The American Recover and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is pumping billions of dollars into construction infrastructure projects. But if your firm has not done much government work, you may find it challenging to quickly break into the public sector.
AGC St. Louis is hosting a free seminar on “Working for the Government” on Thursday, April 23, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Marriott Union Station.

Michael Feldmann, assistant chief of engineering and construction for the St. Louis District Corps of Engineers, and Stephanie Witt, contracting officer for the General Services Administration, will give an overview of what contractors and specialty contractors need to know to navigate the public sector.

The seminar will be held just prior to the AGC Annual Reception. For details, visit AGC St. Louis  or contact Katie Mason at (314) 480-3178 or kmason@agcstl.org.

Last year, developer Kevin McGowan and his company blueurban held a one-day sales event for lofts in their new Ballpark Lofts at Cupples Station Building #8, and sold 61 of 68 lofts in an hour and a half.

The real estate market is very different this year, but blueurban plans to repeat the sale and the buyers’ priority list that led up to it. Does McGowan expect similar results?

“Interest for our Cupples Station Building #9 loft project is much greater and we expect to sell all of these lofts on a single Saturday this spring,” said McGowan in an announcement. The lofts in question overlook Busch Stadium and will sell for $170,000 to over $500,000. McGowan expects to sign up 61 priority buyers who each will hand over a refundable $2,500 check for priority right to pick and buy the loft of their choice.

“Our goals are the same as last year and our expectations so far have been met,” said bluerban’s marketing rep Jenni. “Ballpark Lofts are right in front of Busch Stadium. During ball season, living there is an experience only few can say they have.”

We’ll be interested to see how it goes…

The US Green Building Council - St. Louis Regional Chapter is accepting abstracts for presentations at their fifth annual “Greening the Heartland Conference,” which will be held in St. Louis June 22 to 24. They’re looking for submissions from the architecture, building and planning fields, corporate policy makers and facility/real estate managers, green innovators on school campuses, public officials, planners, lawmakers and others involved in sustainable programs and processes.

The deadline for submitting abstracts is this Friday, January 11, 2008. For details, visit www.greeningtheheartland2008.org or call 1-866-933-4GRN.

As you reflect on 2007 and prepare for 2008, you might consider signing up for the Associated General Contractor’s economic forecast. The interactive audio conference will be held on Thursday, December 13, 1 p.m. central standard time.

According to AGC, nonresidential construction held up well in 2007 despite a housing meltdown, credit market turmoil and rising materials costs. Here are some questions to consider for 2008:

• Can the industry keep pace in 2008?
• Will construction be dragged down by those factors and a slowing economy?
• What segments and regions are most vulnerable?

The panel of experts on construction materials and the economy — Ken Simonson, Daryl Delano, and John Cross — will assess the industry’s prospects and take questions from listeners.

The cost for the conference is $149 for AGC members and $229 for non-members.

Registration is at www.agc.org/EconForecast.

Architect and friend Andrew Raimist will speak on the “Architecture of the Sun” on Sunday, June 24, 11 am at the Ethical Society of Saint Louis, 9001 Clayton Road. He’ll address climate, sustainability, and solar issues as they relate to the architectural designs of Saint Louis modern architect Harris Armstrong.

The presentation also will kick off an ongoing exhibit of color and black & white architectural photography by Raimist, presenting interpretations of the work of Harris Armstrong, other modernist architects, and selected examples of architectural excellence from the Midwest. The exhibit will be on display through August 15 - don’t miss it! And check out Raimist’ blog, Architectural Ruminations, to soak up more of his passion for Harris Armstrong’s architecture.

The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) has announced its annual call for Project Achievement Award nominations.

The Lambert St. Louis International Airport W1W Airport Expansion was honored last year. Tony Thompson of Kwame Building Group, St. Louis, accepted the award as part of the SPK Team. Other winning projects in 2006 were the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank, CA.

To be eligible, projects, programs or program phases must be completed between June 16, 2006 and June 15, 2007. The competition is open to CMAA members and non-members, and the 2007 awards will be presented on October 9 during the CMAA National Conference & Trade Show in Chicago, Illinois.

Deadline for submissions is Friday, June 15, 2007 at 5:00 pm ET. For more information, visit the CMAA Web site.