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New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - February 9, 2021) - PCG Digital: Soligenix (NASDAQ: SNGX) continues to build excitement for its SGX301 candidate following strong Phase 3 data and commercialization plans. The company recently held an investor webcast to further explain the company's plans for commercializing its ground-breaking SGX301 candidate for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL).

Here are some key takeaways from the commercialization Q&A:

1. Soligenix will commercialize SGX301 in the U.S. on its own

During the presentation, the company noted that after conducting necessary due diligence and simulating different routes to commercialization, it was determined that a partnership would not be the best solution for shareholders. The licensing landscape and CTCL's small, orphan market were the key drivers behind the decision. Considering that the average biopharmaceutical licensing deal, a Phase 3 licensor will typically retain no more than 40% of the product's value, it did not make sense to give up so much value when the market is small and highly specialized to begin. However, Soligenix CEO Dr. Chris Schaber noted the company continues discussions regarding partnerships for ex-U.S. rights to SGX301.

The company has submitted its proposed brand name, HyBryte, and logo for SGX301 to the FDA for review and approval.

2. SGX301 marketing and sales force size and costs

CTCL's small, orphan market will not require Soligenix to build out a massive marketing and sales force. The uniqueness and ability to serve an unmet medical need are the key selling points in the CTCL treatment space. As a result, Soligenix estimates the need for a sales team consisting of around 20 people. The company estimates that pre-launch costs will come in around $7 million, with annual sales and marketing costs coming in below $10 million.

3. Ample cash reserves to carry SGX301 through commercialization

During the webcast, management was asked if the company's current cash reserves were sufficient enough to carry SGX301 through the commercialization process. After the previously-announced financing deal with Pontifax, the company continues to be well-capitalized for the commercialization process. It was revealed that the company currently maintains a cash balance of in excess of $20 million and also has a $20 million ATM with B. Riley.

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"Based on this strategic capital structure, we are well-positioned for success and really have no need for a large capital raise anytime soon," noted CFO Jonathan Guarino during the webcast.

4. Daavlin partnership for companion light device

On January 7, 2021, Soligenix first announced its strategic partnership with Daavlin, an Ohio-based company with a 40-year history in phototherapy. Daavlin has an extensive product line that is delivered to healthcare providers worldwide.

Under the strategic partnership, Daavlin will supply and distribute a commercially-ready companion light device that is critical to the success of SGX301 in treating CTCL. The companion light device is a derivative of an existing, 510K-approved product. Unlike other phototherapies, Daavlin's light device does not require a dedicated room or any complex wiring. In fact, the device can be stored and moved out of the way when not in use.

The Daavlin companion device will be sold directly to physicians initially, as treatments will be conducted in a doctor's office. However, Soligenix management notes that the company does intend to offer a house-use version of the Daavlin device down the road. However, it is important to note that Daavlin's UV devices are already approved for home use.

5. Soligenix estimates peak U.S. sales of SGX301 to hit $90 million

The pricing of SGX301 continues to be evaluated and will not be finalized until closer to the U.S. launch. However, management did note that an existing, inferior treatment, Valchor, was being considered as a benchmark price. Valchor's price is roughly $3,500 per WAC/tube and generates estimated annual sales of around $40 million.

Given the unique nature of SGX301 and its ability to serve as an early-stage treatment for CTCL, the company primary market research has shown that four out of five dermatologists are likely to prescribe the product, if/when approved. With Valchor as a benchmark, Soligenix estimates SGX301 will have peak U.S. net annual sales that exceed $90 million.

SGX301 Commercialization Timeline with Multiple Near Term Catalysts Anticipated

As SGX301 begins its commercialization phase, there will be several important milestones over the coming months that could serve to be significant catalysts for Soligenix. The first milestone to watch for will be the initial submission of the rolling New Drug Application (NDA). The NDA, along with the completed Clinical Study Report, is estimated to be handed over to the FDA during the second quarter of 2021.

Under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, or PDUFA, the FDA is required to review new drug applications within a 10-month period. If the new drug has been given fast track designation, the FDA deadline to review the application is only six months.

SGX301 has already been granted fast track designation and orphan drug status. As a result, the FDA will have six months from the date that Soligenix officially files the NDA. Just as an example, this means that even if the NDA is filed at the end of June, a review will take place around the end of the year. The official U.S. commercial launch is estimated to occur during the second half of 2022.

Aside from the rolling NDA filing, resulting FDA review, and official commercial launch in 2022, investors will have a few other potential catalysts in the shorter-term. Soligenix announced that it has submitted abstracts to present on SGX301 to the American Academy of Dermatology Meeting in March 2021 and to the Society for Investigative Dermatology Meeting in May 2021. Management notes its plans to submit its manuscript to the JAMA Dermatology journal this year as well.

Zack's Research Updates Soligenix with a Positive Report

Two days after Soligenix's webcast, Zack's Small-Cap Research issued an updated research report on the company.

Zack's notes, that based on its probability-adjusted discounted cash flow (DCF) model (which estimates future revenues from SGX301, CiVax, etc.), there is significant potential price appreciation for SNGX.

