Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

250 Taylor Office BuildingSubmitting Company: Turner ConstructionLocation: PortlandOwner/Developer: 3rd and Taylor, LLC with Rockwood CapitalArchitect: Ankrom Moisan ArchitectsEngineer: KPFFAdditional Engineering Firms: GeoDesign Inc., GlumacGeneral Contractor: Turner ConstructionSubcontractors: Afghan Associates, Alliant Systems, American Heating, Balco, Bell Hardware of Portland, Bergelectric, Brian H Smith Demolition, Building Material Specialties, Carlson Testing, Cascade Tower and Rigging, Cessco, City of Roses Disposal & Recycling, Concrete Inspection Services, Cosco Fire Protection, D&H Flagging, Dennis 7 Dees Landscaping, DeWitt Construction, Dmitry Buzhduga dba Quality Cleaning Services, Don Rhyne Painting, Eagle Striping Services, Eco-Pan Inc., Encore Glass, Everlast Climbing Industries, F.D. Thomas, Faustrollean Fixture, Fencescreen, Finish Line Concrete Cutting, Fireside Contracting Services, Forensic Analytical Consulting, Fred Shearer & Sons, Glacier Northwest, Gonsalves & Santucci, Harmon, Insulation Contractors, Integrity Worldwide, K&S Masonry, Kittelson & Associates, KONE, Martin Sheet Metal, Morrison Hershfield, Morrow Equipment, National Construction Rentals, Northwest Handling Systems, Northwest Scaffold Services, OEG, Pan-Van, PERI Formwork Systems, Premier Cleaning Services, Prestige Tile & Stone, Pure Floors, R2M2 Rebar & Stressing, Ralphs Concrete Pumping, RC Building Specialties, Schulz-Clearwater Sanitation, Security Contractor Services, Snyder Roofing of Oregon, Spraylock Concrete Protection, Statewide Land Surveying, Streimer Sheet Metal Works, Sunbelt Rentals, T-Plus Steel Fabricators, Terracon Consultants, Tractel, Turner Construction (concrete), Turner Logistics, UCIT Security, Umpqua Roofing, United Rentals, United Site Services, Urban Bicycle Parking Systems, Vaughn Environmental, Westlake Consultants, Williams Scotsman

When Pacific Northwest utility company NW Natural decided on a new office space, they didnt pull any punches. They chose one of Portlands newest buildings, the 10-story, 191,500-square-foot 250 Taylor building designed by Ankrom Moisan Architects and built by general contractor Turner Construction.

Built on a half-block property fronting Southwest Taylor Street between Southwest Second and Third avenues in downtown Portland, the new building features post-tensioned concrete decks skinned with pre-fabricated, unitized curtainwall panels with integrated glass, terra cotta and metal panels that are intended to reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetic of the historic brick masonry buildings that still predominate the surrounding area.

Large windows provide plenty of daylight for the modern office spaces inside, along with the lobby and ground floor retail space. Each floor is taller than average, designed to have 11- to 14-foot ceilings and open floor plates that are largely due to the offset elevator core that forms the backbone of the structure. Two levels of below-grade parking hold 90 stalls, while the ground floor hosts a bicycle room with mechanical storage racks and locker rooms with private showers.

Tenant amenities include a prominent ninth-story double-height balcony as well as a roof deck that provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city and Willamette River.

Finally, because of the critical nature of NW Naturals operations, they also chose the location because the structure is designed for seismic resiliency that allows it to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake with 50 percent greater strength than is required by code.

The rest is here:
250 Taylor Office Building - 3rd Place (Office-New Construction) Daily Journal of Commerce - Daily Journal of Commerce

"Okay, pay attention!First, you take the graham. Then you stick the chocolate on the graham. Then you roast the mallow. When the mallow's flamin', you stick it on the chocolate. Then you cover it with the other end. Then you stuff."

These are wise words from The Sandlot's Hamilton "Ham" Porter about how to make s'mores, and it's advice that Colorado's breweries are taking this winter as pandemic-induced indoor seating restrictions force them to come up with creative ways to lure customers to their lovely but often very cold patios.

