Economic Development

Articles in this category explore the issue of corporate and commercial real estate. Topics include tax incentives for businesses, infrastructure and urban development and renewal, corporate parks and communities, and other economic development initiatives. Specifically, posts cover expansions, renovations, and new construction of commercial facilities.



ICC Announces Availability of New Green Building Code

The International Green Construction Code has been designed and released as the path to safe, sustainable, economical construction.

Commercial Sector Expected to Lead Real Estate Recovery

Slight increase in nonresidential construction spending expected in 2012 with substantial growth projected for 2013.

New York Passes Design-Build Legislation

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed New York Works Infrastructure Fund Act, which will permit design-build on infrastructure projects for the first time...

Pentagon Renovation Wins Award From Design-Build Institute of America

Called the most complex renovation project in contemporary history, the renovation of Wedges 2-5 at the Pentagon updated four million square feet of space.

ABI Drops For Fifth Straight Month

The new projects inquiry index was 53.7, a considerable slowdown from a reading of 58.1 in June.

New Data: AIA Consensus Construction Forecast

According to the latest AIA semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, nonresidential construction spending is expected to decline for the remainder of 2011; modest growth is projected for 2012.

Design-Build Project Delivery Used for 40%+ of Projects

From 2005 to 2010, numbers are up 10% for design-build project delivery, an integrated approach that delivers design and construction services under one contract with a single point of responsibility.

Architecture Billings Index Continues Positive Momentum

On the heels of its highest mark since 2007, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) jumped more than two points in December.

GWCC Gains Funding, Plans Lighting Upgrade

The Georgia World Congress Center has been awarded a $2.3 million grant for a major lighting retrofit and controls system upgrade.

Real Estate Recovery Led by Large Corporate Users in Gateway Markets

The U.S. industrial property sector has experienced steady growth, thanks to an uptick in leasing from heavyweight corporates, according to Jones Lang LaSalle’s third quarter North America Industrial Outlook report.

BOMA Applauds Passage Of Critical Tax Legislation

BOMA International applauds Congress’ recent passage of the $859 billion tax bill, which includes provisions that will strengthen commercial real estate and economic recovery.

Holiday Decor Marks Mall Revamp

Wrapped in a big red bow, a CT shopping center hails the holiday season.

Update On Cash Grants For PV Systems In 2011

Until the end of 2010, qualified businesses can participate in the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) which provides a cash rebate of 30% of the cost of a solar-produced (renewable) energy system. The rebate generally comes within 60 days following completion of the system installation.

Flood Map Experts Needed by FEMA

The National Institute of Building Sciences is seeking qualified scientific and technical professionals from the public, private, and academic sectors to serve on Scientific Resolution Panels (SRPs).

Income and Expense Data on Office Building Performance Reported In New Study

This annual research study is designed to help property owners, managers, investors, appraisers, lenders, developers, and other real estate professionals evaluate a buildings’ performance.

CSI And CSC Release 2010 Edition of UniFormat

CSI and CSC have released a 2010 edition of UniFormat, a method of arranging construction information based on functional elements, or parts of a facility characterized by their functions, without regard to the materials and methods used to accomplish them.

BOMA Industrial Measurement Standard ANSI Accredited

The standard, developed by BOMA International and the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors® provides guidance on how to measure the floor area of industrial buildings.

NFL Star Eddie George Briefs Congress on Creating Healthy Communities

George, along with other key officials, made the case why investment in parks spurs economic growth, helps combat childhood obesity, and offers a myriad of environmental benefits.

WEIRD WEDNESDAY: Airport Planning FAIL

Gibraltar Airport is famous for two things: transporting British tourists to and from the Iberian Peninsula and its proximity to the city it serves. While incredibly convenient, this close proximity--less than 1/3 of a mile--creates some major problems.

Sears Tower Going Greener

The project will result in energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions to the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, cutting base building electricity use by up to 80% (by way of a combination of energy savings and cogeneration).
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