"The webinar on SGX301 provided a comprehensive overview of the company's plans for commercializing SGX301, including encouraging data from primary market research with physicians and initial revenue projections. As discussed, there are a number of upcoming milestones for the company as it relates to SGX301, with perhaps the most important being the submission of the rolling NDA, which should begin in the second quarter of 2021."

The full report can be found here.

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Soligenix's Upcoming Catalysts Highlight Growth Potential as it Sheds Light on its Commercialization of SGX301 - Yahoo Finance

Jerry Erstrom was always quick with a smile and loved his children and grandchildren. Recovering from a back surgery, Erstrom - a well-known local personage - contracted Covid and died from the infection. Now his family wants people to know the Covid virus isn't a hoax and it kills.

Jerry Erstrom (center with hat) poses with his son Mike (left) and other family members. Ernstrom died Jan. 21 from the Covid virus. (Photo courtesy of Niki Cutler)

VALE The nurse walked into the hospital room and then the chaplain came and they stood by as Niki Cutler kneeled next to her dads bed and held his hand and, as best she could, prepared for him to die.

His lungs destroyed by the Covid virus, Erstrom died quietly soon after.

Erstrom became one of 55 Malheur County residents who have died from Covid since last spring.

In Oregon, he was among 1,900 people who perished form Covid.

Less than a month before Jerry Erstrom died Jan. 21, he was a healthy 71-year-old man recovering from a minor back surgery. The future was wide open for the former farmer and Bureau of Land Management employee.

While the number of Covid deaths and infections continues to climb, Erstroms life and family and experiences cant be relegated to statistics.

He was a dedicated employee, a man with a ready smile who loved his children and his grandchildren.

He liked to play cards with his grandson.

He loved Oreo cookies.

He loved to travel with his family.

He loved to go to Bixbys Stopitoff Coffee in Vale.

He loved to give people a hard time, said Cutler.

Perhaps the simplest vision of Jerry Erstrom is the truest.

He was a father.

A grandfather.

A friend.

A hard worker.

He loved Malheur County.

Then one day the Covid virus invaded his body.

And it killed him.

****

When Niki Cutler first heard about the Covid virus a year ago, she didnt consider it a serious illness.

In fact, she said in an interview last week, the virus appeared to be more of an inconvenience than anything else.

I was not sure if it was actually anything worse than the flu, said Cutler.

She no longer feels that way.

I wish I still had the privilege to be that nave, said Cutler.

In mid-December Jerry Erstrom was hospitalized for back surgery. He returned to the Cutler household in Ontario afterward with Niki and her husband, Jared, helping him recover.

Covid didnt haunt the Cutlers then and the family turned to Christmas.

We had a small, quiet Christmas, Cutler said. Dad was a little sore from back surgery, but good.

Life continued normally at the Culter house after Christmas. Jerry Erstrom watched television news or old Westerns. He enjoyed his grandkids, especially playing cards with his 12-year-old grandson Brennan.

The card games were a tradition for Erstrom and Brennan.

They had the same sense of humor. They would try to one up each other with jokes. They didnt need anyone else and went and did their thing, said Cutler.

In late December, Jared Cutler, an Ontario Police Department officer, came down with a head cold.

Then we found out he may have been exposed (to Covid) at work. He went and got tested and came up positive. My daughter and I came back positive. My dad was negative, said Cutler.

Where were we exposed? We honestly dont know for sure, said Cutler.

On the second to last day of the year, Jerry Erstrom went to a hospital in Nampa because of a urinary tract infection. Erstrom was again tested for Covid. Again, he was negative.

We just needed to clear up the UTI and he was good to go to come home, said Cutler.

A few days later while still in the hospital, Jerry Erstrom tested positive for Covid.

He was having some congestion and some trouble breathing, said Cutler.

X-rays of Erstroms chest showed he had Covid pneumonia that the medical staff told the Cutlers was manageable. Erstrom would need supplemental oxygen for a while but he was ready to go back home.

Erstrom returned to the Cutler home on Jan. 7 but he was a different man.

His stamina was gone and he depended more on the oxygen each day.

Culter worked hard to keep her father moving, following the instructions from doctors to help him improve. While he needed oxygen, his levels remained in the normal range. Cutler thought her dad would beat the virus.

****

On the night of Jan. 11, a Monday, Erstrom played cards with Brennen. No one suspected it would be the last game.

The next day when Erstrom awoke he could barely get out of bed.

The most modest of movements drained him. He asked that his oxygen be turned up.

He said, I just feel like I cant get air, Cutler said.

Cutler checked the blood oxygen level as her dad sat in a chair in her living room.

It was where it should be, said Cutler.

Erstroms physical therapist was scheduled to arrive soon so Erstrom prepared to shower. He could barely move.

He had to stop about every two steps because he didnt have enough energy to walk. He would stop, sit down and then get back up. My husband helped him into the bedroom to lay down and got oxygen on him and he said, I just need a minute, said Cutler.

The Cutlers tested Erstroms blood oxygen level again and this time it had dropped into the 70s. An oxygen level between 95 and 100 percent is considered normal and immediate medical attention is recommended for a reading of less than 88.

We couldnt stabilize it, said Cutler.

The Cutlers immediately acted to take Erstrom to the hospital.

The children helped get their grandpa ready for the hospital and into the car.

