Bhutan is gearing up for a major upgrade in connectivity, and it’s doing it in style. The Bhutan Gelephu International Airport, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), is set to become a striking blend of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and cutting-edge architecture. This project is about creating an experience that reflects Bhutan’s deep cultural roots while embracing the future.
New design of Gelephu International Airport courtesy of https://big.dk/
Gelephu International Airport is Bhutan’s second international airport and will be a crucial part of the country’s growing transportation network. Located near the Bhutan-India border, right next to the Paitha River, it’s a key component of the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) master plan. The numbers tell an exciting story: this airport will be able to handle up to 123 flights daily and is expected to serve 1.3 million passengers by 2040—scaling up to a whopping 5.5 million by 2065.
BIG is known for pushing boundaries in architecture, and this project is no exception. The airport’s design features a modular diagrid structure made from sustainably sourced glulam timber, with intricate wood carvings crafted by Bhutanese artisans. These carvings, inspired by the traditional ‘Kachen’ pillars, represent both structural integrity and spiritual significance. The airport will be a functional work of art, showcasing Bhutanese heritage while delivering top-tier modern infrastructure.
New design of Gelephu International Airport courtesy of https://big.dk/
Modular timber frames will also make future expansions easier for this airport if needed. The design allows different sections to be disassembled and reassembled as needed, ensuring the airport can keep up with increasing passenger demand without requiring massive overhauls—another win for efficiency.
Built for sustainability
Bhutan has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability—the world’s only carbon-negative country—and this airport is no exception. The terminal will partly be powered by rooftop solar panels, making it energy-efficient. Smart climate-responsive design elements like ventilated roofs, open courtyards, and extended eaves will help keep the terminal naturally cool, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning. The wooden framework itself will help regulate humidity, making the space comfortable for travelers year-round.
New design of Gelephu International Airport courtesy of https://big.dk/
If there’s one thing that sets this airport apart, it’s the emphasis on creating a tranquil, nature-filled experience. The ‘Forest Spine’—a central courtyard running through the terminal—will be filled with native plants, offering a peaceful space for travelers to relax. A treetop walkway and indoor-outdoor lounges will provide opportunities to unwind before a long-haul flight or upon arrival in Bhutan. This airport will feel more like a wellness retreat than a transit hub.
BIG’s vision for Gelephu International Airport shows how architecture can respect heritage while embracing sustainability. When completed, it’s set to become one of the world’s most unique and breathtaking air travel hubs.
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Imagine zipping from Toronto to Montreal in just three hours, comfortably seated aboard a state-of-the-art, high-speed train. Canada’s ambitious Alto project is building the first Canadian high speed rail to transform this vision into reality, reshaping how Canadians travel.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on February 19, 2025, that the Alto project represents a monumental leap forward in Canadian infrastructure. “A reliable, efficient high-speed rail network will be a game changer for Canadians,” Trudeau said.
The Alto rail network will stretch approximately 1,000 kilometers, linking Toronto and Quebec City via trains reaching up to 300 km/h. Key stops include Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, and Trois-Rivières, improving connectivity across these major cities and regions.
What this means for Canadian travel
Canada’s first high speed rail signals a significant shift away from earlier high-frequency rail plans, embracing proper high-speed standards. A consortium named Cadence, led by industry heavyweights including CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis (formerly SNC-Lavalin), SYSTRA Canada, Keolis Canada, Air Canada, and France’s SNCF Voyageurs, has been chosen to steer the project forward. With combined expertise in global rail and transit infrastructure, Cadence is positioning Alto for success.
The benefits of Alto are impressive. Travel between Montreal and Toronto will be halved, shrinking to just three hours—an appealing alternative to air travel once airport security and wait times are considered. This efficiency is expected to attract numerous travelers, reducing congestion on roads and airports. Economically, the decade-long construction phase is projected to create around 51,000 jobs, significantly boosting Canada’s economy with a total impact estimated at up to $24.6 billion over 30 years.
Environmentally, Alto’s fully electric trains align perfectly with Canada’s sustainability goals, drastically cutting carbon emissions from traditional car and air travel. The Alto project highlights Canada’s ongoing commitment to combating climate change and building a greener future.
The project is currently in the co-development stage. The Canadian government has committed CAD 3.9 billion (USD 2.75 billion) for planning, design, and preliminary work over the next six years. This phase will finalize station locations and precise route details. Although an exact completion date remains undetermined, momentum for Alto signals the start of a transformative era in Canadian transportation.
