Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NIO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, PhilippinesThe Office of the Ombudsman has placed under preventive suspension Makati mayor Jejomar Erwin Junjun Binay and other officials as they face probe for graft in connection with the allegedly overpriced Makati Parking Building.

OmbudsmanPh preventively suspends Mayor Binay Jr., et al for (six) months, pending investigation of the Makati carpark complaint, the Ombudsman tweeted Wednesday.

This after the Ombudsman is set to start its preliminary investigation against Vice President Jejomar Binay, his son Mayor Binay and 22 others for malversation, falsification, graft and violation of the procurement law in connection with the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Parking Building.

READ: Ombudsman set to start probe on Binay Makati parking building overprice case

The Ombudsman Special Panel of Investigators filed Thursday its complaint against the respondents for the alleged overpricing of the parking building which started construction in 2007 when Vice President Binay was still Makatis mayor.

The filing of the complaint after months of case build-up and evidence gathering by Ombudsman field investigators paves the way for a preliminary investigation which precedes the finding of probable cause and subsequent indictment.

READ: Binay, son face graft raps

According to the Ombudsman, the preliminary investigation will look into the alleged irregularities in the procurement and award for the design and architectural services as well as the construction of the parking building built along F. Zobel street.

The complaint said the respondents awarded the P11.9-million contract for the design and architectural services to MANA Architecture and Interior Design Company without public bidding.

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Mayor Junjun Binay ordered suspended for six months

Hotel Indigo and another office building may be in the works at the suddenly booming Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland.

The citys Urban Redevelopment Authority board is expected to consider Thursday whether to enter into negotiations with Northpointe Development Group LLC for the sale of a 1.6-acre parcel of land at Second Avenue and Bates Street Extension.

Northpointe is proposing to build a $14.7 million, 100-room Hotel Indigo with 1,500 square feet of meeting space and a restaurant with seating for 104 people. There currently is not a restaurant at the technology center, which is home to numerous businesses.

The URA has been trying to attract a developer to build a hotel on the parcel since late 2007, but previous efforts have failed. In 2013, the redevelopment authority entered into exclusive negotiations with PTC Lodging LP to build a 135-room hotel but that never culminated in a deal. Before that, a deal with Harmar-based Kratsa Properties to build a 142-room hotel fell through.

Northpointes properties include Hampton Inns in Greensburg, West Mifflin and Johnstown, according to the URA. It also recently opened a Holiday Inn Express and Suites at Southpointe in Washington County.

The exclusive negotiating period with Northpointe would be for 90 days with a possible 90-day extension. The development would be the second Hotel Indigo in the city. Another is under construction by a different developer in East Liberty.

In addition, the board will consider on Thursday exclusive negotiations with The Ferchill Group of Cleveland for the sale of a 1.2-acre plot of land at Pittsburgh Technology Center for the construction of Bridgeside Point III, a 130,000-square-foot office building designed for research-oriented uses for biotechnology clients.

It would be the third building to be built at the technology center by Ferchill, which also developed the Bridgeside Point I and the Bridgeside Point II office buildings at the office park. Like Northpointe, exclusive negotiations with Ferchill would run 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension.

Besides those projects, Oxford Development Co. is in the process of developing a $12 million, three-story urban flex office building on 1.5 acres of riverfront land at the site. The Downtown-based developer hopes to start construction this summer. Walnut Capital also is proposing to build a 352-unit apartment complex at Pittsburgh Technology Center.

Mark Belko: mbelko@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1262. First Published March 10, 2015 5:22 PM

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Hotel Indigo, office building considered for Pittsburgh Technology Center

The 800m Airport City project, like the city of Manchester itself, is one of progress, delivery and confidence in the future.

Thats the view of the woman in charge of the scheme, Lynda Shillaw, who was speaking at global property show MIPIM in Cannes.

At the event Ms Shillaw revealed plans to build the first office element at the site - a 75,000 sq ft building, each floor of which will be able to be split into four.

