NEWPORT NEWS, Va., May 4, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII - News) announced today that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division broke ground on the shipyard's new Apprentice School campus. Apprentice School students, faculty and staff were joined by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, U.S. Reps. Scott Rigell, Bobby Scott and Rob Wittman, Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, HII leadership and other business and community leaders Thursday at the construction site for a ceremonial ground-breaking event.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/hii/mediagallery.html?pkgid=12729

Armada Hoffler, the City of Newport News, the Commonwealth of Virginia and NNS have partnered on the project, which will include an 80,000-square-foot school, workforce housing, retail space and a parking garage. The campus will be located between 31st and 34th streets, bordered by Washington and West avenues.

"Looking out across this technologically advanced shipyard -- the only place in America where our nation's aircraft carriers are assembled, and home to commercial and military shipbuilding facilities rivaled by none -- it is clear that America's long history of innovation and advanced manufacturing is still alive and well," said Gov. McDonnell. "The skills needed to create these engineering marvels cannot be learned haphazardly or in your average technical training program. Virginia is proud to partner with the company to create this new campus to house their program. This facility will provide a fertile ground to cultivate the skills and trades necessary to build the ships of today and tomorrow."

More than 100 faculty and staff teach 25 different programs and more than 75 course offerings at The Apprentice School. Since 1919, the programs have produced more than 9,600 graduates in support of NNS's operational needs. An apprenticeship is a formal training program that allows students to receive instruction and experience -- both theoretical and practical -- in the various aspects of a skilled trade.

"This project is a demonstration of HII's commitment to education and investing in our people," said HII President and CEO Mike Petters. "Make no mistake, we believe this commitment to workforce development is necessary because what we do as a heavy manufacturing company -- the products we build and the services we provide -- is a direct result of the skills, talent and capability of our 38,000 employees."

NNS President Matt Mulherin said, "This campus will provide a first-class learning facility for our apprentices, while also providing another significant step toward revitalizing downtown Newport News. It is yet another symbol that American manufacturing is alive and well in Newport News. Without the support of an engaged state and city -- and its leadership -- a large, industrial organization such as ours would not flourish. We appreciate the long-standing support and partnership the City of Newport News and the Commonwealth of Virginia have always shown us."

The Apprentice School attracts an average of 4,500 applicants per year for 280 openings. The school offers four- and five-year, tuition-free apprenticeships in 25 occupations to qualified men and women. Apprentices work a regular 40-hour week and are paid for all work, including time spent in academic classes. Through partnerships with Thomas Nelson Community College and Tidewater Community College, The Apprentice School's academic program provides the opportunity to earn associate's degrees in business administration, engineering and engineering technology.

"Our national defense depends on our Navy," said U.S. Rep. Scott, "and the work product of the graduates of The Apprentice School will serve as the backbone of the United States Navy. We all look forward to the growth and progress of the apprentice program and the impact that the apprentices will have on the future of shipbuilding and our nation."

Mayor Price said The Apprentice School project "represents a partnership of organizations which embraces the values of generations of citizens in Newport News and throughout the Hampton Roads region--quality education, superior work ethic and an exceptional quality of life." "We are proud to be the home of The Apprentice School and to have played a role in an endeavor which will create opportunities for years to come," he said.

Here is the original post:
Photo Release -- Newport News Shipbuilding Breaks Ground on New Apprentice School

U-T San Diego reporters may soon be sharing their space with cranes and construction crews as newspaper owner and developer Doug Manchester prepares to build a mixed-use development at the newspaper's Mission Valley property, according to notices surrounding the building.

According to the City of San Diego "notice of application," Manchester plans to build 198 residential condominium units, each with parking, 6,470 square feet of retail space, and 234,415 square feet of office space.

Since buying the paper formerly known as the Union-Tribune in November, Manchester has invested in the newspaper's headquarters building, adding a television studio and a restaurant on the lower floor. But many observers thought his primary interest in the newspaper was the real estate, and this move seems to give credibility to that notion.

Neither U-T San Diego Publisher John Lynch nor U-T San Diego editor Jeff Light immediately returned calls for comment.

At least one newsroom staffer was unaware of the project when reached for comment.

The San Diego County assessor values the 12.9-acre headquarters at $51 million, but its tax valuation hasn't changed in decades.

The move to build to add so much office space comes as the market for top-quality office space has tightened in recent months, though the project will likely need years to come to fruition.