They would never see him again.

At the St. Lukes Fruitland Medical Plaza emergency room, medical staff tested Erstroms blood oxygen level and alarms on equipment sounded.

They had to turn everything as high as they could just to get the alarms off, said Cutler.

Erstrom was tested for a bacterial infection.

He was tested for a blood clot.

Nothing showed up on the tests but Covid, said Cutler.

The doctors, she said, didnt waste any time.

They said he is being transported, said Cutler.

The medical staff asked Erstrom if he would allow himself to be intubated if need be.

I answered yes before dad can get a word out, said Cutler.

The ambulance arrived and Cutler was able to give her dad a hug and tell him she loved him.

That was the last time that I would be able to have a conversation with him that lasted longer than one or two minutes, said Cutler.

****

Over the next five days at St. Lukes Nampa Medical Center, Erstrom appeared to be on the long road back. He was receiving the highest amount of oxygen possible each day, but his levels stabilized around 90 to 95, said Cutler.

Erstroms chest X-rays, said Cutler, looked awful but he was improving a little bit each day.

Doctors were cautiously optimistic, said Cutler.

There was hope because they dont know with this virus. There is no pattern, no way of knowing. They cant predict. The doctor in the ICU mentioned they do their best but they sit and watch because the virus has a mind of its own, said Cutler.

Cutler was at home Jan. 18 when Erstroms doctor called.

The signs werent good.

Erstrom was suddenly declining, his blood pressure was dropping.

He needed to go on a ventilator to save his life, the doctor said.

His oxygen wasnt able to be sustained. If they did not intubate him, he would be in cardiac arrest that night, said Cutler.

The doctor said the family could talk to Erstrom over the phone before they inserted the tube that would prevent Erstrom from speaking.

So that Tuesday, Cutler and her children, Brennan and his sister Alex, 18, cradled the phone in the living room and talked to their grandfather.

The smallest thing was causing him to be short of breath, beyond being able to speak, said Cutler.

The conversation was grueling for her children, said Cutler.

She handed the phone to them, aware the conversation might be the last they had with their grandfather.

Erstrom told his grandchildren how important to him they were.

How much he loved them.

How proud of them he was and that he would always be with them.

Afterward, she held them as they cried.

Questions lingered. They were terrified. Grandpa had just been at the house. What was going on?

The next four days were a blur for Cutler and her family. They were isolated from Erstrom and could not see him because of Covid restrictions at the hospital.

So, they waited.

And hoped.

And prayed.

****

On Jan. 21, Cutler received another phone call from the doctor.

He had declined more. With the maximum amount of oxygen, he was getting it was in the low 80s. The machines were doing all the work, said Cutler.

Erstroms instruction to his family had always been firm: He did not want to be kept alive by a machine.

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AROUND OREGON: Vale family sheds doubts about Covid after death of father - Salem Reporter

Crime

Money was stolen from the stores ATM

The Homer Police are investigating a recent case of theft at local store the Kachemak Gear Shed.

In an incident that occurred sometime on the night of Jan. 31, a burglar gained access to the store on East End Road, and stole money from its ATM.

The perpetrator broke into the lobby of the gear shed, cut into the ATM machine located there and stole the cash it contained, Police Chief Mark Robl wrote in an email.

A caller from the store reported the burglary the next morning, Homer Police records show.

The police are not disclosing the amount of money that was taken at this time, Robl said. They are still investigating the case.

Anyone who has information regarding this crime are encouraged to call the local police department at 907-235-3150, or utilize the anonymous tip service Crimestoppers by calling 907-283-8477 or emailing peninsulacrimestoppers.com.

Reach Megan Pacer at mpacer@homernews.com.

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Homer Police investigating Gear Shed burglary - Homer News

Heineken is to cut one-tenth of its staff in a bid to stem losses from a coronavirus-hit 2020.

Heineken's job cuts were announced alongside sales and profits declines for 2020

The reduction, which will affect about 8,000 employees out of a total Heineken headcount of 86,000, forms part of a EUR2bn (US$2.4bn) cost-cutting programme over three years announced today, alongside full-year results. Staff at Heineken's head office look set to be disproportionally hit by the move, with personnel costs in Amsterdam in line for a 20% reduction.

The head office changes, first signalled in October last year, will take place before the end of March.

Also included in the cost-cutting programme, called 'Evergreen', is a move to strip out SKUs to "reduce complexity", Heineken said. Commercial commitments will be reviewed to tackle "least effective spend", the brewer added.

The cuts are in response to one of Heineken's most challenging years as the coronavirus pandemic closed bars and restaurants around the world and switched consumer demand to online and grocery channels. In today's results, Heineken's sales dropped by almost 12% in calender-2020 as volumes fell by 8%. In the same period, net profits slumped by almost 50%.

Heineken said the cuts aim to revive the brewer's operating profit margins, which dropped by almost five percentage points in 2020 to 12.3%. The company has set a 17% operating profit margin target for 2023.

Meanwhile, the group will take a leaf out of Molson Coors Beverage Co's recent playbook and target areas of growth beyond beer. In 2019, Molson Coors pledged to be more than just a brewer and started launching new products in categories including hard seltzer and RTD cocktails.