Construction will start in the summer with the office ready for tenants at the end of 2016.

Bosses behind Airport City said the speculative development will make a "massive difference and said there will be no problem getting both national and international businesses to move into available space.

Ms Shillaw, chief executive for property at Manchester Airports Group (MAG), said: "Its been a busy year on site at Airport City and this year is about to get busier.

"At Airport City north we are in the middle of developing a new Manchester Business District on top of what must be the best transport connected road in the north, if not the UK.

"From the business district you can get anywhere in the UK by train, bus or from the motorway network, with the Metrolink line to the airport also opening last November too."

She added: In 2015 we are going to be developing infrastructures, the first phases of infrastructure to enable fully serviced plots within two distinct zones of Airport City north.

We will also be starting work on the first major phase of infrastructure extending north of the existing airport buildings. We expect to be on site early in the summer.

Link:
MIPIM 2015: Airport City plans revealed

Media Release 10.3.2015

Prime new office heralds the next era for multi-media company

Half the available space in Mansons TCLMs new 20,000 sq m office building at 151 Victoria Street West in Aucklands CBD has gone ahead of its completion, following the leasing of three floors to media company NZME.

NZME. (formerly APN NZ) has taken a 12-year term over 8,300 sq m of space on Levels 1-3, with a six-year right of renewal, and will also take half of the buildings 169 basement car parks.

Bayleys leasing agent Paul Hain, who advised Mansons on the transaction, says it is the biggest lease concluded in Auckland since Fonterra committed to its new premises in Fanshawe Street.

He says the buildings very large floor areas of 3,100 sq m per level, with interlinking staircases, was a major attraction for MZME. enabling it to merge all its media operations into one compact business environment.

Relocating into the building, starting in November will be the New Zealand Herald, The Radio Network and NZME.s digital operations, including the daily deal website Grab One.

Hain says approximately 1000 sq m on the ground floor will also be occupied by retail tenancies, leaving only the top three floors, encompassing a net lettable area of 9,300 s q m, still available for lease. Because of the sites elevated position, these have expansive city and harbour views and also come with naming rights.

There has been strong enquiry in this space which has heightened now that the building is fully glazed nearing completion, giving prospective tenants a clear picture of what an impressive structure it is, he says

Construction is well ahead of schedule and floors will be available for fit out from June. A particularly striking feature of the property is the giant 20 metre high lobby atrium which runs through the building, flooding it with natural light and providing a spectacular meeting place for tenants and visitors. The lobby also connects with a substantial and extensively landscaped public plaza area.

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Prime new office heralds next era for multi-media company

A Hotel Indigo and another office building may be in the works at the suddenly booming Pittsburgh Technology Center in South Oakland.

The city's Urban Redevelopment Authority board is expected to consider Thursday whether to enter into negotiations with Northpointe Development Group LLC for the sale of a 1.6-acre parcel of land at Second Avenue and Bates Street Extension.

Northpointe is proposing to build a $14.7 million, 100-room Hotel Indigo with 1,500 square feet of meeting space and a restaurant with seating for 104 people. There currently is not a restaurant at PTC, which is home to numerous businesses.

The URA has been trying to attract a developer to build a hotel on the parcel since late 2007 but previous efforts have failed. In 2013, the URA entered into exclusive negotiations with PTC Lodging LP to build a 135-room hotel on the property but that never culminated in a deal. Before that, a deal with Harmar-based Kratsa Properties to build a 142-room hotel fell through.

Northpointe's properties include Hampton Inns in Greensburg, West Mifflin and Johnstown, according to the URA. It also recently opened a Holiday Inn Express and Suites at Southpointe in Washington County.

The exclusive negotiating period with Northpointe would be for 90 days with a possible 90-day extension. The development would be the second Hotel Indigo in the city. Another is under construction by a different developer in East Liberty.