Manchester previously confirmed that he paid $110 million to Beverly Hills-based private equity firm Platinum Equity to buy U-T San Diego, and that the paper was earning roughly $30 million by one measure ---- sometimes referred to as a company's EBITDA, an acronym for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Manchester has a long history as a developer in the region, having tried to build hotels in Oceanside and in downtown San Diego, and having built the Manchester Grand Hyatt near the San Diego Convention Center.

The plans for the development at U-T headquarters must still go before the Mission Valley Planning Group and the San Diego Planning Commission, and receive approval from the San Diego City Council.

More here:
DEVELOPMENT: Doug Manchester to build condos, office complex on U-T San Diego land

A development plannned for the current site of a parking lot at Halsted Street and Bradley Place. (Credit: Ald. James Capplemans Office/Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture)

CHICAGO (CBS) A proposed retail and apartment complex in Boystown still isnt sitting well with its neighbors.

As WBBM Newsradios Lisa Fielding reports, following months of contentious meetings between community members and Ald. Alderman James Cappleman (46th), a plan to build 250 new rental apartments anchored by 46,000 square feet of retail space continues to move forward.

But many neighbors are not happy about it.

LISTEN: WBBM Newsradios Lisa Fielding reports

We are still concerned with the current design and its impact to the neighborhood, including especially the value of units at the Gill Park Co-op. We are in favor of developing the parking lot, but we feel strongly that the current development is still too tall and dense, said Justin Wescott of Halsted Neighbors.

The proposed development would replace the parking lot on the corner of Halsted Street and Bradley Place in Boystown, next to the International House of Pancakes at 3760 N. Halsted St. that is popularly known as the Gayhop.

The parking lot is used by the 24-hour IHOP and the neighboring Faith Tabernacle Church, 3750 N. Halsted St.

Neither the church nor the IHOP would be affected by the construction.

Capplemans Web site displays floor plans and artists renderings for the development, which have been revised since they were first unveiled last fall.

More:
Retail-Apartment Development Moving Forward Near Boystown IHOP

Update: This post initially mistated the amount of retail space at the proposed store. There would be 168,200 square feet of retail on the site.

Original Post: In a meeting expected to extend late into the evening, the Prince Georges District Council on Monday heard the first public testimony on a controversial proposal to build a mixed-used development that would include housing, a hotel and the countys first Whole Foods Market.

Despite the length of the meeting, however, no decision was expected on the matter.

Members of the District Council the name the County Council takes when it considers development-related matters heard from dozens of residents who oppose the plan unveiled last year by the Cafritz family. Supporters of the proposal were also at the hearing but in smaller numbers than those who oppose the plan.

I oppose the project because I believe its going to adversely affect this neighborhood, said Karen Prestegaard, who has lived in University Park for 23 years.

But Michael Herman, the former mayor of Riverdale Park, the community where the development would be built, said the Cafritz project was an incredible opportunity for the community that would enliven the Route 1 corridor.

The proposal calls for the construction of a mixed-use development that would include 995 units of multifamily housing, a 120-room hotel, 22,000 square feet of office space and 168,200 square feet of retail on a 36-acre wooded parcel along Route 1 just north of East-West Highway. Boosters including County Executive Rushern Baker (D) -- say the plan will bring much needed retail to a county that needs to expand its tax base beyond housing. Also, the hope is that a Whole Foods will send a signal to other prominent retailers that Prince Georges is a good place to do business.

Residents in the surrounding communities have taken a different view. While many say they like the idea of having a Whole Foods Market close by, they worry the development will swamp the already crowded Route 1 corridor with more traffic. They also fear the influx of new residents will overwhelm schools and tax police and fire services. Riverdale Park and University Park councils have voted to support the proposal while College Park officials have voted to oppose it.

Mondays proceeding was an evidentiary hearing, which differs from a regular public hearing in that those who testify are sworn in and could be cross-examined by lawyers from opposing sides. Indeed, at times the councils chambers felt like a courtroom with myriad lawyers objecting to some of the testimony. It was left to a hearing examiner to sustain or overrule the challenges.

The hearing began just after 10 a.m. Late in the afternoon, council members signaled they would be willing to meet until 10 p.m. in hopes of hearing the majority of the testimony, a spokesperson said.

See the article here:
Prince George’s Whole Foods project: No decision yet

The long-stalled North Point development is asking for more freedom to build its tall buildings close together. The developers have petitioned the city to adjust the areas with various height restrictions and ease up the space required between two buildings, as well as changes to parking requirements.

