Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Projects

  • Swinerton begins construction on Texas mass timber office

    Swinerton begins construction on Texas mass timber office

    California-based Swinerton recently broke ground on east Austin’s new multi-use mass timber office. The company, an industry-leading construction management firm, has partnered with Dick Clark + Associates (DC+A), as well as Lindgren Development for the design and build. Swinerton itself will occupy the building, and each floor will highlight its own mechanical system. 

    Photo source: Dick Clark + Associates

    The new building, known as Workbench, will incorporate sustainable design and will be made to showcase mass timber to interested clients. DC+A Principal Mark Vornberg says, “Many of the project partners have been ingrained in East Austin for decades. The opportunity to bring together a built environment ‘design collective’ under one roof and within a mass timber building is beyond exciting. The neighboring community has been supportive of this development, and we look forward to continuing this bond.”

    As an alternative to concrete and steel for building, mass timber has risen in popularity internationally in recent years. Both the biophilic and sustainable elements of the material have made it appealing to integrate into office, multi-family, civic, academic buildings, and more. These buildings can be more efficiently cooled and heated, and the construction completion timeline is streamlined. Workbench itself is expected to be completed in January 2026 and is said to store around 500 metric tons of CO2. 

    Photo source: Dick Clark + Associates

    Workbench is leased primarily by women-owned and operated firms, and additional project partners include Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate, Legacy Lighting, Fort Structures, and Art + Artisans. The first floor of the building will feature Legacy Lighting’s showroom and a restaurant space. The second floor will be occupied by Swinerton and feature a traditional mass timber system with exposed mechanical equipment overhead. DC+A, Legacy Lighting, Fort Structures, Beck-Reit Commercial Real Estate, and Art + Artisans will occupy floor three. This floor will showcase a raised-access flooring system with hidden ventilation.

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  • KAST Construction to lead luxurious Salato condominium development in Pompano Beach

    KAST Construction to lead luxurious Salato condominium development in Pompano Beach

    KAST Construction has been awarded the contract for the highly anticipated Salato Condominium project in Pompano Beach, Florida. Just steps from the Pompano Beach shoreline, the boutique luxury development will feature 40 exclusive residences, including six penthouses, offering breathtaking ocean views and expansive terraces.

    The project spans nine stories and is backed by a $73.8 million construction loan. Work is expected to start in late 2024, and completion is set for 2026. Designed by Randall Stofft Architects, with interiors by Steven G., Salato offers residences ranging from 2,106 to 3,354 square feet, priced from $2 million. Each unit features three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, and expansive living spaces. Buyers have shown strong interest in the project, with 40% of the units pre-sold.

    Salato is designed to offer an unparalleled blend of privacy and resort-style amenities. It includes a 20,000-square-foot deck with a swimming pool, hot tub, private wine lockers, fitness center, and massage room. Additional amenities include dry saunas, concierge services, and valet parking. The project also includes 2,700 square feet of retail space.

    It’s a unique project that has Mike MacDonald, Senior Vice President at KAST Construction, excited, stating, “We are thrilled to work on this project, which will offer buyers an intimate and luxurious living experience, unlike anything in Pompano Beach.” 

    For those seeking expansive living spaces paired with luxury and breathtaking waterfront views, Salato is a standout opportunity in Pompano Beach. This exclusive development promises to deliver an unparalleled living experience that combines elegance, privacy, and top-tier amenities, making it a must-see for interested buyers.

  • $2.3 billion Long Bridge project breaks ground in Virginia

    $2.3 billion Long Bridge project breaks ground in Virginia

    The ceremonial groundbreaking for the $2.3 billion Long Bridge project occurred in Arlington with two U.S. senators and the U.S. Transportation Secretary. This project will consist of seven new bridges, 20,000 feet of tracks, and 1.5 miles of rail and is expected to be completed by 2030. It is set to transform passenger and commuter rail between DC and Virginia. 