Golden City Brewery, for instance, is offering s'mores kits that people can use to cook up these campfire treats typically a summer staple over their tabletop fire boxes, while Bruz Beers will welcome in a new gourmet s'mores cart, called S'amore Denver, every Thursday through December, and possibly into January and February. S'amore Denver, owned by Katrina Foster, will also appear at others breweries.

Tableside s'mores at Golden City Brewery.

Golden City Brewery

"It gives people something to look forward to in these tough times. It brings joy to the neighborhood and our customers, and lets people focus on something positive," says Bruz co-owner Ryan Evans. "It's small things like the s'mores truck that keep people happy and motivated while giving them an excuse to leave their homes and safely get outside and take a break from the constant news cycle and COVID pressure."

Over the past few weeks, several breweries including Our Mutual Friend, Epic, Woods Boss and Factotum have also hosted outdoor s'mores pop-ups alongside their beer tappings.

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On December 19, S'amore Denver will visit Station 26 Brewing for the release of the brewery's anniversary beer, 7 S'more Years, an imperial pastry stout, and pair its s'mores with the new brew.

And speaking of s'mores beers, in the past few weeks, nearly a dozen breweries have tapped or released beers made with chocolate, marshmallows and graham cracker (or at least they taste like the three s'mores ingredients). They include Great Divide Brewing's still-available S'mores Yeti Imperial Stout, Someplace Else Brewery S'mores Stout, Uhl's Brewing Schtuft, South Park Brewing S'mores Stout and Make Believe Beer S'more Stout.

Left Hand Brewing is getting on board as well, having just announced that it will release a new seasonal beer in cans next year called S'mores Milk Stout as part of its rotating milk stout series.

So don't be like Scotty Smalls, who said, "I haven't had anything yet, so how can I have s'more?" Just have s'more.

Keep Westword Free... Since we started Westword, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Denver, and we would like to keep it that way. Offering our readers free access to incisive coverage of local news, food and culture. Producing stories on everything from political scandals to the hottest new bands, with gutsy reporting, stylish writing, and staffers who've won everything from the Society of Professional Journalists' Sigma Delta Chi feature-writing award to the Casey Medal for Meritorious Journalism. But with local journalism's existence under siege and advertising revenue setbacks having a larger impact, it is important now more than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" membership program, allowing us to keep covering Denver with no paywalls.

Jonathan Shikes is a Denver native who writes about business and beer for Westword.

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Denver Breweries Fire Up the S'Mores and S'More-Flavored Beers - Westword

W Porch, Photo Credit: The Bellevue Collection

Cozy up with your down jacket and jeans or your finest jogger sweatsuit and sip on a cocktail outdoors at The Bellevue Collection. Whether you want to warm yourself by the fire at Central or sit with your quarantine buddies in the friendly atmosphere that is Joey Bellevues, a seasonal drink awaits you for a moment of enjoyment and delight in the pandemics winter months. Start dreaming of that hot toddy under the moonlit sky and read on for a list of restaurants with patio seating this holiday season.

Cactus Bellevue

If youre in the mood for snacking on Southwestern and Mexican cuisine while sipping on margaritas and more, visit Cactus Bellevue. Their outdoor patio dining is located directly outside of the restaurant on the third floor of the Lodgewalk at Bellevue Square.

Central Bar + Restaurant

For those who have a yearning for Northwest fare with European flavors and craft cocktails like the Swipe Right, which is named after a large piece of art within the restaurant, head over to Central Bar + Restaurant. They have created an outdoor tent for dining that is lined with twinkling lights, reminiscent of a starry nights sky.

Japonessa Sushi Cocina

To enjoy a sushi cocina offering sushi, sashimi, specialty rolls and an extensive menu with drinks like lychee martini and pink kimono, Japonessa Sushi Cocina is the place to go. Their outdoor seating is located near the valet parking area at W Bellevue.

Joey Bellevue

Featuring new world flavors with an array of dishes from different regions, Joey Bellevue offers light bites like lettuce wraps and truffle fries, as well as cocktails, wines, and beer to warm you up on the inside while experiencing the outdoor crisp weather of the Pacific Northwest. The outdoor patio is located in the back of their restaurant, nestled next to Hyatt Regency Bellevue Hotel.