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Good news for Ikea fans—your favorite spot for budget-friendly furniture, Swedish meatballs, and endless home inspiration is getting closer. The Swedish retailer has announced plans to open eight new stores across the U.S. this spring and summer, with locations set to pop up in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California, among others.
This expansion is part of Ikea’s ongoing investment in the U.S. market, aiming to make its products more accessible to customers who don’t live near a full-size store. Whether you’re in the market for a Billy bookcase or a Frakta bag or just want an excuse to wander through a showroom, there’s a good chance an Ikea will be opening near you soon.
While the company hasn’t released the exact opening dates yet, we know that the upcoming stores will be spread across various states, making it easier for more Americans to shop in person. Three confirmed states are Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California, but more details on specific cities are expected soon.
This expansion isn’t just about increasing store count. Ikea is also rolling out different store formats to fit customers’ needs better. Alongside their traditional warehouse-style stores, they’re introducing smaller-format locations in urban areas, designed to offer a more tailored shopping experience.
The iconic furniture store is experimenting with a variety of new store formats. Photo source: Ikea.
“Our strategy continues to prioritize our customer’s needs, and in FY24, we continued to make everyday living more accessible, especially during a time when we know economic challenges are leading to a decrease in disposable income for many Americans,” said Javier Quiñones, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer in an official press release. “As we gear up for the 40th anniversary of Ikea U.S. in 2025, we’re committed to reaching even more customers where they are.”
Ikea’s new locations won’t all follow the same blueprint. Instead, they’re mixing things up with different store types:
Full-size Ikea stores: Your classic Ikea experience with a full showroom, warehouse, and restaurant.
Plan & order points: Smaller urban locations focused on kitchen, bedroom, and home organization design help.
Pick-up points: Shoppers can pick up their online orders without waiting for delivery.
Ikea hopes to make shopping more convenient by offering a mix of formats, especially for those in big cities with limited space.
Ikea’s big investment
This wave of openings is part of a $2 billion investment Ikea announced for its U.S. operations last year, aiming to modernize stores, improve delivery options, and increase accessibility. The company sees plenty of opportunity in the American market, and with growing demand for affordable, stylish home furnishings, the timing couldn’t be better.
So, whether you’re dreaming of a home makeover or craving an extra hex key, get ready—your next Ikea trip might be just around the corner.
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Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project is moving full steam ahead, marking a milestone in Canada’s push toward cleaner energy. Located in Clarington, Ontario, the Darlington site is the only Canadian location with regulatory approval for new nuclear construction. The project is currently in the early stages of site preparation, with construction expected to begin in 2025 and the first unit operational by 2029. This project is a critical step in meeting Ontario’s future electricity demands while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Benefits of the Darlington Nuclear Project
The Darlington SMR will be Canada’s first grid-scale small modular reactor, capable of generating 300 megawatts of electricity—enough to power 300,000 homes. Once operational, this reactor will contribute to Ontario’s goal of phasing out natural gas-fired generation and moving toward net-zero emissions.
OPG has partnered with GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy to design and build the BWRX-300 reactor, which is expected to play a key role in ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for the province. The SMR design offers enhanced safety features and a smaller footprint compared to traditional nuclear reactors, making it a practical solution for expanding clean energy capacity.
The project will boost Ontario’s economy as well. During construction, Darlington will create approximately 2,000 jobs and provide ongoing employment for around 200 workers once the reactor is operational. These jobs will support skilled trades and boost the local economy by creating demand for services, materials, and expertise. OPG estimates that the project will contribute billions to Ontario’s economy over its lifespan, offering long-term stability to the energy sector and communities in the region.
Clarington residents will also benefit from infrastructure improvements and increased economic activity in the area. Local businesses, contractors, and service providers will experience increased demand, strengthening the community’s economy.
A step toward Ontario’s energy future
The Darlington site has been carefully selected and rigorously assessed to ensure safety and environmental sustainability. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has completed an environmental assessment and granted a site preparation license. As part of OPG’s commitment to transparency and safety, ongoing monitoring and community engagement will continue throughout the project.
This project is a crucial piece of Ontario’s energy puzzle, addressing both environmental and economic goals. The Darlington SMR will reduce reliance on fossil fuels while supporting a growing population and increasing energy demands. As the province pushes forward with cleaner energy solutions, this project sets the stage for additional SMR developments across Canada.