    Video source: Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

    The current commute setup consists of a 120-year-old bridge shared by freight and passenger trains. Passenger trains experience many delays, as freight trains take priority on the track. The new bridges will lead to fewer delays, increased service, and a less congested commute between DC and northern Virginia. 

    Upon completion, the old bridge will remain and be used exclusively for freight, while the new bridges will feature tracks for trains like the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) and Amtrak. The project will be broken into two packages (North and South).

    “The North Package encompasses a very complicated construction area from the south side of East Potomac Park and moving north over the Washington Channel and Maine Avenue SW to just south of L’Enfant Plaza in Washington D.C.,” said the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VRPA).

    The North package involves the construction of several smaller bridges:

    • A new rail bridge over the WMATA Portal/I-395
    • Replacement of the existing two-track Ohio Drive SW rail bridge with a four-track bridge
    • Replacement of the existing two-track Washington Channel rail bridge with a four-track bridge
    • Replacement of the existing two-track Maine Avenue SW rail bridge with a four-track bridge
    • Replacement of the Maine Avenue SW pedestrian bridge

    The South Package covers the portion in Virginia and includes building two new bridges: the rail bridge over the Potomac River and an adjacent bicycle-pedestrian bridge.

    Photo source: Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

    Sweden-based Skanska and US-based Flatiron Construction received the design-build contract as a joint venture for this project in 2023. Other build partners include the construction engineering JV of JMT and HNTB, with Genesis Structures, iDesign Engineering, MRCE, and TB&A listed as subcontractors.

    Skanska and Flatiron will head the project from the design phase to construction.

    Concerning the expected completion date, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg states, “It’s an aggressive timeline, but also one that I believe that they can meet, and one that reflects all the planning that has gone into this.” His attendance was partly to promote the federal spending benefits for infrastructure equating to almost $750 million, a bill signed by President Joe Biden three years ago, which is being used to fund the Long Bridge project. 

    Currently, 1.3 million Amtrak passengers and 4.3 million VRE riders use the Long Bridge annually, reaching 98% capacity during peak times. 

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  • California State University begins $14 million mass timber project

    California State University begins $14 million mass timber project

    California State University marks a significant milestone with the construction of its $14 million mass-timber University Service Building (USB). Located on the CSU Fullerton campus, this project will be the first mass timber structure in the California State University system, reflecting the institution’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in construction. 

    The project overview

    The University Service Building is set to serve as a hub for essential campus operations, including offices, storage spaces, and services related to campus facilities. Spanning 25,000 square feet, the USB will utilize mass timber, an innovative material known for its sustainability and efficiency. With Swinerton as the lead contractor, this project will demonstrate the potential of mass timber construction in larger-scale institutional projects across California.

    Mass timber offers a unique blend of strength, sustainability, and beauty, making it a fitting choice for this forward-thinking project. The University Service Building not only aims to meet the immediate needs of the CSU Fullerton campus but also showcases how modern building techniques can align with broader environmental goals.

    Rendering of CSU’s mass timber building. Photo source: Swinerton.

    Why mass timber matters in construction

    Mass timber has gained significant attention in recent years due to its environmental benefits. Unlike traditional building materials like steel and concrete, mass timber is made from engineered renewable wood products with a lower carbon footprint. This shift toward renewable materials in construction helps reduce the environmental impact of building large-scale structures.

    Another key advantage of mass timber is its ability to store carbon. Trees absorb carbon dioxide during their growth, and when the wood is used in construction, it locks in that carbon for the lifespan of the building. This makes mass timber an attractive option for projects aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Beyond sustainability, mass timber construction is efficient and cost-effective. Prefabricated wooden panels are manufactured off-site and assembled quickly on location, reducing the overall construction time. For projects like CSU Fullerton’s USB, this means faster timelines, fewer delays, and a reduced impact on the campus during construction.