In addition, the board will consider Thursday exclusive negotiations with The Ferchill Group of Cleveland for the sale of a 1.2-acre plot of land at PTC for the construction of Bridgeside Point III, a 130,000-square-foot office building designed for research-oriented uses for biotechnology clients.

It would be the third building to be built at Pittsburgh Technology Center by Cleveland-based Ferchill. It also developed the Bridgeside Point I and the Bridgeside Point II office buildings at the office park. Like Northpointe, the exclusive negotiations with Ferchill would run 90 days, with a possible 90-day extension.

Besides those projects, Oxford Development Co. currently is in the process of developing a $12 million, three-story "urban flex" office building on 1.5 acres of riverfront land at the site. It hopes to start construction this summer. Walnut Capital also is proposing to build a 352-unit apartment complex at PTC.

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Hotel Indigo and office building proposed for Pittsburgh Technology Center

New landmark building a showcase for Hutt Valley commercial construction

EMBARGOED until 6pm Tuesday 10th March

The Honourable Hekia Parata, Minister of Education today officially opened Aglionby House; the new headquarters for local construction firm, Armstrong Downes Commercial.

Local dignitaries and more than 170 of the whos who from the Wellington regions commercial construction and business community were in attendance as the Minister unveiled a large Hutt Valley river rock as part of the opening ceremony.

The building sets a new standard for commercial offices in the Hutt Valley. It demonstrates strong environmental features including rainwater recovery for toilets and watering gardens, solar panels, sensor controlled low energy LED lighting throughout, large double glazing for natural light and solar gain. It is appropriately industrial and includes many unique design touches, internal open plan office facilities and a large first floor deck for entertaining staff and guests. The building also features a one-off spray-painted mural of iconic Lower Hutt areas.

Armstrong Downes Commercial estimates around 90% of the materials and construction are from local companies.

With strong local roots, company owners and directors Simon Taylor and Tony Doile chose the name Aglionby House in recognition of the areas history. Records show the Hamlet of Aglionby was the first name for Lower Hutt.

Simon Taylor says, In 1840 Wakefield records the Village of Aglionby contains an excellent tavern, a small building used as a church and school, blacksmiths forge, several shops, two good farm houses and numerous labourers cottages. And now 175 years later this area contains a very stylish, modern office building that sets a completely new standard for office premises in the Hutt Valley. Aglionby House has been built by and showcases many of the construction and trade skills of people from across the whole region.

The building has been on the cards for a number of years. Tony Doile says One of our company values is we do what we say we will. Weve been promising this office to ourselves and staff for a number of years, and now its finally here.

Simon Taylor says, We pride ourselves on delivering outstanding buildings across the whole Wellington region. After more than 23 years of building great premises for other people, it is a thrill to finally have such a stylish and modern building of our own. Tony and I have a deep passion to see Armstrong Downes Commercial grow from here into something we can be even more proud of. Aglionby House not only demonstrates our pride in our heritage; it shows our commitment to and optimism for the future delivering the best commercial construction projects across the region.

Link:
New landmark building showcase for Hutt Valley construction

BUILDING PERMITS

PMT2014-03772 4891 Broadway; $73,651.40; Leigh Williamson; Vermilion Construction; Interior, non-structural TI (2,440 square feet) to establish a new grow facility in existing commercial structure. Scope includes associated mechanical and electrical work. (see associated Parking Deferral ADR2015-00019)

PMT2014-05489 2353 13th St.; $200,578.46; Stephen Tebo; Strong Backs & Artistic Hands; Remodel (3,256 square feet) and addition (326 square feet) to existing non-conforming triplex (please refer to LUR2014-00073 for non-conforming use review approval). Scope includes complete interior renovation of all three dwellings (no net bedroom count change), and conversion of 326 square feet of existing crawlspace into habitable space. Includes associated MEPs.

PMT2014-05541 5980 Arapahoe Road; $14,409,703; Cherryvale Commons ; Calcon Constructors Inc.; Building Permit for the new Boulder Jewish Community Center (52,444 square feet). Scope of work includes associated MEPs and sitework.