We can also add more open space and create a brand new retail plaza, said developer Tom OBrien, making his case to the City Council, which along with the Planning Board has a say in rezoning. So far, the council seems eager to accommodate development of the land between Lechmere and Charlestown.

Im glad to see its going to be developed. It did sit as a, I dont want to say distressed area for a very long amount of time, said Councilor Denise Simmons. They have made a commitment to continue to meet with the community.

The project to develop old Boston & Maine Railroad land into condos, commercial, lab and retail space has been in the works for about a decade and is partially complete. Work came to a halt, however, as the developer and the railroad became locked in lawsuits and the developer went bankrupt.

When a developer owned in part by former Los Angeles Lakers star Magic Johnson bought into the project about two years ago, a previous agreement for the developer to rebuild Lechmere Station was scrapped.

In a brief interview, OBrien, whose The HYM Investment Group represents Canjon-Johnson Urban Funds, said that the deal between the MBTA and the developer was rewritten as the scope of the MBTAs plans for Lechmere changed to include a potential Green Line Extension.

OBrien denied the widespread claim that a station rebuild was too expensive for the developer. He said the right-of-way the railroad is providing to the Green Line plus about $15 million is lucrative.

The previous developer had agreed to build that station in exchange for the property where the current station is located, said OBrien. The needs of the MBTA changed The T and we agreed on a different swap.

OBrien told the council the 45 acre property is permitted for 5.2 million square feet of mixed-use development. The amendments would allow for 150-foot to 200-foot developments along the Gilmore Bridge to Charlestown, according to a letter accompanying the changes.

Its been a project that has languished for a number of years here in Cambridge, said OBrien. He said he wanted residential construction to start later this year.

Read more:
North Point seeks changes to zoning for stalled development

One of the leading construction companies in Northern California, TRICORP HEARN Construction combines vast and diverse expertise from three founders, Tony Moayed, Steve Hunter and Ken Cohen. The owners bring experience in all phases of pre-construction and construction management, with the company winning many awards including 2006 General Contractor of the Year by the American Subcontractors Association, and was named Sacramentos Fastest Growing Company in 2007.

TRICORP HEARNs success is based on the company's business philosophy which is committed to a relationship driven, collaborative approach that puts the emphasis on client's needs. The company's guiding principles are to ensure unwavering excellence by building a culture based on the following core values: Integrity, Leadership Commitment and Progressiveness.

The company has diverse experience in public and private sectors ranging from small tenant improvements to multi-million dollar ground-up projects in California. The company serves a wide array of industries and markets including multi-family, hospitality, medical, education, government, winery, industrial, tenant Improvement, office and retail.

Specialties:

General Contracting, Pre-Construction Services, Construction Management, Program Planning

Company:

Headquarters Address:

Gold River, CA 95670

Main Telephone:

916-779-8010

Continued here:
Company Profile for Tricorp Hearn Construction

Ocean Plaza, a new shopping mall located on Horkoho Street next to the Lybidska metro station, will add 165,000 square meters, including 131,000 square meters of commercial space, to retail space in Kyiv. Major shopping centers in operation in Kyiv (by area) Yesterday at 23:13 | Kyiv PostOffice lease prices in Kyiv

Ocean Plaza

Ocean Plaza, a new shopping mall located on Horkoho Street next to the Lybidska metro station, will add 165,000 square meters, including 131,000 square meters of commercial space, to retail space in Kyiv.

The first part of the $150 million project may be completed this fall; construction of the second part will start by the end of 2012.

The complex will include various forms of entertainment, including an aquarium, and a food court.

A Real grocery hypermarket and nine-screen IMAX movie theater will anchor the complex from both sides, according to the Ukrainian Trade Guild, the exclusive agent for the shopping mall.

Ukrainian Trade Guild is currently holding talks with potential tenants for Ocean Plaza, which include world-recognized brands whove yet to enter Ukraines market, like Saks 5th Avenue, H&M, Starbucks, House of Blues, Disney Store and Burger King.

See more here:
Major shopping centers in operation in Kyiv (by area)

By LOIS PUGLIONESI Times Correspondent

HAVERFORD After 30 years as a reclamation site, the former Llanerch Quarry officially became a construction site on Wednesday, when the upcoming Quarry Center broke ground.