    CSU’s commitment to sustainable building practices

    By adopting mass timber for the University Service Building, California State University is demonstrating its commitment to sustainability and innovation in its infrastructure. This project aligns with the university’s broader goals of reducing environmental impact and supporting green building practices. CSU Fullerton’s USB project may inspire other universities and public institutions to explore mass timber for future projects, promoting sustainable growth across various sectors.

    In the context of academic and institutional buildings, mass timber presents a path forward for eco-conscious construction that can meet the demands of modern design while supporting environmental goals. This project signals a growing trend toward greener building practices within large-scale public institutions, with CSU Fullerton leading the way. 

    Bottom line

    Mass timber structures like the USB could become increasingly common as more organizations look to reduce their carbon footprint and make smarter material choices. For California State University, the $14 million University Service Building is just the beginning of a new era in sustainable construction.

    Click here to view the live stream of the buildings’ progress.

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  • Consigli launches $500M Roux Institute Campus project in Portland, Maine

    Consigli launches $500M Roux Institute Campus project in Portland, Maine

    Consigli Construction has officially commenced work on a transformative $500 million campus for Northeastern University’s Roux Institute in Portland, Maine. Set to revolutionize the region’s higher education landscape, this cutting-edge facility will serve as a hub for research, innovation, and academic excellence, benefiting students and the wider community. The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a multi-year project to foster talent in New England’s science, technology, engineering, and other critical industries.

    Northeastern’s new Portland campus will include the Roux Institute and the new Alfond Center, back. Renderings via CambridgeSeven (Alfond Center) and Bruner/Cott (Bean building).

    Located in the thriving Portland waterfront, the Roux Institute’s new campus will occupy a prime location on a 13.5-acre site, formerly the home of the B&M Baked Beans factory, transforming it into a cutting-edge, multi-building complex. This state-of-the-art facility will serve as a center for education and research in artificial intelligence and other rapidly growing, high-tech industries.​ It is expected to draw in thousands of students and researchers, creating a dynamic learning environment. 

    Designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, the new campus will feature state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, and collaborative spaces, all built to inspire innovation and meet the challenges of the modern world. Constructed in phases, the campus will feature multiple buildings, including:

    • The Alfond Center, a 245,000-square-foot facility dedicated to learning, research, and collaboration. This building will accommodate wet labs, computational labs, research spaces, and classrooms.
    • The historic 58,000-square-foot “Bean” building will be extensively renovated to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. It will provide workspaces for startups and businesses, creating a hub for cutting-edge development and business growth.

    Consigli’s role in the project is pivotal, as they bring expertise in constructing world-class educational facilities. The company focuses on sustainability, ensuring the new Roux Institute campus aligns with environmentally friendly standards and practices. By integrating green building initiatives—the institute is implementing a sustainable plan incorporating innovative energy solutions such as a seawater heat exchange system, green roofing, and geothermal energy to reduce environmental impact—the project is expected to achieve significant environmental certifications, reinforcing Portland’s commitment to sustainable development.

    Northeastern’s new Alfond Center. Renderings via CambridgeSeven (Alfond Center) and Bruner/Cott (Bean building).

    Beyond the academic infrastructure, the project will also bolster the local economy. It is expected to create numerous construction jobs, with the completed campus providing ongoing opportunities in education, research, and industry partnerships. As Portland evolves into a burgeoning tech and innovation hub, the Roux Institute’s new campus will play a central role in attracting global talent and investment, positioning Maine as a key player in the tech-driven economy of the future.

    The development is expected to be completed over the next few years, marking a significant milestone for both Northeastern University and the state of Maine. With the Roux Institute’s mission to drive economic growth and technological advancement, this campus will be a beacon of progress in education and beyond.

