Construction Trends - Page 17 of 18 - Beyond the Build

For Retailers, A Catch 22 Today Means Liquid Assets for Tomorrow

I read recently in the Wall Street Journal that as of May, retailer Bed Bath & Beyond had $1.64 billion in cash and short-term treasuries, and expects to generate at least another $600 million by February. Nationwide, non-financial businesses had approximately $1.85 trillion in liquid assets as of June. That’s pretty good, I would say. …

Construction Trends

Are Top Retail Performers Creating Demand for Space?

There is no denying that the fallout from this Recession has been widespread. Even companies experiencing a level of success are being affected by the financial issues of others. Here’s an example. Hennes & Mauritz is a Swedish-based fashion retailer that appeals to teens and young adults. My daughters love their stores, and apparently they’re …

Construction Trends

What Does it Take to Make Existing Retail Space Useful? Imagination.

As I see it, the need for large store platforms is diminishing, for a while at least. The retail community is starting to think outside the box. When the economy was booming and credit was easy to obtain, consumers were buying goods at a record pace. Retailers began building bigger and bigger box stores to …

Construction Trends

Trend Spotting: Adaptive Re-use of Existing Commercial Properties

It’s not surprising that in the U.S., only one new enclosed mall has opened in the last 4 years. In that same time, it has been estimated that nearly 500 of the 2,000+ malls in our country have closed. That translates to a lot of property and structures available for immediate use. But who wants …

Construction Trends

Want to Build a Greener Society? Demand It.

I’ve heard it a million times: “Actions speak louder than words.” In a country like the U.S., where we vote with our dollars, that becomes even more true. We make a demand and the supplier who meets it wins the sale. Sometimes the government—the officials we elected to regulate policy—can give a push to make …

Construction Trends

The Solution to a Macro Concrete Problem? Think Micro.

We were asked recently to help one of our customers with a damaged concrete sidewalk. Sounds simple enough, but it wasn’t just any sidewalk. This one was elevated and it was absolutely necessary for this office facility that the sidewalk remain navigable for the tenants through out the repair process. In years past, if someone …

Construction Trends

Flourish Among Giants

In this economy, there are advantages to being moderate in size. Our company is not one of the 50 largest construction companies in the country. We do not have the same resources that our larger competitors maintain. But we are nimble. Being “right sized” in any field can be a real plus. It’s easier for …

Construction Trends

New EPA Regulations Usher in Construction Stewardship

If it has not already, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico will eventually impact us all. The environment and the livelihoods of many are at stake. The tragedy is a “wake up call” reminder that we only have one earth, and we all have a stake in pollution control. Environmental responsibility has always …

Construction Trends

Notes From a Pervious Concrete Seminar: How “Sustainable” Becomes “Practical”

This week, several of our team attended a workshop led by Matthew Offenberg, a recognized expert in the field of pervious concrete. The discussion centered on the design and function of pervious concrete pavements, new developments in the technology and some of the challenges in implementing it. I found it interesting that the workshop was …

Construction Trends

Construction Material Costs Are Defying the Laws of Economics: Why?

The short answer: To me, nobody knows. If we compare the normal demand for commercial projects in the United States to our current climate, the market is down 30-50 percent. The laws of supply and demand tell us commodities prices should decrease in order to level things out. The opposite is happening. On average, we …

Construction Trends

International Council of Shopping Centers 2010 Roundup

This week I attended the national convention of the International Council of Shopping Centers, a member-driven organization for the retail industry. This year there were about 25,000 attendees. I felt the mood of the conference was positive optimism with a sense of getting down to business. Here’s what I’m taking with me: Landlords and retailers …

Construction Trends

Our Woodworking Barn Gives New Life to Trees Cut on Site

With the green movement in full swing, we’re seeing lots of great trends towards sustainability. One that’s caught my attention is “certified wood”, a term encouraging us to know the type of forestry or origins of the wood used in the products we select. In our work, we have access to wood on commercial project …

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For Retailers, A Catch 22 Today Means Liquid Assets for Tomorrow

Are Top Retail Performers Creating Demand for Space?

What Does it Take to Make Existing Retail Space Useful? Imagination.

Trend Spotting: Adaptive Re-use of Existing Commercial Properties

Want to Build a Greener Society? Demand It.

The Solution to a Macro Concrete Problem? Think Micro.

Flourish Among Giants

New EPA Regulations Usher in Construction Stewardship

Notes From a Pervious Concrete Seminar: How “Sustainable” Becomes “Practical”

Construction Material Costs Are Defying the Laws of Economics: Why?

International Council of Shopping Centers 2010 Roundup

Our Woodworking Barn Gives New Life to Trees Cut on Site