Tavern Hall

If you are looking for a restaurant featuring elevated tavern fare, carrying 22 beers on draught, as well as ciders, bottles, cans, and cocktails, dine-out at Tavern Hall. To accommodate pandemic guidelines, they have created an outdoor area for guests on the mezzanine, directly outside of the eatery.

Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper

Family-owned, Thai Kitchen Bird Pepper, features small plates, soups, salads and entrees with authentic Thai food and drinks. Warm up with their signature, spicy bird pepper margarita or enjoy other cocktails, beers, and wine at their outdoor space located just outside of the restaurant on the third floor of the Lodgewalk at Bellevue Square, between Nordstrom and Crate and Barrel.

W Porch

Explore W Porchs craft cocktails, Northwest beers and wine in your most favorite jacket and scarf. The porch is located on the second level of W Bellevue hotel, outside of the Living Room Bar.

For a full list of restaurants offering outdoor dining, visit The Bellevue Collections website.

Related

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Cozy Up and Enjoy Cocktails in Coats at The Bellevue Collection - Downtown Bellevue Network

"Gentek will introduce solutions that offer remodelers and builders easy installation and require less labour, resulting in greater productivity and profitability," said Philippe Bourbonniere, executive vice president, Gentek Building Products. "IBSx allows us to showcase our latest innovations, including those that meet homeowner demand, that are quality-crafted with attention to detail and never-ending ambition to produce the very best building materials."

What's New

Gentek will showcase the ALIGN Composite Cladding System, and there's nothing else like it. Available beginning in January, ALIGN provides the striking aesthetics of real wood, easier installation and best overall value for remodelers, builders and homeowners.

ALIGN offers one of the lowest total installed cost of cladding without sacrificing curb appeal resulting in higher profitability. The system features:

It is available in 20 virtually maintenance-free colours and is backed by a lifetime limited warranty.

Additionally, the Designer Colours will make a splash in the virtual IBSx booth. Available in Gentek Sequoia Select and Board & Batten vinyl siding, one can select from cool neutral palettes to bold contrasting hues. This grand scale of the 14 Designer Colours lets the homeowner tailor the look with signature style:

Majestic Brick

Meadow Fern

Marine Dusk

Dark Drift

Moonlit Moss

Hudson Slate

Rockport Brown

Rockwell Blue

Windswept Smoke

Espresso

Coastal Blue

Iron Ore

Smoked Timber

Midnight Surf

Want to visualize ALIGN or a Designer Colour on your home? Take your project to the next level with the Gentek Visualizer. This easy-to-use program lets you create before and after shots featuring a variety of colour schemes.

For more information on Gentek Building Products, visit gentek.ca.

About Gentek

Gentek's mission is to create successful partnerships with contractors, builders, distributors, and dealers by providing and servicing industry leading exterior building products and solutions. The company helps partners create or restore exceptional residential, multi-family, and light commercial structures that are energy-efficient, comfortable, long-lasting, and beautiful for the home or building owner. Gentek operates more than 20 company-owned supply centers across Canada and is owned by Associated Materials, LLC. For more information, or to locate your local Gentek supply centre, visit gentek.ca.

SOURCE Gentek

For further information: To view the new products and schedule a virtual IBSx appointment, please contact [emailprotected], 216-472-2374., https://gentek.ca

Home

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Gentek to Make Grand Introduction at IBSx - Canada NewsWire

A glamorous high-rise called The Parklane is currently undergoing a stunning renovation, with designer finishes and light-filled rooms now setting off its location on Hermann Park.

Also noteworthy is that these condos come in all price points, starting in the $300s and offering a range of one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts.

Here are five other ways living at The Parklane is an upgrade:

1. Room to entertainSpanning 825 square feet to approximately 3,000, The Parklane's residences can suit any family size. Hardwood flooring throughout the open-concept living areas and master bedroom are as beautiful as they are easy to keep clean, while the nine-foot ceilings with recessed LED lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows make the spaces feel even airier.