  • Manhattan Construction Group leads $182M Toyota Stadium renovation

    Manhattan Construction Group leads $182M Toyota Stadium renovation

    Manhattan Construction Group has been selected to lead the $182 million renovation of Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, a project approved by the Frisco City Council. The stadium, one of Major League Soccer’s oldest soccer-specific venues, will undergo a major overhaul to modernize its infrastructure and improve the guest experience. Designed by HKS Architects, the project includes a host of upgrades to create a world-class facility for FC Dallas and the community.

    Rendering of the interior of the new Toyota Stadium. Photo source: Toyota Stadium

    The renovation is slated to start in early 2025 and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2028. Key enhancements will include adding a new roof structure to provide shade, increasing seating capacity by 10%, and a 26% boost in restroom facilities. The project also focuses on adding two new suite levels, more concessions, and three new club spaces designed to cater to a growing fanbase. State-of-the-art sound and video systems, including the largest video board in MLS at 6,000 square feet, will further enhance the in-stadium experience.

    This public-private partnership is backed by multiple funding sources: 44% will be covered by the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone revenue, 36% by the Hunt Sports Group, and 20% by the Frisco Community Development Corporation. The Hunt Sports Group will manage cost overruns, if any.

    Rendering of the East Gate of the new Toyota Stadium. Photo source: Toyota Stadium

    Construction will be executed in phases, starting with work on the stadium’s east side in early 2025. The west side will remain operational during the 2025 MLS season, with work shifting there by mid-2026. The entire project is expected to be fully finished by the start of Q1 in 2028. Despite the several stages of construction, Toyota Stadium will continue to host games and events throughout the entire process, ensuring minimal disruption to FC Dallas operations.

    The renovations are part of a long-term vision to reestablish Toyota Stadium as one of the premier soccer venues in the country. Clark Hunt, CEO of FC Dallas, emphasizes the need to modernize and elevate the fan experience. Upon completion, the stadium will not only provide a more immersive experience for fans but also serve as a cornerstone for the local community, contributing to Frisco’s growing reputation as a hub for sports and entertainment.

  • Live Nation Canada unveils plans for new outdoor concert venue in Toronto

    Live Nation Canada unveils plans for new outdoor concert venue in Toronto

    Live Nation Canada is transforming Toronto’s live music scene with its latest project: Rogers Stadium—a new seasonal outdoor concert venue set to become a landmark entertainment destination. Planned for the former Downsview Airport lands, this innovative venue promises to bring world-class musical performances to Toronto, further boosting the city’s status as a hub for arts and culture.

    Render of the entrance to the new Rogers Stadium. Photo source: Rogers.

    Named “Rogers Stadium,” this seasonal concert venue will boast a capacity of 50,000, making it the largest purpose-built music venue in the Greater Toronto Area. Designed as a distinctive open-air space, it is set to welcome music fans by the summer of 2025.

    Rogers Stadium will be situated at the northern end of the former airport’s runway as part of a $30-billion redevelopment plan led by Northcrest Developments. This 370-acre site offers convenient access to 400-series highways and public transit, ensuring easy accessibility, according to Live Nation. The stadium is expected to become a visual centerpiece of the evolving area. Its construction and future operations are projected to create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and support local businesses.

    The project is more than just a new addition to the city’s landscape; it represents a long-term investment in Toronto’s cultural scene. With its state-of-the-art facilities and acoustics, the venue will be able to host a variety of events, including music festivals, community gatherings, and performances by both local and international artists. This adaptability ensures that it will become a go-to destination for concertgoers of all tastes, further enhancing Toronto’s reputation as a world-class entertainment city.

    “The number of stadium-level acts touring today is unprecedented, with more acts than available nights at existing venues. That’s why we’re making this investment—to ensure Toronto fans don’t miss out on world-class artists,” said Erik Hoffman, President of Music for Live Nation Canada. “Rogers Stadium will not only meet this demand but also offer a premium stadium show experience, combined with the festival vibe that our fans love.”

    Aerial view of the new Rogers Stadium. Photo source: Rogers.