Today, Heineken said it will "stretch beer and move beyond beer" with plans to expand the international roll-out of alcohol-freeHeineken 0.0 and to investigate non-beer launches. As an example, the company pointed to its launch in September last year of Pure Piraa hard seltzer in Mexico and New Zealand.

Commenting on the cost-cutting programme, CEO Dolf van den Brink said EverGreen leverages "both our strengths and new opportunities to chart our next chapter of growth".

Van den Brink added: "Firmly putting customers and consumers at the core, we aim to continually enhance and expand our portfolio and footprint. We are stepping up our focus on continuous productivity improvements and raising our environmental and social sustainability ambitions."

Bernstein analyst Trevor Stirling said the EUR2bn cost-cutting plan was larger than expected. Bernstein had forecast a cut of EUR500m.

What's coming up in beer in 2021? - Predictions for the Year Ahead

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Heineken to shed 8,000 jobs in revival plan | Beverage Industry News | just-drinks - just-drinks.com

If you are searching for a way to give back, like lots of water and enjoy driving big trucks, this could be your gig! Bear Lake Countys Fire Chief Mark Parker is always looking for new recruits. Both Bear Lake and Rich county and the communities in each echo those sentiments: Bring your enthusiasm and a strong work ethic to your local fire chief to ask about joining the department.

Between February 1 and 7th, Bear Lake Countys and Montpelier Citys fire departments combined to learn and polish skills at the former Montpelier City Hall building. Montpeliers Fire Chief, Steve Higgins, obtained permission from the buildings current owner, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to use the structure for training then invited the countys personnel to join the hands-on training. It is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to train using an existing structure of that quality, said Chief Parker.

In full turn-out gear which weighs approximately 80 pounds, the 30 to 35 firefighters practiced forcing entry by opening walls and locked doors. The expected solution to locks is to break through using axes to make holes but in this situation, Nick Higgins, a fire captain from Montpelier City, advised trainees to pop latches or remove hinges to gain entry, then close the door to delay a fires advance. Steel doors were also breached using similar techniques and access through overhead doors was demonstrated. Hand-held thermal-imaging cameras were employed to search for victims. Additional training at the old city building will focus on placing and advancing ladders, hose relays and pulls and other subjects that are otherwise needed at two in the morning in the dark, so it is nice to be able to do this in a controlled environment, said Chief Parker. These are skills we dont often get to practice, he added. He is requesting the County Commissioners to likewise allow county and city firefighters to use the old courthouse for training purposes before it is demolished, tentatively slated to occur in February.

Chief Parker recalled the Ovid fire two weeks ago where the fire department was called out around midnight when it was reported that a haystack was burning. When engines arrived with the usual group of 18 to 25 people per call, they found a fire that began in the wellhouse behind the haystack where a heater and pump malfunctioned then spread to a 100 to 150 gallon propane tank as well. Often, the initial report turns into a more complicated scenario with property and, sometimes, lives are in danger. Training in the soon-to-be-razed city structure is an invaluable tool for both those who have been firefighters for decades and for new recruits.

When asked about the August 2020 fire at the Sweetwater Mobile Home Park, Chief Parker responded that, They were lucky and should buy lottery tickets! He explained that Garden Citys and Laketowns firefighters were becoming overwhelmed and it was important that the working relationship among the fire departments and districts is good so each can help others whenever needed. In that instance, access was difficult on narrow dirt roads and many homes lacked visible addresses. Water was running low and, fortunately, the Idaho trucks carried their own water which was both exactly timed and extremely necessary. In addition to multiple structures burning, there were propane tanks exploding. Chief Parker warmly complimented Garden City Fire Districts Chief Wallberg who has a fantastic department and an excellent rapport with Bear Lake. Parker added that the former interlocal law enforcement compact was helpful and The state line means nothing in emergencies because we have lives to protect on both sides of the line. We do the same things so we need to get back to an agreement to work together. He is grateful for Bear Lakes strong volunteer corps and the equipment which allows the department to respond to emergencies of many types. He encouraged citizens to both join a fire department and to report fires in their vicinity because, Well respond and take care of it.

Even if you are not fire fighter material, do your part to help your local heroes and heroines. Chief Parker asked all residents to be sure house numbers are easily visible and that fires are reported ASAP. Finally, he issued a reminder that before striking a match for an outdoor fire, first call for a burn permit.

Contact Mark Parker, Bear Lake County Fire Chief, at 208.317.6292 or Garden City Fire District Chief Wallberg at 435.881.6313 for more information and to discuss becoming a fire fighter in your community.

The rest is here:
Big Trucks and Bad Fires | News-Examiner | hjnews.com - The Herald Journal

Prestigious honor long recognized as broadcast equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize, also administered by Columbia University

NEW YORK, NY (February 9, 2021) NBC 4 New York / WNBC was honored with the prestigious Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University Award for The Epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic, an extensive, six month collection of breaking news, feature, and memorial stories that captured the rapid evolution of the novel coronavirus from public health threat to full-blown health crisis in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.Awarded this evening, this is the first time WNBC received the top broadcast news honor in its storied history.