Each home has a private balcony some even have two or three and is pre-wired for smart home automation. Eggersmann cabinetry and Bosch appliances in the kitchen make cooking for a crowd a breeze.

2. All dogs are welcomeCondominiums are typically dog-friendly, but they often have limitations regarding both breed and size, precluding families with large dogs to be able to call a condominium home. The Parklane, however, understands that dogs are members of the family too. It's welcoming of nearly all dog breeds and sizes, offering owners and potential buyers flexibility.

A fenced dog park on the grounds plus easy access to all the trails that wind through the 445-acre Hermann Park give pups plenty of exercise opportunities.

3. Live healthy and happyIt's not only the four-legged among us who get to enjoy the great outdoors. As the only fully renovated condominium building on the park, you get to enjoythe trails as well as McGovern Centennial Gardens and a nearby golf course, making it easy and fun to maintain a healthy lifestyle and become one with nature.

4. Amazing amenitiesIt starts with the modern lobby and continues through to the coffee bar, business lounge, and state-of-the-art gym. A sparkling pool with cabanas, a tennis court, and outdoor grills await on the amenity level, while reserved parking with electric vehicle charging stations (plus there's also valet) make going about daily life much smoother.

The impeccable service from The Parklane staff includes 24-hour concierge, who are ready to help with anything big or small.

5. In the heart of it allEnjoy unrivaled proximity to fine dining, the arts, and premier destinations including downtown, Rice Village, the Museum District, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theatre, and NRG, Minute Maid, Toyota Center, and BBVA stadiums.

Monarch Restaurant, MF Sushi, Adara Med Spa, Barnaby's, Fadis Mediterranean Grill, Dak & Bop, and Lucille's are all nearby, while a luxury shuttle bus offers free transportation to the Texas Medical Center and Light Rail.

The remodeling of The Parklane began in January 2020, with a portion of residences currently ready for move-in. Completion is slated for December 2021.

To schedule an exclusive sales presentation and tour a furnished model, please visit http://www.theparklane.com.

Excerpt from:
The top 5 ways living at The Parklane elevates your lifestyle - CultureMap Houston

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we're accustomed to long, cold, dark winters, but this year's pandemic means the snowy season may be a little, or a lot, harder to handle.

As temperatures plummet and virus cases surge, it may indeed seem easier to just crawl into a den and hibernate until spring. But this year's challenges may actually be the perfect time to change up how we think about winter.

Gathering

Normal, indoor, festive and beloved wintertime holiday gatherings are probably not going to be possible this year, and that's just something we'll have to accept. But what if we reconsidered bringing back the safer, socially distanced backyard get-togethers we enjoyed in warmer months?

Once you've decided to embrace the cold, the first thing you're going to want is a source of heat. This can come in many forms: a fire pit, fire table, bonfire, or patio heater. And there's no reason to limit yourself to just one warm gathering spot.

"Fire pits come in all styles and sizes, and you can use them in a covered porch or out in the open," says Dave Jacobs, is the owner of Jacobs Custom Living, a Spokane-based business which specializes in quality outdoor furniture and accessories. "If you have a covered porch, and a way to circulate the air, a firepit can actually heat the area quite well."

He says this year, as people have been building new homes or remodeling parts of their current homes, many are adding covered decks because they've realized it opens up a space that's usable year-round.

Even with a heat source, keeping guests warm and comfortable means you need to think about insulation. Add cushions to wooden or metal chairs, and offer colorful throws for guests to wrap up in. Or you might consider a seasonal update by incorporating hay bale seats covered with fluffy blankets for a rustic gathering.

For an outdoor meal, set up a buffet in a tent or gazebo space, and decorate with hanging lights for added ambiance. A picnic table loosely draped with a pretty blanket adds to the cozy vibe; top it with a centerpiece crafted from simple materials like pine cones and branches twined with tabletop LED lights or nestled with candles in a bucket of snow.

When it comes to food and drinks, look for items that don't require a lot of prep or fancy plating, but instead are hearty and help guests warm up inside. Slow cookers brimming with soup or chili, and casseroles served in chafing dishes are easy to make in advance and keep warm while socially distanced partygoers move through the buffet.