    Once operational, the venue is expected to offer various food and beverage options, highlight local vendors, and create a unique experience that complements the musical performances.

    Construction is slated to begin soon, with an opening date projected for the summer of 2025. This timeline reflects a coordinated effort between Live Nation Canada, Rogers, and the city of Toronto to ensure the venue meets high standards of quality and community value. When completed, the venue is expected to host numerous seasonal events, from summer concerts to fall festivals, offering residents and visitors a new place to enjoy live music under the stars.

    The venue promises to be a modern, multi-functional space that will draw artists and audiences from across the globe, enriching Toronto’s cultural fabric and reinforcing its place on the global entertainment map.

    “Rogers Stadium is a testament to our vision for this masterplan, which includes a series of communities, creating a space where people come together to experience the best the city has to offer,” said Derek Goring, chief executive officer of Northcrest Developments. “With development plans for these lands years away, this new venue serves not only as a premier concert venue but also reflects Northcrest’s commitment to creating a seasonal destination that brings much-needed infrastructure for the city’s arts and culture sector.”

  • Henry Ford Health breaks ground on $2.2 billion Detroit hospital expansion

    Henry Ford Health breaks ground on $2.2 billion Detroit hospital expansion

    Henry Ford Health has officially broken ground on its ambitious $2.2 billion hospital expansion in Detroit, marking a significant step forward in healthcare transformation. The expansion project, set to reshape Detroit’s medical landscape, includes a state-of-the-art hospital facility and a revitalized surrounding neighborhood. The new hospital will bring enhanced patient care and advanced medical technology to Detroit, positioning Henry Ford Health as a leader in healthcare innovation.

    Rendering of the new hospital. Photo source: Henry Ford Health.

    The plan involves building a new one-million-square-foot, 400-bed hospital tower adjacent to the existing Henry Ford Hospital. This development will serve as the centerpiece of Henry Ford Health’s campus, featuring the latest in healthcare design, enhanced patient amenities, and cutting-edge technology to provide the highest quality of care. The new facility aims to support a holistic approach to patient care, integrating modern medical advancements while fostering a more comfortable healing environment.

    Dr. Steven Kalkanis, Executive Vice President and CEO of Henry Ford Hospital, emphasized that the project is more than just a structural change. “What we’re doing isn’t just a transformation of space,” he explained. “It’s a transformation of place, of potential and of impact.” He believes this development will position Detroit as a global destination for complex medical care, backed by some of the most talented professionals in the field.

    The site plan of Henry Ford Health’s new Detroit health campus. Photo source: Henry Ford Health.

    The facility features a 20-story patient tower, with three floors dedicated explicitly to intensive inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation, in collaboration with the renowned Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The emergency department will expand to 75,000 square feet and feature 100 private, flexible treatment spaces. The 432 patient rooms will have dedicated visitor space and high-tech amenities, such as touchscreen TVs and voice activation, providing comfort and convenience for patients and care teams. The new 28 operating rooms will handle complex surgeries, and five floors of specialized ICU units, including cardiovascular and neurological care, will enhance Henry Ford Health’s dedication to comprehensive treatment.

    Alongside the hospital expansion, Henry Ford Health also focuses on community revitalization. The project includes a new green space, retail shops, and additional housing opportunities to create a thriving district around the hospital campus. These efforts highlight Henry Ford Health’s dedication to improving healthcare services and Detroit’s social and economic health.

    Street view of Henry Ford Health’s emergency department. Photo source: Henry Ford Health.

    The project, expected to take several years to complete, reflects Henry Ford Health’s long-term commitment to the Detroit community. Hospital operations will continue during construction, ensuring ongoing patient care. This expansion will ultimately create a world-class healthcare destination that aligns with the Henry Ford Health vision of providing exceptional services to patients across the region.