PMT2014-05595 2310 Linden Ave.; $920,000; Kristen Wolf; Morningstar Homes; Construction of new, two-story plus basement single-family dwelling home. Proposed finished basement of 807 square feet, proposed first floor of 2,476 square feet, proposed second floor of 1,779 square feet, attached garage of 828 square feet (unconditioned). Existing 630-square-foot accessory building to remain.

PMT2014-05596 4747 Table Mesa Drive; $865,809; Ready To; Hitt Contracting Inc.; Remodel of building for Bridge House transitional housing. Scope of work includes remodel of 13,950 square feet of interior, 408-square-foot storage space, and building envelope improvements. Associated mechanical, electrical and plumbing work included.

PMT2014-05628 4148 Clifton Court; $452,998.51; North Boulder; Coast To Coast Residential Development; New three-story, single-family dwelling residence. Scope to include an attached two-car garage and an unfinished basement with rough-ins for one bath. Main level to include kitchen, dining, living, and powder room. Second level to include master suite, two additional baths, and two other bedrooms. Upper level includes a loft area.

PMT2014-05654 1525 Rockmont Circle; $750,800; Noel and Susan Bennett; Hughes Construction Co.; Addition (1,499 square feet, with 865-square-foot demo) and remodel (521 square feet) to single-family dwelling. Scope also includes a demo'd and reconstructed porch (334 square feet) and new patio (116 square feet). MEPs included. Mid-roof inspection required.

PMT2015-00012 2950 Wilderness Place; $138,350; Aero Tech; Symmetry Builders Inc.; Non-structural tenant remodel of 165 square feet to include associated MEPs, including a new shower/bathroom.

PMT2015-00029 820 Spruce St.; $225,000; Judith Amabile; Jamey Valentine Construction; Conversion of existing duplex into single-family dwelling. Scope of work includes full remodel of existing structure (2,610 square feet), a second story addition (55 square feet), and a increase in the depth of the existing basement from 7-feet to 9-feet deep (870 square feet). New second story deck (277 square feet). Includes associated MEPs.

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Boulder building permits: March 9, 2015

Fish says enough already being done to keep tabs on spending

An independent investigation into cost overruns at the Bureau of Environmental Services office building includes 11 recommendations to make sure it doesnt happen again.

Commissioner Nick Fish, who is in charge of BES, thinks he already has done enough to keep future construction projects under control, however. Jim Blackwood, a policy director in Fishs office, notes the commissioner has directed BES to appear before the City Council any time a project is projected to increase more than $500,000. Fish issued the same directive to the Water Bureau, which he also oversees.

Blackwood says Fish is prepared to do more if recommended by the City Auditors Office, however. The auditor is close to completing a comprehensive audit on all of the citys procurement policies that will likely recommend many changes in the way the city spends money on goods and services.

We are looking forward to what the procurement audit has to say, Blackwood says.

The City Attorneys Office retained the Barran Liebman law firm to investigate cost overruns at a BES office building at the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant services building in North Portland. It started as a personnel investigation into how the costs increased under BES Director Dean Marriott. But when Marriott resigned after the investigation started, it was changed to look at lessons learned from the widely publicized episode.

Fish placed Marriott on paid administrative leave last October, just before the investigation began. Marriott resigned in early January in exchange for nearly $200,000 in severance pay and $49,000 in legal costs. He was protected by the citys civil service system and was preparing to fight any disciplinary actions.

The law firms report was released last Wednesday. Much of it confirmed an October 2014 city audit on the project that found costs increased in large part because BES officials decided the building should be an environmental showcase after work had already begun.

The report agrees with the audit that oversight on the project was lacking, and it faults project staff for routing a $95,581 payment to the architect through the construction firm after Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who was in charge of BES at the time, said he would not approve any more cost increases. The report says this was inappropriate, but not illegal.