For drinks, make it bring-your-own, and it's the perfect occasion for seasonal favorites like spiced apple cider and hot chocolate which, should you desire, can be made more festive by adding alcohol. Mulled wines, Irish coffee and hot toddies will be popular with adults.

To add to the fun, consider games guests could play fireside from old-fashioned, low-tech favorites like charades to online games like Psych! that allow everyone to get out their phones and play along while staying toasty under a lap blanket. But keep in mind that moving around will help guests stay warm, so consider a brisk walk so you can keep your space in case you are with people not living with you..

It's important to make sure your guests know in advance that you're hosting an outdoor gathering and that they'll need to wear warm clothes and boots. Add a little fun by choosing a theme revolving around a color or pattern for outerwear or encouraging silly hats and scarves.

Nesting

Let's be real. We're going to be spending a lot of time indoors, with just a few people, for quite a while. And it's OK to be OK with that.

In fact, the Danish, who experience long, cold, dark winters just like ours, have a word for the feelings of winter's cozy, charming contentment: hygge. (English speakers approximate the difficult pronunciation as "hoo-gah" or "hue-gah.")

"If you're interested in hygge, the library has some great books to help you learn about it," says Spokane County Library public services manager Gwendolyn Haley.

Though hygge isn't concisely translated into English, the elements include togetherness, relaxation, indulgence, presence and comfort. It starts by creating the right atmosphere.

To set the scene this winter, try adding some new wood accents to a room, along with plants and extra light. Natural objects help bring the outside in, and extra light lifts your mood. Then indulge in scattering soft textures in the form of blankets and rugs, and fill the air with pleasant scents from candles or incense. These elements combine to create the feel of coziness and also activate pleasant memories.

Consider carving out a nook or a small space that's just your own for reading and relaxing. Having your own special place instantly sets a soothing mood.

Add some sparkle to the muted environment by choosing clothing crafted in soft fabrics with bright colors and playful patterns. These will keep you warm inside and out.

Haley says hygge resonates so well because it speaks to the activities people do during winter months to care for both themselves and their families.

"Some of those activities like baking, cooking and crafting are things the library is offering programs on this winter," she says. "And we've seen a lot of interest already, especially with families looking to do more together and make their homes cozy."

With library locations closed due to coronavirus, the district has switched its activities to virtual settings, and added curbside pickup for books.

"If you're not sure what book you'd like to read or check out, you can fill out a survey online, and we'll use that to create a list of suggested titles for you," she says. "If you're looking for a new hobby, we also offer a program called Creativebug that allows you to watch online art and crafts classes."

Haley says other programs offered online through the library district include classes on using that ubiquitous Instant Pot, meal planning, winter gardening, financial education and art projects. There's even a cake-baking challenge.

The library also hosts author visits with area writers, trivia events and read-aloud story time videos for children.

"Reading together is a great activity in winter, especially with the little ones," Haley says. "It's also a good time to learn board or card games and engage together as a family."

In December, Haley says the library has planned another session of it's Read-A-Rama program, an online camp with themes based on books with related crafts, music and game activities.

"This January we're planning a tea blending and book pairing program online as well," she adds. "If you're looking for activities, check out our website and Facebook pages for updates."

While many of the activities available through the library may seem indoor-focused, Haley says cardholders also have the option of checking out a Discover Pass for the week, which enables them to park for free and explore state parks.

"Our partnership with the Washington State Parks Foundation allows members to check out a pass, and enjoy the great natural spaces we have in this area," she says. "That's been a really popular program this year for sure."

Recreating

"We recognize that as it gets darker and colder, mental and physical health are harder to maintain," says Spokane Parks and Recreation director Garrett Jones. "So it's been very important to us to find ways to infuse positive activity in a safe way this winter."

For sporty and outdoor types, our region's parks and ski areas offer plenty of solo or small group exploration experiences. However, if you're looking for a little help, the Parks department does have recreational programs, activities and even events planned for the city's outdoor spaces this winter. Although a portion of the programs won't begin until the city moves into phase three of reopening, some of the new protocols the department has in place for programs and activities include increased sanitizing, modifying activities to maintain distancing, reducing class sizes, requiring participants to wear masks, new check-in procedures and better communication with participants.