  • Mattamy Homes and QuadReal Property Group release final designs for The Clove

    Mattamy Homes and QuadReal Property Group release final designs for The Clove

    Final designs for Mattamy Homes and QuadReal Property Group’s “The Clove,” phase one of the Cloverdale Mall upgrade, have been released. Toronto’s upgraded west-end mall will feature a 33-storey tower with an attached 9-storey midrise on the eastern side of the property. The tower will include just over 600 condominiums on 2.3 acres at the edge of the site. The condos will go on sale this fall, with Mattamy Homes leading sales.

    Photo Source: The Clove

    The plan is to have The Clove kickstart the transformation of QuadReal’s existing 32-acre mall into a vibrant, sustainable, and innovative mixed-use space that pays homage to the rich history of the surrounding Etobicoke community.

    Niall Haggart, President of the GTA Urban Division at Mattamy Homes, says, “This first building is the singular opportunity to get in on the ground floor as this 32-acre master-planned community takes shape over the next decade. The team has worked hard to design a tower that will serve as a gateway to the rest of the development, while offering a striking presence on Toronto’s west-end skyline.”

    Upon completion, the revamped site will include green spaces, residential units, and revitalized retail space. The revamped 180,000-square-foot mall will continue to welcome retail tenants who have been serving the community for decades. Thousands of new condos and purpose-built rental units will support the demand for housing in the growing community. A new network of blocks and streets will connect amenities, green areas, and transportation. 

    Photo source: The Clove

    The Clove project will be completed in phases, with QuadReal committing to its focus on sustainable design, robust transit integration, improved connectivity, and thoughtful assimilation into the surrounding neighborhood.

    About Cloverdale Mall: Initially built in 1956, Cloverdale Mall features a modernist architectural style, a central pedestrian promenade, and an open-air plaza. It was expanded and closed in the 1980s, and it underwent the next round of upgrades and renovations in 2006. The community eagerly awaits this next upgrade.

  • Edged Energy breaks ground on eco-friendly data center in Arizona

    Edged Energy breaks ground on eco-friendly data center in Arizona

    Edged Energy, a leading developer of sustainable data centers, has officially broken ground on a cutting-edge facility in Mesa, Arizona. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s mission to revolutionize digital infrastructure, focusing on energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

    Thanks to Edged Energy’s innovative cooling and power management technologies, the Mesa data center is designed to operate with significantly less power consumption than traditional facilities. By utilizing advanced cooling technologies, the data will minimize the energy needed for heat dissipation, aligning with Edged’s sustainability goals and commitment to conserving vital resources in the arid Arizona environment.

    Render of the Edged Energy Data Center in Mesa, Arizona. Photo source: Edged Energy.

    “The rise of AI and machine learning is requiring more power, and often more water, to cool outdated servers. While traditional data centers struggle to adapt, Edged facilities are ready for the advanced computing of today and tomorrow without consuming any water for cooling,” said Bryant Farland, Edged CEO. “Sustainability is at the core of our platform. It is why our data centers are uniquely optimized for energy efficiency and water conservation. We are excited to be partnering with local communities to bring future-proof solutions to a growing digital economy.”  

    Arizona, particularly Mesa, is becoming a hub for high-tech facilities, and Edged Energy’s choice of location underscores the state’s growing reputation as an attractive site for data center development. The area provides an optimal blend of infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and a climate conducive to the company’s energy-efficient technologies. Once operational, this facility will contribute to the local economy by creating construction jobs and offering long-term employment opportunities.

    Edged Energy aims to have the facility up and running by late 2025. With this development, the company joins the ranks of other tech giants focusing on sustainability and green energy in the industry. Notably, Edged Energy’s Mesa center will seek to meet some of the highest standards in eco-friendly data center operations, achieving near-zero emissions through its power usage effectiveness (PUE) target of 1.15.

    As the demand for data storage continues to soar, the importance of sustainable data center operations becomes more critical. Edged Energy’s groundbreaking approach in Mesa could set a new standard for future data centers, demonstrating that digital expansion and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.