street, as well as an access hallway between the shops lining the Commons. Along with design discussion was further consideration of the Full Environmental Assessment Forms (FEAFs) Part 2 and 3, which make up a large portion of the environmental review.

The only public comment received by the board at the start of the meeting was from Sunny Days co-owner Todd Kurzweil, who stressed the need for mitigation plans to protect his business in the Rothschild Building.

Project engineer James Trasher of CHA Inc.walked the board through the engineering drawings revised plan, noting that they can work with Vecino to coordinate their construction work so that they and the Asteri project don't create too great of a disruption at any one time. Project architect John Abisch led the presentation for the design portion, noting a two-story lobby/amenity space with mezzanine, and a rooftop terrace. The new design uses brick veneer, cementitious Nichiha panels and metal panels, with decorative lighting elements and a sizable number of balconies.

The board appreciated the more articulated design, but was concerned about geotechnical work and fitting the project into the public network of amenities and points of interest, like Six Mile Creek. Trasher said they were working to refine the design of the Green Street entrance and add some landscaping features, but that the real public amenity was the rebuilding of the eastern third of the garage. Environmental review will continue into the summer months and the public hearing is still on the to-do list, so we'll see what further design refinements come forth as the board goes through its design and environmental review.

The Voice broke news of this pair of projects from Visum Development a couple of weeks ago, but with the proposed Cherry Street downzoning by the Common Council, the proposals are already on the ropes; if the new zoning is approved by Common Council next week, it's the end for Visum's plan for 195 apartments and retail space in Ithaca's evolving waterfront. The project team came to the meeting hoping that they could get the Planning Board to issue some sort of advisory against the proposed downzoning, in the hopes it might have sway with more neutral council members. There's a few who strongly oppose the downzoning, a few strongly in favor of downzoning, and a number of persuadable members that could make or break the vote.

For Visum, it's a familiar but unenviable place to be in. After proposing an affordable housing development for the 500 Block of West State Street last year, the city downzoned the block.

Whitham Planning came back before the board to discuss the project alongside CJS Architects, describing how the zoning affects the proposals and what kinds of changes they're exploring in an effort to please the board. It was clear that the project programmatically meshed with the mixed-use, walkable vision the city's had for the waterfront. The primary issue is the 100-foot maximum building length, which as proposed would dice the buildings up. The project team argued this would massively drive up development costs (for instance, each building would need its own elevators due to building code) for little potential aesthetic benefit.

The board was receptive. "I know some people have felt the Arthaus project is too big for its space, but I don't agree with that," said board member Blalock. "There aren't a lot of spaces where we can put housing and retail without adding to sprawl, and I'm really enthusiastic for developing this part of (Ithaca)....I found the applicant's presentation to be compelling."

Planning Director Cornish did note that Common Council was set to vote on it at its June 3 meeting, and felt that council was split. "The input from the Planning Board is important. After seeing these images, they're beautiful and compelling. But are they too big, is the combination of those three buildings too much? Those are the things you should consider in coming up with a recommendation."

"I agree with Garrick," said board member Petrina. "They're appropriate for the scale and I like the industrial palette. I feel 132 is better at embracing the waterfront. With 110, I know the lot is narrow, but I'm going to think about how long the building should be. I'm sold on your argument for 132, if that makes sense."

"The materials are appealing...I agree 110 may be too dense for the waterfront," said board member Goddard. Goddard encouraged them to show 132 Cherry to Council, but "I'm not sure you're going to be able to sell them on the other one."

"This is a very nice site plan and I'm not sure what (the Council) are trying to achieve," said Glass. "I think we try to regulate these things to death and that's where you get into trouble. One thing I wouldn't do, I don't like parking facing the waterway, and we should stay away from that at all costs."

Visum CEO Todd Fox noted that INHS's Breckenridge Place is 160 feet long. At Cornish's query, the project team said 110 Cherry is 240-250 feet. "I think there are ways we can improve on the facade materials and make it feel like the building is broken up, visual pass-throughs...with designs and with working with the Planning Board, we can achieve the goals the city is looking for, but once you change the zoning it's not a feasible building. We got an email from (city Sustainability Coordinator) Nick Goldsmith, who noted that by cutting up these buildings, they use significantly more energy and go against the Green New Deal."