"A lot of it is about building public confidence, so they understand we're able to provide safe activities," Jones says. "We're in constant communication with health officials, and consistently review our programs to ensure we're not missing anything."

Winter recreational programs the department is offering include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tours, including some by moonlight, for smaller groups.

"We'll also provide a list online of trails at area golf courses and conservation lands that have been groomed for hiking and snowshoeing," Jones says.

"Our Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) will be working with the Mt. Spokane ski program again this year on classes for those participants," he adds. "Another of our partners, the Corbin Art Center, is also offering classes for smaller groups."

Jones says the department will continue youth creative programs during the winter as well, including a new favorite, cornhole.

"We'd never offered that particular game before, but it was a surprise hit this summer so we'll move it indoors this winter," he says. "We also plan to bring back three-on-three volleyball."

As to attractions and events in the city's parks this season, Jones says the department plans to utilize its current tools, such as the renovated pavilion at Riverfront Park, in new ways.

"We had some success over the summer with re-imagining the Fourth of July fireworks as a drive-thru event," he says. "Many people enjoyed that change, so we hope to build on that with the attractions, events and programs in these colder months."

One early winter "win" for the department was coordinating with the Spokane Regional Health District on plans to safely reopen the Numerica Ice Ribbon in time for the holiday season.

Jones says the department also continues to work with other regional partners like the Downtown Spokane Partnership and the Public Facilities District for ideas on new events and cross-promotional activities.

He says one idea being considered is an outdoor winter market, that would include participation from area restaurants and local organizations.

"We're also looking at more passive activities, such as holiday lights, that would allow people to simply walk through and enjoy," Jones says. "This winter will be much more dynamic as we continue to adapt, so definitely stay tuned for updates."

Read All About It

How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life by Signe Johansen.

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking.

Making Winter: A Hygge-Inspired Guide for Surviving the Winter Months by Emma Mitchell.

The Hygge Life: Embracing the Nordic Art of Coziness Through Recipes, Entertaining, Decorating, Simple Rituals, and Family Traditions by Gunnar Karl Gslason and Jody Eddy.

The Cozy Life: Rediscover the Joy of the Simple Things Through the Danish Concept of Hygge by Pia Edberg.

Scandikitchen: Fika & Hygge: Comforting Cakes and Bakes from Scandinavia with Love by Bronte Aurell.

Cozy: The Art of Arranging Yourself in the World by Isabel Gillies.

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The onslaught of cold weather and a prolonged pandemic mean keeping a healthy outlook is going to require some creativity - Pacific Northwest Inlander

Dive Brief:

Despite challenges in finding space to build soccer-exclusive stadiums for teams like the New England Revolution owned by Robert Kraft, who also owns the New England Patriots Garber said the MLS is committed to construction of a new Revolution stadium, calling it a priority.

As you know developing these stadiums in cities like New York City, Boston, Chicago is very, very difficult for all the reasons you would expect, Garber said. A lot of exciting things going on with [the Revolution], it was good to see them go as far as they did this year.

Plans for new soccer stadiums often incorporate the surrounding area into a mixed-use development that creates a unique game day experience to compete with the comfort of watching from home. This can make them an attractive landmark for cities, but the stadiums size can still be a challenge for major metro areas.

MLS expansion team St. Louis City SC, for example, recently released plans for public and retail space around its upcoming stadium as a means of keeping the Gateway Mall active when there is no soccer match. Earlier this month, the team unveiled plans for offices, a team store and a practice field south of the 22,500-seat stadium. Prep work on the stadium has been underway since February, and construction on the stadium will likely begin soon, officials say.

Amenities to attract fans also are inside new stadiums. Just this week, Nashville SC announced ticket sales for its 25 private suites and 18 lodge boxes, part of the teams 30,000-seat stadium that is expected to debut in 2022.

