The new 1.2 mile extension will expand Pittsburgh’s current 25 mile light rail transit system known as the “T,” from the Gateway subway station underneath Stanwix Street and the Allegheny River to the developing North Shore area of Pittsburgh. The project includes construction of three new stations. Read more…

The construction industry had 1,178 workplace deaths last year, down 5% from 2006. Construction has reported the most fatal work injuries of any industry for the past five years.

For all U.S. industries, fatal workplace injuries were down 6% last year, the smallest number of on-the-job deaths since the Labor Deparment first reported the census in 1992.

Of the total construction fatalities last year, 38% were the result of fall, according to the data tables.

Source: ENR

Rowbottom designed the interior for the Downtown Children’s Center in St. Louis on his first day at work and has been donating time to the project for four years. Several architects and designers at the Lawrence Group got involved in the children’s center and over the years have donated the equivalent of $90,000 in billable hours to the project, Rowbottom said.

Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Over a five-year period, the airport’s terminal, concourse and passenger support facilities will undergo renovations. Restoration of the airport’s domed ceilings will begin in mid-July; additionally, replacement of the interior baggage system and a $1.5 million roadway signage program will begin in early 2009.

One of the first projects will be a $5 million renovation of the inbound baggage handling systems and six carousels, which is expected to be complete in the spring of 2009. The program also includes renovation of the main terminal and concourses A, B and C.

Source: REBusinessOnline

The two-story building achieved LEED certification with sustainable features such as bamboo flooring, motion-sensor lighting, maximized natural light, the use of recycled materials, a green roof, increased water efficiency and the installation of a shower for employees to promote alternative transportation.

Source: REBusiness Online

The trend to instantly create companies that can provide a full range of services — from planning and design through construction and even operations and maintenance — has been fueled by larger projects and clients who want single source delivery.

The U.S. dollar’s fall against foreign currencies is another factor that makes acquisition of U.S. firms by foreign companies look more enticing than ever. European companies can get 30% more for their money by using Euros in the U.S.

Still, there’s a lot to be said for the stability, integrity and commitment of firms owned by their founders, management teams or ESOPs (employee stock ownership plans). Among such successful companies in St. Louis are McCarthy, Walton Construction, Guarantee Electrical, Lawrence Group, Clayco, Kwame Building Group, Graybar Electric.

These companies and many others have found ways to provide the broad range of services owners want while still maintaining local ownership.

What other local AEC firms can you add to the list?

Source: St. Louis Business Journal

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…