Covering the evolution of the coronavirus outbreak was one of the toughest challenges our newsroom had ever faced. As our journalists came to work every day, they were personally coping with the effects of the virus on their families as well, said Amy Morris, NBC 4 New York Vice President of News. Every member of our news team played a critical role. Our mission was to inform our viewers and along the way were also able to find some moments to share incredible stories of hope. Its a story that continues to touch all of us deeply, which makes this duPont incredibly special to all of us at WNBC.

The awards committee specifically recognized the station for having created a 360 view in real time of the coronavirus pandemic, with courageous and thorough reporting on the viruss explosion in New York City.4pm and 11 pm news anchor David Ushery, a member of the New York State Broadcasters Hall of Fame, accepted the prestigious Silver Baton on behalf of the station.

Throughout the pandemic, WNBC viewers turned to local news in record numbers. Our news team was there throughout it all, delivering vital and at times, life-saving information, said Eric Lerner, President and General Manager. This special recognition by Columbia University is fantastic. Our team earned it and deserves it.

NBC 4 New Yorks duPont-winning coverage took Tri-State viewers inside the major decisions that impacted our day-to-day lives, from school shutdowns, neighborhood lockdowns and restrictions on many small businesses, such as bars and restaurants. Investigative reporting brought to light the lack of PPE available for first responders and front-line workers, black-market attempts to profit amid the shortage and the burial delays faced by morgues and funeral homes. Community-focused features such as Grateful 4 You highlighted the unsung heroes in our communities, giving viewers hope during a difficult time.

Groundbreaking reporting also placed a spotlight on important trends and emerging concerns within the community, even ahead of the attention and action of health officials. NBC 4 New Yorks I-Team was the first to bring the rare, deadly condition in children called MIS-C (multisystem inflammatory syndrome) into the public eye, prior to the attention of health regulators and subsequently leading to government action.

This is the second major national honor awarded to NBC 4 New Yorks news team in the past four months. In October, the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) honored WNBC with a national Edward R. Murrow Award for top large market television newscast.

For more information on NBC 4 New York, visit NBCNewYork.com.

About NBC 4 New York / WNBCNBC 4 New York / WNBC is the flagship station of the NBC Owned Television Stations division of NBCUniversal, serving the New York Tri-State area with an unparalleled commitment to broadcast excellence for more than 75 years.

The station features New Yorks largest investigative reporting team, the I-Team and includes Edward R. Murrow and Emmy Award-winning journalists who successfully track down the answers to the questions most important to viewers. Storm Team 4, the stations trusted weather team, utilizes the most accurate and the most powerful weather technology available to keep Tri-State viewers informed and safe when severe weather strikes. This includes StormTracker 4, the only commercial high-frequency S-Band dual polarization fixed Doppler weather radar operating in the Northeast.

In addition to NBC 4 New Yorks primary channel, other programming outlets include COZI TV, the stations multicast channel, and out-of-home platforms, including TV screens in taxi cabs, elevators and aboard New York-New Jersey PATH trains. The station also delivers news and information across all platforms, including its dedicated website, mobile app and social media platforms.

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NBC 4 NEW YORK WINS FIRST-EVER ALFRED I. DUPONT AWARD, RECOGNIZING COVID-19 REPORTING AND COMMUNITY IMPACT - InsiderNJ

Antony House and Roderick House will become one when the space between them is filled

The two blocks, Antony House and Roderick House, are getting a tier of two-storey modular houses laid on their roofs and the space between them is being filled in with more prefab flats to turn Antony & Roderick into a single building.

The new development also includes bookends at each end of the existing buildings.

The development for Lambeth & Southwark Housing Association (LSHA), designed by HTA Design, will add 30 more affordable homes, in a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats.

Adston Construction is Apexs design and build contractor.

The year-long project is set for practical completion in February 2022, offering a blend of light gauge steel (LGS) modular construction on the rooftop units and on-site LGS panelised for the bookends and infill. All 30 units will be built off-site.

Initial works will remove the existing pitched roofs before a structural steel exo-skeleton is positioned over the existing building. Once this is in place, the modular apartments will be craned onto the rooftop.

Apex Airspace chief executive Arshad Bhatti said: Our collaboration with LSHA demonstrates our ability to unlock a previously untapped supply of affordable housing in London and be able to deliver policy compliant rented accommodation in partnership with local authorities and housing associations.

He added: Our pioneering model is a blueprint for other councils and housing associations to follow suit and adopt innovative solutions to address the lack of affordable housing in London.

Modular apartments are to be added on top, in the middle, and at each end of the existing blocks

Apex Airspace construction director Jonathan Poole added: The 100% affordable development of 30 new homes will be the UKs first airspace project to be built on top of and connecting two existing residential buildings. The modular construction will save the residents from normal construction works disruption, particularly with the limited space surrounding the existing building.

Adston Construction manager David Rainey said: Antony and Roderick House is a fantastic project to be involved in and Adston are delighted to be appointed by Apex Airspace for the design and delivery of these new homes. This is an innovative and new direction in the expansion and extension of existing buildings, and we believe the first of many sustainable residential developments of this type.

Lambeth & Southwark Housing Association chief executive Mark Jackson said: As a housing association we need to ensure we are maximising our existing stock in the capital. We have been impressed by Apexs model and feel this is a tangible solution for fellow housing associations to consider.

Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk

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Work starts on Bermondsey airspace development - The Construction Index

Autovol builds with people and robots.

NAMPA, Idaho (PRWEB) February 05, 2021

Just over two years since breaking ground, Autovol is now using automation in new ways as it nears completion of its first major affordable housing project. The project, Virginia Street Studios, will make high quality apartment homes more affordable to seniors in San Jose, one of Americas 10 most expensive cities.

The 400,000 square foot Autovol factory has now successfully deployed its unique combination of construction trades and robotic automation. Autovol has hired more than 100 employees, which the company calls Solutioneers. Led by CEO Rick Murdock and co-developed by The Pacific Companies, Autovol is pioneering a new kind of modular construction.

Automation and robotics will lead the world into the future of housing, Murdock said. What were doing hasnt been attempted before. Our investors and Solutioneers leaned in with lots of confidence, and now were seeing great results that prove they were right.

According to Murdock, automated modular construction is designed to take the back-breaking work off of people, and use new techniques that werent humanly possible. Robotics empower the company to create new kinds of careers and a culture designed to raise the bar of career satisfaction in construction, Murdock said. The company is staffing up toward an expected team of 300-plus Solutioneers, and already has 600 modular units on its docket, with capacity for more.

Besides its own team of Solutioneers, Autovol has helped create over 100 jobs for the various companies helping build, tool-up, and service this first-of-its kind factory. One of these is House of Design, an automation and robotics firm also based in Nampa, Idaho. According to Shane Dittrich, House of Design founder, the company has grown by helping develop this new kind of automation.

The collaborative effort of people and industrial robots in the off-site construction space provides endless opportunities. We cant solve the problems of unavailable labor and housing affordability without automation, Dittrich said. We also dont solve these problems without visionary companies willing to take a chance and endure unavoidable speedbumps on the road to extraordinary success. We applaud Autovol for their commitment and were excited to be on the forefront of realized robotics for construction technology.

Virginia Studios will be a five-story, 301-unit complex that will be over-podium, including underground parking. Automation is doing a substantial portion of the work, with Solutioneers skilled in the construction trades doing finishing work and other key tasks.

To learn more about Autovol, its vision, culture, current openings, and the Virginia Street Studios project, visit the companys just-updated website at http://www.autovol.com

For more information about House of Design Robotics, one of Idahos leading automation companies, visit http://www.thehouseofdesign.com

For information about Pacific Companies, developer of The Virginia Street project, and a national leader in affordable housing development, visit http://www.tpchousing.com

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Autovol Robots and Solutioneers Now Building Affordable Housing - PR Web

This month, Utah Business partnered with Holland & Hart to host a roundtable event featuring building, construction, and design leaders to discuss women in the industry, impacts of the new administration, and concerns going into 2021. Moderated by Bruce Bingham, partner with Hamilton Partners, here are a few highlights from the event.

Troy Gregory | President | Hunt Electric

2020 has been a really strong year and we see the same for 2021. We have a really strong backlog going into 2022. Weve seen a drop off [in hospitality] and in office space and retail, but multi-family is still running really, really strong.

Rich Thorn | President & CEO | Associated General Contractors

Contrary to belief, 2020 ended up being a really pretty good year across all sectors. When COVID-19 came out in February/March, everybody was going, Oh, no, whats going to happen? But the construction industry rallied because it was considered an essential service. Everybody rolled up their sleeves and said You know what? Weve got to be able to deliver. And they adopted practices and procedures that allowed them to keep their doors open and keep delivering construction projects for the end-user. They did it safely. They did it with, to some degree, really high exposures to this virus.

Becky Hawkins | Founding Partner | Method Studio

From the architectural side of things, weve seen great success this year. Other than high-level positions where weve gone out of the state to seek specialty positions, we havent seen much of a dip. In fact, I think in some ways weve had greater success in the last six months than we did a year ago.

Ali Streetman | Construction Manager | Portman Holdings

I love working in this industry. Ive never really had an issue being a woman onsite or being a woman leading the project. On our current architectural team for the hotel, three of the five architects that are working on the project are all women, with two of them in the lead position. So were taking over the world, get ready.

Becky Hawkins | Founding Partner | Method Studio

It takes a village, you know, but I have two [male] partners. Ive never experienced any issues with them and weve taken that philosophy and applied it to our leadership and we have 43 percent women leaders. So yeah, rock on girls.

Gary Ellis | President | Jacobsen Construction

I would be lying if I said labor availability isnt an issue. What weve seen generally is that weve got more large projects here locally than weve had in many years in the past. And Im a little concerned that weve got so many large projects that were going to really tax the ability of our larger subcontractors to be able to continue to support all those projects.

With regard to women, were participating in a couple of different peer groups that are actually combining resources and letting the women in our firm meet with the women in their firm at various positions as well. And talking about their experiences and learning from one another and asking questions and helping provide feedback to us as well.

Jason Kilgore | President | Kilgore Companies

I think about the demographics of my company, and really there are so many people that are really out in the field operating equipment, driving trucks. And we have seen an influx of women over the last 10 years start to become truck drivers and operators. And to be blunt, the women truck drivers many times are much better than the men truck drivers because they treat the equipment better and our equipment lasts longer. You dont have as high of repair with some of those women, and its really been really refreshing from our standpoint.