Go here to read the rest:
Major League Soccer committed to building more soccer-only stadiums - Construction Dive

By Matt Valentine, Aruba UK&I

The decline of the high street has been well documented for some time, but according to a survey by the CBI, despite multiple lockdowns and the restrictions across the UK, a surge in online shopping has slightly eased the pressure on retailers and as a result, many may be considering their high street space as a thing of the past.

However, brands must think beyond Covid to understand how major culture shifts in the way we shop will require a completely reimagined future consumer experience, and a tech enabled physical space will be a critical part of this.

Consumer health and safety comes first

Rather than turn their back on a physical retail space, brands need to examine how they can create a 360-degree experience for shoppers. To get this right, they are going to need to make sure their digital strategies are flawlessly planned and executed. Yet, before conceptualising the store and consumer patterns of the future, it is key that retailers can reassure customers that they are safe to enter.

Various technologies can be used to achieve this. For example, sensors, cameras, and various software packages can all be used to provide information such as the number of customers in store, whether social distancing is in place, monitoring customer dwell time and stock to suit the demographic known to frequent the store. Staff can then optimise their use of the shop floor and allow for better customer flow through the store.

Additional measures can be taken in store such as implementing a fully touchless experience touch screens just dont go far enough. 80% of UK shoppers have already changed the way they engage with them, with 51% admitting they aim to always wash or sanitise their hands immediately after using public touchscreens. Brands should instead look at how they can utilise mobile payment options. One example of this is Coca-Colas touchless vending machine which uses QR codes to allow customers to mobile order themselves a drink.

The future of the virtual store

As restrictions once more lift, customers will be looking for an in-store experience reflective of our modern times. They will likely favour spaces where firstly, they feel safe and secondly, are surrounded by technology that helps them browse items to get a real sense of how they look and feel and the technology needed to enable this goes beyond virtual queues and self-checkout.

Weve already seen retailers use augmented reality (AR) to create virtual catwalks for their customers and this is something brands could implement with visual displays either in store or in the shop window itself. Beyond this, shoppers may want to project a virtual image of themselves and scroll through various items to get a clear sense of what they want and leave having ordered it from the retailers stock as part of fulfilling their experience.

High street retailers must get ahead and realise the advantages of providing a social experience for customers. Where possible the various stake holders of Britains high streets retailers, landlords, local authorities, and local communities must work together to collaborate. This could mean the high street becoming more reliant on pop-ups, temporary attractions, drop-in centres or activations.

Getting the basics right

For all these solutions to work and give people a reason to come back and spend, stores must provide secure and reliable Wi-Fi for visitors is a major part of creating that positive experience enabling shoppers to engage with highly personalised experiences, while also providing businesses access to their applications that share customer data to help create that experience and promote loyalty and present offers to attract buyers to spend.

In this way connectivity is an absolute necessity for businesses rather than an optional extra. This evolving demand is something that should be front of mind for any business no matter the size. A poor wireless service, inside or in outside spaces is detrimental to an organisations bottom line. Fundamentally businesses need to ensure their network delivers consistently in all areas of their store.

In the past few months, we have all been forced to reinvent and come up with our own version of the new and better normal. Retailers must look beyond the basics of surviving and accelerate their plans to ensure they have resilient digital roadmaps in place to stay in the game.

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Survival of the high street why rapid evolution is needed for retailers to thrive in the post pandemic shopping culture - Premier Construction...

The entrance at 2100 L

After a decade of planning, construction and anticipation, a trophy office building in the heart of downtown D.C. is finally ready to welcome tenants into its amenity-filled spaces.

2100 Lis a 10-story, 190K SF trophy building with a grand two-story lobby, 20K SF floor plates, 8K SF of retail space, floor-to-ceiling glass windows with unparalleled views of the D.C. skyline, and little touches everywhere that celebrate the culture, artistry and history of the neighborhood.

Along with its spacious office layouts and high ceilings, the building offers a rooftop lounge with an adjacent catering kitchen, a rooftop terrace, a spa-quality fitness center, a penthouse conference center and ample parking. There is also an art gallery and a small parkthat offers unique spaces to meet clients and hold meetings.