However, the report differs from the audit on the estimated starting cost of the project, which reduces the size of the increase.

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Audit urges closer look at future BES projects

Fish says enough already being done to keep tabs on spending

An independent investigation into cost overruns at the Bureau of Environmental Services office building includes 11 recommendations to make sure it doesnt happen again.

Commissioner Nick Fish, who is in charge of BES, thinks he already has done enough to keep future construction projects under control, however. Jim Blackwood, a policy director in Fishs office, notes the commissioner has directed BES to appear before the City Council any time a project is projected to increase more than $500,000. Fish issued the same directive to the Water Bureau, which he also oversees.

Blackwood says Fish is prepared to do more if recommended by the City Auditors Office, however. The auditor is close to completing a comprehensive audit on all of the citys procurement policies that will likely recommend many changes in the way the city spends money on goods and services.

We are looking forward to what the procurement audit has to say, Blackwood says.

The City Attorneys Office retained the Barran Liebman law firm to investigate cost overruns at a BES office building at the Columbia Wastewater Treatment Plant services building in North Portland. It started as a personnel investigation into how the costs increased under BES Director Dean Marriott. But when Marriott resigned after the investigation started, it was changed to look at lessons learned from the widely publicized episode.

Fish placed Marriott on paid administrative leave last October, just before the investigation began. Marriott resigned in early January in exchange for nearly $200,000 in severance pay and $49,000 in legal costs. He was protected by the citys civil service system and was preparing to fight any disciplinary actions.

The law firms report was released last Wednesday. Much of it confirmed an October 2014 city audit on the project that found costs increased in large part because BES officials decided the building should be an environmental showcase after work had already begun.

The report agrees with the audit that oversight on the project was lacking, and it faults project staff for routing a $95,581 payment to the architect through the construction firm after Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who was in charge of BES at the time, said he would not approve any more cost increases. The report says this was inappropriate, but not illegal.

However, the report differs from the audit on the estimated starting cost of the project, which reduces the size of the increase.

Read more here:
Report urges closer look at future BES projects

Last Weeks Biggest Leases Include: CDP Capital, CleaResult, DocuSign, Mercedes, OncoGenex, Peter Pennoyer, Receptos, RightSource Rx and others

The new 87,776-square-foot office will keep Comcast's regional headquarters in Gwinnett County and will house the company's 532 full-time local employees on four floors at 6200 The Corners Pky.

The space will also feature build-out for a demonstration lab and Comcast University, the company's employee training program.

The mass media giant, which currently employs approximately 4,000 in Georgia, will hire an additional 150 employees for its new headquarters and disclosed plans to hire 150 more at its existing technical support service center located on North Point Pky. in Alpharetta.

Lindsay Martin, director of existing industry and regional recruitment at the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), helped facilitate Comcast's deal on behalf of Georgia, along with Partnership Gwinnett and Progress Partners of North Fulton.

Dom Wyant of JLL negotiated the lease with Kay Younglove and Adam Viente, also of JLL. Wyant represented Comcast, while Younglove and Viente negotiated on behalf of building owner, Wells Real Estate Funds.

Comcast operates approximately 190 facilities, offices and call centers in the state. By Bryce Meyers

Editor's Note: A previous version of this news report erroneously reported that a newly formed technology firm, 5Q Partners, had leased a large amount of space at 6200 The Corners Pky. That information was included in error and has since been removed from this updated version.

CleaResult provides energy programs to schools, governments, businesses and homeowners. This past fall, the company acquired PECI, (formerly Portland Energy Conservation Inc.) founded by the Portland City Council and whose offices were housed at First & Main.

The 16-story, 364,779-square-foot, 5-Star office building was constructed in 2010 on one acre in the city's CBD submarket. The property is home to Interface Engineering, the DEA, USPS, and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Continued here:
Office Lease Up (Feb 23) Wells Real Estate Spinoff 5Q Partners Relocates To Norcross