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Porter Airlines is set to enhance air travel options in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA) by partnering with John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM). Starting in June 2025, Porter will introduce daily flights connecting Hamilton to Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax, and Vancouver. This expansion aligns with a $400-million agreement between TradePort International, the airport’s operator under Vantage Group, and the City of Hamilton to upgrade and expand airport facilities over the next 49 years.
Enhanced passenger experience
To support the new services, Hamilton International is undergoing significant renovations. Improvements include an updated exterior with expanded canopies for better curbside operations and refreshed terminal interiors, encompassing check-in counters, passenger screening areas, gate seating, and baggage claim. Design elements inspired by the region’s natural geography will add a unique touch, complemented by new digital signage and upgraded lighting. Plans feature the introduction of passenger jet bridges, a first for the airport, enhancing convenience by connecting terminals directly to aircraft.
Porter’s service offerings
Porter Airline’s arrival brings its distinctive economy air travel experience to Hamilton. Passengers can expect complimentary wine and beer served in glassware, premium snacks, and free high-speed Wi-Fi on all flights. The airline’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft, featuring a two-by-two seating arrangement, ensures no middle seats, enhancing passenger comfort. For those seeking an all-inclusive experience, PorterReserve fares offer additional perks such as fresh meals, premium cocktails, extra legroom, flexible ticket changes without fees, dedicated check-in and security, and two checked bags. Alternatively, PorterClassic fares allow passengers to customize their journey by selecting desired amenities à la carte.
Strategic significance for Hamilton
This partnership positions Hamilton International as a key player in the region’s air travel landscape. The airport, already Canada’s third-largest cargo hub handling 156,000 tonnes of freight in 2021, is poised to become a significant passenger travel center. The collaboration with Porter is expected to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and provide travelers with more options, enhancing Hamilton’s connectivity to major Canadian cities.
Looking ahead
Porter’s expansion into Hamilton reflects its commitment to broadening its network across North America. The airline’s presence at all three major airports in the GTHA—Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, and now Hamilton International—offers travelers a range of choices to meet diverse travel needs. As the airport enhancements progress and new routes launch, passengers can anticipate a transformed travel experience that combines convenience, comfort, and connectivity.
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Toronto will receive 767 new homes thanks to a $365 million investment from the federal government. This funding is part of the Apartment Construction Loan Program, which aims to increase the supply of affordable housing across the city. The project aligns with the government’s plan to accelerate housing construction and address the growing demand for homes in urban areas. As housing prices continue to climb, this initiative wil ease pressure on the market and provide options for individuals and families who have been priced out.
Funding details and project scope
The $365 million investment will support the construction of multiple housing developments in Toronto. The funding is structured as a low-interest loan to incentivize developers to prioritize affordable housing. These new units will cater to a range of income levels, including moderate and low-income households.
To ensure long-term affordability, these projects will include rental rate caps and other safeguards designed to protect tenants. The government’s approach encourages private-sector collaboration while maintaining strict guidelines to keep housing accessible.
Why this is a step forward for Toronto
Toronto’s housing market continues to struggle with high demand and limited supply. Rising costs have pushed many families out of the market, making affordable housing a critical priority. The addition of 767 homes will provide much-needed relief and help diversify the housing stock.
While private developers are the backbone of the construction space, the current market environment with tariffs between the US and Canada have led to increased construction costs and stalled developments. Government funded projects are a solution to help overcome this roadblock and need to become more commonplace if Canada wants to solve their housing affordability crisis.
In addition to increasing housing availability, these projects are expected to create hundreds of jobs, benefiting skilled trades and related industries. Increased activity in the construction sector often comes with a ripple effect, supporting suppliers, contractors, and local businesses. Once completed, the new homes will contribute to stronger, more inclusive communities by offering safe and affordable housing to those who need it most.
Similar investments are needed across other Canadian cities to further close the housing gap. The success of this project will pave the way for additional investments in urban centers facing similar challenges. As more cities adopt these approaches, Canada will move closer to achieving its goal of creating accessible and sustainable housing for all citizens.
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In 2019, Walt Disney World unveiled Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, a sprawling 14-acre land within Disney’s Hollywood Studios in Florida. This ambitious project, mirroring its counterpart in Disneyland, California, came with an estimated price tag of around $1 billion. The substantial investment reflects Disney’s commitment to delivering an immersive experience that transports guests into the Star Wars universe. Today, that investment has helped Disney generate an estimated 20 billion ever since purchasing the rights to the Star Wars series from Lucasfilms.
Image sourced from wikipedia
Why build Galaxy’s Edge?