"If you have a (physical) pass-through with a minimum of 24 feet from the ground plane to the top, you can go beyond 100 feet. Is that possible here?" Asked Cornish.

"Not here, because you'd only have the top floor left, so you'd have to add additional stair towers and you start losing efficiency," said Fox.

"Is there going to be affordable housing?" asked Glass.

"It won't be affordable, but it'll be about 20% below City Centre. That's about what we could do to stay viable," said Fox.

"This is a contextual and appropriate project to me," said Jones-Rounds. "I was on the committee to determine the new waterfront zoning, we spent years developing that and we have not had it in effect as long as we spent developing that. Changing that before we've had a chance to work with it would be doing a disservice. We would be willing to go to bat for you. We'll keep our fingers crossed for you."

On the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) side, where the board makes recommendations to the BZA on projects seeking zoning variances from city code, the board reviewed two submissions, and was strongly prodded by the state of New York court system to sign off on a third.

Neither of the zoning area variances sought this month were controversial. Landlord Christopher Anagnost wants to enlarge a bedroom at 129 Blair Street. It wouldn't change occupancy, but because the century-old house doesn't conform to the city's parking rules or side yard rules, anything that results in an exterior change must be reviewed.

The other variance is for City Harbor. During review, the board realized the upper-level stepback for City Harbor's 4-5 story buildings wasn't changing the aesthetic effect because the mouth of the inlet is so wide, it doesn't really open up already-wide views in that area. With the project already set back from the water, after weighing design concepts, they told the developer they were welcome to pursue a variance from the stepback rule.

As for the last one, involving the courts...if you're a South Hill homeowner, you probably won't like this. Back in 2018, the BZA denied a side yard variance for a subdivision and new duplex at 209 Hudson Street, at left in the image above. The Planning Board was non-committal in its recommendation, because the underlying premise was legally questionable. You see, the side yard deficiency already existed. The existing century-old home on the double-lot created it. The subdivision was on its other side and legally conforming. The variance wouldn't be caused by the proposed new build, but was used against it because South Hill homeowners opposed the new rental duplex for being a rental. In other words, using non-zoning discussion (who would live there) in discussion of a zoning variance.

That can be a big no-no, because legally it can be seen as "arbitrary and capricious". The developer of the duplex, the Stavropoulos family on West Hill, sued under NYS law code Article 78. Article 78 means a local government acted unfairly and improperly in its deliberation, and its primary use is to prevent discrimination. The NYS Supreme Court decided in March 2019 that the city of Ithaca and the BZA had misused zoning law and discriminated against the Stavropoulos family. The city appealed the decision to the NYS Court of Appeals, and lost the appeal last month. Two years and tens of thousands of dollars in legal costs later, the state says the city of Ithaca and its BZA must grant the variance to allow the new lot and duplex.

129 Blair Street and City Harbor both received strong recommendations in favor. 209 Hudson Street was on the agenda but did not come up, because the Planning Board doesn't need to weigh in where the courts already have.

The board turned to its last item, its recommendation regarding the revised waterfront zoning. Petrina asked what the impetus was, to which Cornish said it was the Maguire proposal from a few years ago, and to some extent Arthaus. "(1st Ward Representative) George McGonigal is pretty adamant about not seeing these new buildings, he doesn't like density," said Cornish. "But Council is split, many members are in favor of this to kind of development. Other upstate cities would be chomping at the bit to have this and I get what you mean when you say we over-regulate."

"I'm in agreement with everyone else," said Blalock. "These are great projects. This zoning change will make them non-existent. I don't really understand the objections to these proposed buildings. There's not a lot of space left in Downtown, this and maybe Chain Works are maybe the only major pieces of developable real estate left....can't we look at these and find ways to choose designs that achieve the goals of the waterfront plan instead of relying on these measures of distance? I'm just bothered as a person who believes in property rights, that a developer goes out, develops a high-quality plan, and then right before they're about to cross the starting line, the city says they're throwing out all the old rules and putting new ones in. It's troubling to me."

"I think it's disingenuous to change the rules on them," said Glass. "Zoning has real impact. The conversation is theoretical, but the actions are site-specific. Sometimes you have to trust good consultants, and this is a good project." Goddard agreed.