The buildings north-facing facade features an installation from artist Jan Hendrix. Partnering with Zahner, a company that creates images through laser-cut metal panels, Hendrix designed a pattern similar to the cell structure of the trees you can find throughout D.C. The facade reflects light, creating a shimmering effect outside and inside the building.

The lobby of 2100 L

The building receivedLEED Platinumcertification in October, which was a goal for the 2100 L team from the very beginning. The buildings sustainable features include a direct outdoor air HVAC system, which helps boost indoor air quality and create a safer, more efficient environment for tenants, which is particularly important with air quality at the top of everyones mind.

Akridge, Corporate Office Properties Trust and the Argos Group,the team behind 2100 L,each said that when they embarked on this project they knew they wanted to create something that wouldnt just benefit the retail and office tenants that would call the building home but the community as a whole.

Now, thanks to their efforts, the community not only has a luxurious new office building to attract more companies to the area, but a local historical school has a new facade as well.

More than a decade ago, Akridge, COPT and the Argos Group settled on the Thaddeus Stevens campus as the perfect spot for 2100 L. The city agreed, as long as the development team agreed to two points: the school, which was one of the first public schools in D.C. forBlack students, was to remain a school, and its historic facade needed a renovation.

The team was happy to agree, and it turned out that when it came to finding ways to make a positive impact on the community, the facade renovation was just the beginning.

The landscaped terrace at 2100 L

The Thaddeus Stevens School is an incredibly important landmark for the community, and we wanted to make sure to respect and celebrate that, Akridge Senior Vice President of Development David Toney said. Quickly, though, what started out as a collaboration between the 2100 L team and city officials turned into a broader collaboration with the community as a whole.

Beyond the school renovation, the team behind 2100 L has worked with local community groups to devise ways to benefit residents through art and education.

The team has endowed a scholarship program for D.C. public and charter school children, a program to teach children about real estate development and construction. There is also a commemorative art piece in the pocket park between the school and 2100 L that honors Thaddeus Stevens, anaugmented realityexhibit in the office lobby that highlights the history of the school and an art gallery on the buildings ground floor featuring works byBlack artists.

We didnt want this to be just a run-of-the-mill real estate transaction, Toney said. We connected with community leaders to establish initiatives that could really make a difference.

The Veil at 2100 L

Global law firm Morrison & Foersterhas pre-leasedapproximately 56% of the office building.

The western end of the Golden Triangle Business Innovation District, where 2100 L Street is located, has always been the heart of D.C.s office market, with 43 blocks of arts, culture and entertainment venues alongside restaurants and shops to support the citys employees. The new office building is steps from four Metro stations and just 15 minutes fromRonald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The office market may be facing a challenge right now, but there will always be a market for quality, sustainable office space in the D.C. central business district," Toney said. "Thats what weve created with 2100 L.

This feature was produced in collaboration between the Bisnow Branded Content Studio andAkridge and COPT. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

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In DC, A New Trophy Building Offers Luxury Office Space While Catering To The Community - Bisnow

DeFlyer and cousin Don Vidler have co-owned the store for 35 years, creating displays in only hours that are as comprehensive as the products sold inside. Windows include quaint ceramic snowmen, Santa statues, light-up presents and holiday lawn signs.

The community also took the reins on a window with an Aurora Historical Society theme, using festive crochet blankets, sewn pillows and poinsettia-patterned tablecloth, lined up top with a map of historic East Aurora.

There are elves hard at work in the display windows outside of Fisher-Price on Girard Avenue, just off Main Street in East Aurora. (When you pass Vidlers on your right, hang a right on Riley Street.)

A dozen or so 2-foot-high antique figurines sport red and green plaid and white beards, working away at making toys for Santas sleigh and surrounded by sawdust, paint cans, Christmas trees and Rudolph.

Fisher-Price senior electrician Matt Alice starts assembling the circa-1920s and '30 displays every September and is ready to go by Thanksgiving.

It gives everyone hope. They see the lights, make sure that the holiday is coming, Alice said. Theres so much going on in our world today, that maybe something a little stable thats been going on for years, put up in the same fashion, something to cling onto.

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Festivities on foot: Take a walking tour of holiday windows - Buffalo News