Disney’s decision to create Galaxy’s Edge was driven by the immense popularity of the Star Wars franchise and the opportunity to turn decades of fan devotion into a physical experience. Rather than base the land on existing film sets, Disney Imagineers chose to build an original planet—Batuu—complete with its own backstory, characters, and role within the Star Wars timeline. This allowed them to create something new while staying true to the spirit of the saga.
From custom-built lightsabers and droids to real-time interactions with Resistance and First Order characters, the land was designed to blur the lines between theme park and theatrical immersion. By constructing an entire land dedicated solely to Star Wars, Disney not only capitalized on the franchise’s global fanbase but also created a powerful draw for casual visitors looking for something they couldn’t find anywhere else in the world.
Annual attendance
While Disney doesn’t publicly disclose specific attendance figures for individual attractions, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, home to Galaxy’s Edge, has seen a significant uptick in visitors since the land’s opening. In 2023, it was reported that Hollywood Studios saw approximately 10.3 million visitors.
Top 10 Attractions in Galaxy’s Edge
Galaxy’s Edge offers a variety of attractions and experiences that immerse guests in the Star Wars universe. Here are ten must-visit highlights:
1. Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
Step aboard the iconic Millennium Falcon and take on the roles of pilots, gunners, or flight engineers in a thrilling interactive mission. Your team’s performance affects the outcome, making each ride unique.
2. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Join the Resistance in an epic battle against the First Order. This groundbreaking attraction combines multiple ride systems and life-sized sets to create an immersive experience.
3. Savi’s Workshop – Handbuilt Lightsabers
Craft your own custom lightsaber in a clandestine workshop. This personalized experience allows guests to choose their path and build a unique weapon.
4. Oga’s Cantina
Relax in this lively cantina offering exotic beverages and musical entertainment from DJ R-3X, a former droid pilot. The cantina’s atmosphere captures the essence of a bustling Star Wars tavern.
5. Droid Depot
Assemble and customize your own droid companion. These interactive droids can be personalized and are capable of interacting with elements throughout Galaxy’s Edge.
6. Black Spire Outpost Market
Wander through a detailed open-air marketplace filled with themed shops and merchant stalls. From handwoven goods to Star Wars apparel, this area is packed with storytelling through design.
7. Dok-Ondar’s Den of Antiquities
Browse rare relics from across the galaxy—including Sith and Jedi artifacts—in this atmospheric shop run by the legendary Ithorian collector, Dok-Ondar.
8. Milk Stand
Taste the famous blue and green milk, served frozen. It’s a quick stop but a must for fans looking to try one of the most iconic drinks from the films.
9. Character Encounters
Keep your eyes open for Rey, Kylo Ren, Stormtroopers, and even Chewbacca as they roam the land and interact with guests. These unscheduled meetups bring Galaxy’s Edge to life.
10. Star Wars: Datapad via the Play Disney Parks app
Use your phone to hack droids, translate languages, scan cargo, and accept missions. The datapad turns Galaxy’s Edge into an interactive game layered over the physical environment.
Bottom line
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge shows just how dedicated Disney is to immersive storytelling and innovative design. The substantial investment has resulted in a destination that captivates guests while driving substantial profits. As may the 4th passes, this destination should be a bucket list item for all the Star Wars fans out there.
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The British Columbia construction industry is thriving, with hundreds of public- and private-sector construction projects underway with a value of over $15 million. The construction projects in British Columbia include the Burnaby Hospital Redevelopment Project Phase 2, the Port Alberni Trans-Shipment Hub, and the Ksi Lisims LNG project.
Top BC projects in 2025 to keep an eye on
1. Port Alberni Trans-Shipment Hub (PATH)
Location: Port Alberni, BC
Date: TBD
Builders/contractors: TBD
The Port Alberni Port Authority has proposed building a new container shipping terminal in the Alberni Inlet, 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean. If completed, the project—called the Port Alberni Trans-shipment Hub (PATH)—would become one of Canada’s largest container shipping terminals. The project would include a fully automated container yard with 43 automated stacking cranes and eight automated gate cranes capable of handling ultra-large container ships with up to 22,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
PATH’s estimated cost is $1.78 billion. When it reaches 50% operational capacity, it is expected to employ 500 full-time employees.
Construction of the Keith and Betty Beedie Acute Care Tower, with 160 private rooms, a new medical imaging department, two CT scanners, public spaces, a spiritual care suite, and hospital support services
Renovations to the endoscopy and laboratory components
The project budget is $1.7 billion, and construction is expected to be completed in 2030.