Standing amid 30 acres of bare brown earth with a bulldozer in the background, the property owners and developers, staff from IMC Construction, and commissioners President Bill Wechsler gathered to dig the first shovelfuls of dirt.

If all goes well the townships largest shopping center will open for business in time for Christmas. Located at Township Line Road and West Chester Pike, adjacent to Kohls, the Quarry Center will provide 250,000 square feet of retail space, including a 46,400-square-foot Giant Food Store and 150,000-square-foot Lowes home and garden center. Panera Bread, Supercuts, Visionworks and Chipotle Mexican Grill will occupy retail spaces between the two anchor stores. Negotiations continue with prospective tenants for two remaining pad sites.

With stone facades indicative of the area and an arts-and-crafts style, the center will sport an upscale architectural theme and provide shoppers a pleasant environment to conduct their everyday shopping, said Eric Mallory, principal of Eureka Ventures and partner in Quarry Center LP.

The conversion of this property from an operating quarry to a landfill, then to a first-class shopping environment, is a prime example of urban in-fill development, Mallory added, noting that its central location is good for the community and the environment.

A new connector roadway that provides alternate access through West Chester Pike will also improve the immediate road network, Mallory said.

Owner David Crockett Jr. said he hopes to have infrastructure installed and turn site pads over to large tenants in August.

With landfill operations under way since 1984, its been a long time coming, Crockett said.

Its a great day for the township, Wechsler said about developing a property that has lain fallow and caused controversy for years. Its been a hole in the ground and its going to be a shopping center, a tax revenue generator and generate employment.

Read more from the original source:
Officials break ground for Quarry Center in Haverford

By LOIS PUGLIONESI Times Correspondent

HAVERFORD After 30 years as a reclamation site, the former Llanerch Quarry officially became a construction site on Wednesday, when the upcoming Quarry Center broke ground.

Standing amid 30 acres of bare brown earth with a bulldozer in the background, the property owners and developers, staff from IMC Construction, and commissioners President Bill Wechsler gathered to dig the first shovelfuls of dirt.

If all goes well the townships largest shopping center will open for business in time for Christmas. Located at Township Line Road and West Chester Pike, adjacent to Kohls, the Quarry Center will provide 250,000 square feet of retail space, including a 46,400-square-foot Giant Food Store and 150,000-square-foot Lowes home and garden center. Panera Bread, Supercuts, Visionworks and Chipotle Mexican Grill will occupy retail spaces between the two anchor stores. Negotiations continue with prospective tenants for two remaining pad sites.

With stone facades indicative of the area and an arts-and-crafts style, the center will sport an upscale architectural theme and provide shoppers a pleasant environment to conduct their everyday shopping, said Eric Mallory, principal of Eureka Ventures and partner in Quarry Center LP.

The conversion of this property from an operating quarry to a landfill, then to a first-class shopping environment, is a prime example of urban in-fill development, Mallory added, noting that its central location is good for the community and the environment.

A new connector roadway that provides alternate access through West Chester Pike will also improve the immediate road network, Mallory said.

Owner David Crockett Jr. said he hopes to have infrastructure installed and turn site pads over to large tenants in August.

With landfill operations under way since 1984, its been a long time coming, Crockett said.

Its a great day for the township, Wechsler said about developing a property that has lain fallow and caused controversy for years. Its been a hole in the ground and its going to be a shopping center, a tax revenue generator and generate employment.

See the rest here:
Haverford Twp. breaks ground for new shopping center at quarry

(MENAFN) Abu Dhabi's major developer Aldar confirmed the lease of more than 50 percent of retail space at Yas Mall, which will be Abu Dhabi's largest shopping centre when completed, Arabian Business reported.

Aldar said that its has agreed with five of the UAE's leading retail groups including MH Alshaya, Landmark Group, Dubai Holding Group, RSH (Middle East) and Liwa Trading Enterprises.

Aldar added that Yas IKEA is already open and performing well, and ACE Hardware is set to open in the third quarter of this year.

Aldar Properties said retailer interest was "proving strong" in the 235,000 sq m mall project, which is slated to open at the end of 2013.

With 10,000 covered car parking spaces, Yas Mall will be the second biggest shopping destination in the UAE after Dubai Mall.

The Yas Mall project's main contract, worth USD544.5 million, was awarded to Six Construct, a unit of Orascom Construction.

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More than 50% of Abu Dhabi's Yas Mall leased: Aldar