Mark Harris | Senior Principle | Reaveley Engineers

During these last 10 months, as weve been working remotely, we brought on six or so new members to our firm. From the interview process to onboarding, to implementation of work, its all being done remotely. There are several of those new hires Ive never met face-to-face and its been both challenging and a unique experience in that weve had the younger generation clamoring for work-from-home opportunities in our industry for years and weve been very resistant to it. These last 10 months have shown us that remote work is here to stay and its actually very productive.

Chris Knoles | Director of Marketing | Zwick Construction

The very first thing we did when it became apparent that COVID was going to have a drastic change on our operations was to just take a deep breath and realize that its hitting every single person, every single company, and every single industry in every country. [We realized] that we dont have to outsmart what the next guys going to do in order to stay competitive and things have played out as expected.

Becky Hawkins | Founding Partner | Method Studio

When the pandemic first started, with workplace design being a very large portion of what we do here, we saw a number of our projects go on a hold within 30 days. We truly thought we were going to be tightening up our workplace or corporate market sector, and what has occurred for us is theres been a transition.

Many of those projects that went on hold have now come back. For one of our clients, weve taken what was going to be a renovation for them, and now were building a smaller scale office building. And then another portion of our work thats grown significantly is rather than new 200,000 square feet offices, were doing more smaller offices and quite a bit more renovation while repurposing and rethinking how the space is used.

James Williams | President | AE Urbia

We were actually already able to work remotely so when this hit, our entire office was able to go home and continue working. And after a while, we brought everybody back. We were fortunate enough to use larger workstations so people could be sitting at their desks and [still social distancing].

This has worked very well for us. And weve kind of used our office as an example. Itll take a while to get back to how it was, but I dont think itll ever be the way that it was exactly. Well design with better ventilation systems, better circulation, and well start to design for this type of issue because it will probably happen again in the future.

Troy Gregory | President | Hunt Electric

A lot of plants got impacted there for a while, or they shut down. And I think its similar in a lot of the manufacturingthey got behind and theyve been trying to catch up on that. In breakers and panel and distribution, its starting to get better on your general products. On the big, long-lead products like transformers, those are still a concern for tight timeline type projects.

Its really hard right now for contractors to lock down PVC pipe. Were being told that after the first of the year, that price will start coming down, and theyre starting to catch back up with some of their supply, so thatll be good. Copper is on a steady climb right now. Steel is flat. Its high, but its flat. I think as far as fixtures go, its really hit and miss. Overall, I think a lot of the initial issues are starting to be worked through.

Aaron Metcalfe | VP | Hogan Associates Construction

I think this issue really brings up the importance of owners, developers, and architects pushing for the CMGC process. With the process, not only can the contractor be in contact with the subcontractors and suppliers, but also through constructability reviews, and through that process, we can help advise our clients and architectural partners on the best ways of procurement moving forward.

John Evans | VP | Okland Construction

The reality is that we just need to be on top of things right now. People have to be monitoring situations to make sure that we dont miss the delivery materials. We have not had issues to-date yet. We are getting those notifications that we always get at the end of the year, but they are coming a little bit sooner from our steel suppliers, about the inflation and the rate increases that are going to hit in 2021. Well have to just see how they all materialize when we actually get there.

Jason Kilgore | President | Kilgore Companies

Concrete is going to go up $8 to $10 a yard in the Utah market. A little bit of questioning on asphalt, thats going to be stable, its going to go up a little bit.

Just a couple of months ago, we had a concrete shortage, so I think thats going to continue into 2021 as busy as we are. Hydrocarbons have been cheap over the last year or two, which has been nice. And I think thats going to stay the same, but it also depends on what happens with travel with people driving cars and jets, and what has happened with our refineries.

Jeff Palmer | EVP | Layton Construction

I think the one question I get on this almost every day is, Are prices going down? Unfortunately, prices typically do not come down so each of us are [going to have to be] more competitive with each other with our fees. But in terms of pricing, as weve just heard, material price is not coming down.

Gary Ellis | President | Jacobsen Construction

Lumber prices went up through the roof last year, which was a very sudden and quick change. And they have come back down to some level, but theyre not coming down as quickly as we thought they might. The other thing that were very concerned with right now is the ports, because even as the factories can start producing overseas quicker and getting things shipped into the country, were having real issues right now with COVID and with all the online purchasing right now of everything getting held up at the ports for longer than expected.

Steven Shepherd | President | BBFFA

We do a lot of work for the state of Utah. We have a big marketing meeting once a month and our list used to be two pages long of the things that we were chasing, now its half a page. And part of that is coming from the state of Utah. So it looks like its starting to have an impact.

Lori Haglund | Marketing Director | VBFA

The projects that we see going before the legislature and being approved by the legislature for state projects have really dwindled down and thats kind of frightening. But I keep thinking back to 2008 when things were bad and they really infused money through the state into projects. And I think thats how we weathered it so well. And so Im optimistic that once this clears up there really, itll come with a vengeance.