Sapperton Green Mixed-Use Development is a massive construction project in British Columbia with plans for several residential housing types. It contains 4.45 million square feet of residential floor space for almost 10,000 residents, 1.12 million square feet of secured market rental housing, and at least 255,000 square feet of affordable housing.
Sapperton Green also includes plans for:
750,000-1.5 million square feet of office space
100,000-150,000 square feet of retail and commercial floor space
A 35,000-square-foot community center and childcare facility
3.2 hectares of publicly accessible open space
The Sapperton Green Mixed-Use Development is expected to take 20-30 years to complete. However, the $1.97 billion project is temporarily on hold pending a dispute between the landowner and the city of New Westminster.
4. Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project
Location: Delta, BC
Date: Construction is expected to begin in the late 2020s and be completed mid-2030s
The Roberts Bank Terminal 2 Project is a proposed marine container terminal project in Delta, BC, led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The project proposes constructing a three-berth marine container terminal to increase Canada’s West Coast terminal capacity by over 30%. Construction will provide 18,050 person-years of employment and, when operational, will provide 17,300 jobs yearly. The project website also details the steps it’s undertaken towards environmental resiliency, including:
Developing 94 hectares of restored and enhanced fish habitat credits and offsetting projects in collaboration with First Nations groups.
Contributing $30 million to prey abundance initiatives and supporting the recovery of Chinook salmon—one of the primary food sources for resident killer whales.
Completing over 100 technical, environmental, and engineering studies and over 59,000 hours of fieldwork to develop environmental programs designed to conserve and protect species and surrounding habitats.
5. Arbutus to UBC Skytrain – Millennium Line UBC Extension
Location: Vancouver, BC
Date: 2050
Builders/contractors: TBD
Construction on the Skytrain’s Arbutus extension is expected to be completed in 2027, spurring TransLink to propose continuing the SkyTrain expansion to the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus. The Arbutus to UBC Skytrain proposal is still in its infancy. The Regional Base Scope, which included initial concepts of station locations, was presented to and endorsed by the Mayors’ Council. While the project’s budget and completion date are unclear, the Millennium Line UBC Extension has been identified as a priority project in TransLink’s “Transport 2050: 10-Year Priorities” document.
6. Garibaldi at Squamish Ski Resort
Location: Squamish, BC
Date: Construction is scheduled to begin in 2025, with an estimated completion in 2028
The Garibaldi at Squamish Ski Resort is a proposed recreational ski area built at the top of Brohm Ridge, eight miles north of Squamish, BC. The resort, with an initial budget of $3.5 billion, will cover 2,759 hectares, with a base mountain development area of 524 hectares.
Development highlights:
Garibaldi at Squamish will provide an estimated 2000 construction jobs
When completed, Garibaldi at Squamish will provide 4,000 long-term operational jobs
Ski hill plans propose 21 chairlifts and 120 runs
7. Cedar LNG Project
Location: Kitimat, BC
Date: Peak construction anticipated in 2026, with substantial completion by 2028
Cedar LNG is a floating liquified natural gas (LNG) project by The Haisla Nation and Pembina Pipeline Corporation. The project will have a maximum capacity of 3.3 million tonnes per year and be powered by renewable electricity from BC Hydro. Cedar LNG will be the world’s first LNG project that’s Indigenous majority-owned and offers one of the shortest shipping routes to Asian markets.
8. Fraser River Tunnel Project
Location: Delta, BC
Date: Construction begins in 2026 and is projected to complete in 2030
The $4.15 billion Fraser River Tunnel Project involves constructing a tunnel on Highway 99 to replace the existing George Massey Tunnel, which runs beneath the Fraser River. The tunnel will have eight lanes—three vehicle lanes and a transit lane running in each direction—divided by a separated corridor for pedestrians and cyclists.
9. Prince Rupert Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline
The proposed Prince Rupert Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline is a joint project from Western LNG and the Nisga’a Nation. The $6 billion pipeline project would run from the northeast of BC to the planned Ksi Lisims LNG facility, a distance of almost 500 miles, with a capacity of 2-3.6 billion cubic feet daily. The scheduled construction start date was August 24, 2024.
Together with Ksi Lisims LNG, the Prince Rupert Natural Gas Transmission Pipeline is expected to create $55 billion over 30 years while creating 4000 construction jobs.