"I'm concerned by the inconsistencies," Jones-Rounds said. "The stepback requirement is there for a reason. The break between buildings is there for a reason. It feels like we're doing tit-for-tat. I'm fine with adding the rowhouse definition...but I don't think you can change zoning if you haven't seen clear proof it's not working yet, and it was only just adopted after being discussed at length. Even with members like George McGonigal on the committee. He didn't agree with everything, but council wanting to change it after only a few years really doesn't show good planning, and with all due respect to council, this board has expertise in planning."

City Planner Lisa Nicholas offered to draft up a letter summarizing the board's concerns, to which they agreed to do with haste in order to have it ready in time for the June 3rd Common Council meeting. "We haven't seen enough development built in the new waterfront zoning yet to see if it is working," summarized Jones-Rounds.

Quick endnote, if you made it this far - according to Planning Director Cornish, the massive, long-awaited Collegetown project is set to submit development paperwork late next month.

Continue reading here:
Planning Board Recap: Board expresses frustration with waterfront rezoning plans - The Ithaca Voice

1.AIA honors exceptional designs with its COTE Top Ten Awards (AIA)"COTE bestows the award annually on 10 design projects that have expertly integrated design excellence with cutting-edge performance in ten key areas. The COTE Top Ten winning projects illustrate the solutions architects provide for the health and welfare of our communities and planet."

2.Visionary footbridge/elevated park concept wins AISCs Forge Prize (AISC)"The Footbridge concept, intended for a site in Manhattan that connects to the existing High Line, marries the raw look of weathering steel with the shine of hammered stainless steel planters that hold trees and other vegetation. Stormwater runoff would drip into bespoke weathering steel bollards on the plaza below, creating an immersive visual and auditory effect in inclement weather."

3.OSHA Reverses Course and Now Requires Employers to Track COVID-19 Cases (NAHB)"The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration this week announced a significant reversal of previous policy on an employers obligation to record work-related cases of COVID-19 on OSHA injury and illness logs. The new requirements go into effect Tuesday, May 26."

4.Architectural Reuse Council will step up efforts to reuse construction waste (BD+C)"The San Diego-based group aims to foster more salvage and reuse of material through education and outreach. The group is composed of reuse experts that regularly repurpose cabinets, appliances, lighting, lumber, and other materials taken from construction sites."

5.Only 12% of U.S. workers want to work from home full-time. Most want to return to the workplace, but with critical changes (Gensler)"The lessons learned from the experience of working from home during COVID-19 offer anunprecedented opportunity to rethink the future of the physical workplace. Only one in ten U.S. office workers had worked from home regularly before this experience, and less than a third had the choice to work from home. While many of the effects of COVID-19 on the workplace are still unfolding, some points are emerging clearly from our data:1) Most workers want to come back to the office.2) Workers expect crucial changes to the workplace before theyre comfortable returning."

6.For colleges and students, COVID presents a game of chicken (Bloomberg via Crain's Chicago Business)"Institutions want students to sign up and pay tuition deposits. Students wonder if it's worth shelling out tens of thousands for what could be a largely online experience. Who will swerve?"

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6 must reads for the AEC industry today: May 27, 2020 - Building Design + Construction

Regeneron, a biopharma giant that employs 1,000 people in Limerick, is to create 60 more jobs.

The company, which has an industrial operations and product supply facility at the Raheen Industrial Estate, is working on a Covid-19 antibody cocktail known as Regn-Cov2. Clinical trials are due to commence next month.

Regeneron acquired the former Dell computer facility in Limerick and secured planning approval in April 2014 for its first facility outside of the United States. Over the last six years, the company has invested more than $1 billion to build what is believed to be the largest biologics manufacturing facility in the Republic.

The company said it continues to expand locally with construction ongoing for a new laboratory and office building.

It feels surreal to now have over 1,000 of the most talented people in the industry working at our Raheen site. At the time we decided to set up shop in Limerick, I didnt fully appreciate the depth of the Irish talent pool or how welcoming the community would be, said Daniel van Plew, executive vice-president and general manager. It is a privilege to continue to work and grow in Limerick, and to be surrounded by so many hardworking and innovative people.

Regeneron, which employs more than 8,000 people in total, reported revenues of $7.86 billion last year. The last publicly available accounts for its Irish unit show it reported pretax profits of $386.47 million on revenues of $1.87 billion in 2018.

Excerpt from:
Regeneron to create 60 new jobs in Limerick - The Irish Times