Rich Thorn | President & CEO | Associated General Contractors

Weve got a new administration coming in. One of the top priorities were hearing about is this new highway bill, not necessarily just continuing resolution that may be for the interim, but there could be some good money coming from the federal government. We also have a new governor and Im confident that theres going to be more work coming through the Utah Department of Transportation for the civil side.

Weve got a legislative session coming up and theres some talk about potentially a bond. That would be a good thing. One of the negative impacts of this COVID-19 situation is the local governments, or the collector road funds. Once everybody stopped driving, that really negatively impacted local cities and counties and their ability to build roads and to maintain them. We anticipate a little bit of a turnaround on that part of the funding stream for again, for the civil side of our membership.

James Williams | President | AE Urbia

Itll be interesting to see what the new administration does as far as programs and funding. It really boils down to, if theres money to borrow, then constructions good. Soon, as the money stops flowing, thats when were in trouble. Weve been able to be profitable under a Democratic president or a Republican president either way. This last president has been really great for our industry and weve been very comfortable and we think it seems like the governments very comfortable printing money these days. And so hopefully that money will continue to circulate and this new administration will build on top of the success of the last one.

Rich Thorn | President & CEO | Associated General Contractors

We have a lot of confidence, a high degree of confidence in Governor-elect Spencer Cox and his team. We have always taken a fairly conservative attitude about debt and about spending, although we have recognized investing in our future. So we anticipate really good things on the local level with good people steering the ship, both in the executive branch, in the House, and the Senate. We dont anticipate any big curveballs.

Aaron Metcalfe | VP | Hogan Associates Construction

I think as far as Governor Cox, itll be interesting to see how his rural roots will play into things. Theres been this discussion about developing rural Utah better than what has been done before. DFCM has done some smaller projects as of late in 2020, with the backing of the state, trying to get some projects going, especially at the state park level.

Ali Streetman | Construction Manager | Portman Holdings

Just maintaining schedule and opening on time to deliver a product thats been a long time in the making for Salt Lake City. And to get the [convention center] hotel open, and hopefully coincide with everything getting back to normal for the Salt Palace and the industry as a whole. Thats the reason were building this hotel in the first place.

Aaron Metcalfe | VP | Hogan Associates Construction

The security of our subcontractors, making sure that that base of workers and companies is healthy, profitable, not just with COVID, but financially as well, because it really is. The pandemic is going to create some financial issues long term.

And then were also facing some other construction work, residential, for one, thats booming. So as commercial contractors, we really have to work with our subcontracting partners and make this a real kind of collaborative effort so that were all successful. Its not just about the projects, its about the relationships moving forward and so thats my biggest concern.

Chris Knoles | Director of Marketing | Zwick Construction

Going into this, my biggest fear, personally, was our subcontractors and their ability to change, adapt, and to step up or to make changes as needed, mainly from a financial perspective. Are they overreaching? Are they over-committing? Do they have the sophistication to meet the work levels that were still demanding of them?

And then also upstream at our clients. Do they have access to capital? Will they have access to money? Whether its DFCM or private developers, what will the next 12 to 24 months look like? And I think those are maybe the concerns that keep me up at night, financial, both from the client perspective and also the subcontractors. But again, Ive got nothing but gratitude knowing that I believe this group, and this industry specifically in Utah, will emerge from the pandemic stronger than virtually any other state.

Excerpt from:
Building, construction, and design roundtable - Utah Business - Utah Business

Developers of a new Allen mixed-use project are starting off with a speculative office building. JaRyCo plans to construct a 102,000-square-foot building as the first phase of its 135-acre Farm development on State Highway 121 at Alma Drive.

Called FarmWORK One, the three-story office building is scheduled to open next summer in the projects central district.

We spent a lot of time with our design team and the brokerage community to understand what is important to office tenants today and have created a unique building that promotes health and wellness of employees and brings long-term benefits to office users, Bruce Heller, president of JaRyCo Development, said in a statement. This office design continues our overall concept of providing a totally unique and different type of mixed-use center at The Farm in Allen.

Allen-based JaRyCo announced plans for The Farm last summer and wants it to include more than 1.6 million square feet of office space, 142,000 square feet of retail, a 150-room hotel, 60,000 square feet of restaurants, townhomes and 2,400 urban residential units.

The Farm will also include an entertainment and restaurant complex called The Hub, which will be across the street from the planned office building.

Dallas architect Omniplan designed the offices. Commercial property firm Avison Young is leasing the project.

The Farm in Allen will also have a 1-acre lake, boardwalk restaurants, more than 2 miles of hike-and-bike trails and a 16-acre greenbelt along Watters Creek.

The office building is the latest of a series of new offices started or announced in the S.H. 121 corridor.

Corporate office is the primary driver for Allens growth on S.H. 121 and exemplifies our strategy to bring quality jobs to residents, said Dan Bowman, CEO/executive director of the Allen Economic Development Corp. The unique design and amenities of FarmWORK One address the demands of todays market and will set Allen apart as a premier office destination.

Several office buildings are in the works along S.H. 121 in the Craig Ranch development.

Independent Financial just started construction on a second building in its headquarters campus in Craig Ranch just north of Allen. And developers VanTrust Real Estate and Kaizen Development Partners have announced speculative office projects at Craig Ranch.

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New office building will anchor Allen mixed-use project - The Dallas Morning News