10. Ksi Lisims LNG Project
Location: Nisga’a, BC
Date: Construction to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2029
The Ksi Lisims LNG project has an estimated budget of $10 billion to create a floating LNG facility on the northwest coast of BC. When completed, the project will have a maximum capacity of 12 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas annually. The Ksi Lisims LNG aims to be “net-zero ready by 2030” by:
Use technology to reduce facility emissions to the lowest level possible
Offset hard to reduce emissions by purchasing credible, preferably local, and nature-based offsets
Pursue continuous improvement through ongoing analysis of new technologies and approaches
The Ksi Lisims LNG project is a collaboration between the Nisga’a Nation, Rockies LNG, and Western LNG.
Final thoughts
There is no shortage of construction projects in British Columbia as the industry continues to expand with hopes these infrastructure and energy initiatives will shape the province for decades to come. From large-scale infrastructure investments like the Fraser River Tunnel Project and Millennium Line UBC Extension to energy projects like Cedar LNG and Ksi Lisims LNG, BC is setting an example of how to lead with innovation.
Construction developerRelated Midwest has resumed construction on the new skyscraper at 400 Lake Shore in Chicago after experiencing more than 10 years of delays and revisions. Sitting alongside the Chicago River on Lake Michigan for almost 20 years, the site has been left with just the foundation hole. Construction commenced in the spring of 2024, and by the start of 2025, the new tower had finally reached street level.
The ill-fated tower on the Chicago waterfront was initially meant to host The Spire, a tall, thin skyscraper from architect Santiago Calatrava. The project was canceled due to financial and logistical problems on the developer’s side. Construction plans were thrown out in 2016 after years of legal disputes. If completed, it would have been the tallest building in the world at that time.
A creditor on the original project, Related Midwest has restarted construction following a redesign in 2020 that included a significant reduction in tower height. The new project will feature a pair of twin skyscrapers, with the taller reaching 76 stories, as authorized by the local planning commission. The two towers on the Chicago waterfront will mirror each other and have a large gap to thoughtfully frame Chicago’s downtown core from the water.
The north tower is the first objective, with the foundation already laid and construction picking up after reaching street level. This tower is projected to be complete in 2027. From there, the construction of the second tower will break ground.
UNC Health and Duke Health have announced plans to build North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, aiming to transform pediatric care in the state. The project, named NC Children’s, will be located in the Research Triangle area, encompassing Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This initiative represents a significant collaboration between two leading academic health systems, traditionally seen as competitors. The collaboration will include a pediatric hospital, outpatient care center, and behavioral health center, all with a focus on efficiency and accessibility, with natural light and flexible spaces to allow for future medical advancements.
A new era in pediatric healthcare
In addition to the 500-bed pediatric hospital, outpatient care center, and behavioral health center, the campus will also host research and education facilities supported by the medical schools of both UNC and Duke. Spanning over 100 acres, construction is expected to begin by 2027, with completion anticipated in six years. The estimated cost of the project exceeds $2 billion, marking it as one of the largest economic development endeavors in North Carolina’s history.
Another key component of the project is the integration of advanced technology and modern design to enhance patient care. The hospital and behavioral health center will be built with a focus on efficiency, accessibility, and a healing environment. Architects and engineers will incorporate designs that maximize natural light, provide flexible spaces for evolving medical needs, and improve workflow for healthcare providers.
This approach ensures that the facility is not only state-of-the-art when it opens but can also adapt to future advancements in pediatric healthcare. By combining innovative construction techniques with input from medical professionals, the project aims to set a new standard for children’s hospitals.
Unified efforts for children’s health
To oversee this ambitious project, UNC Health and Duke Health have filed articles of incorporation to establish a new nonprofit organization, North Carolina Children’s Health. This entity will manage all pediatric services from both university systems, streamlining operations and enhancing the quality of care. The collaboration aims to pool resources and expertise, ensuring that children across the state can access top-tier medical services.
State support and economic impact
The North Carolina General Assembly has demonstrated strong support for the NC Children’s project by allocating an initial $320 million in funding. This financial backing underscores the state’s commitment to improving children’s health services. Beyond healthcare, the project is poised to create thousands of jobs during and after construction, substantially boosting the local economy. Governor Josh Stein highlighted the project’s dual benefits, stating that it will save countless children’s lives while also serving as a significant economic driver for the region.
A vision for the future
The NC Children’s hospital is set to redefine pediatric care in North Carolina. By combining UNC Health’s and Duke Health’s strengths, the facility will offer comprehensive medical services, cutting-edge research opportunities, and robust educational programs. This collaborative approach ensures that the state’s youngest residents receive the best possible care, setting a new standard for children’s health services in the region.
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