BreakingNews

November 5, 2014
                   
 
Market News

 

This past week didn't lack for news, although there was no news from Monaca about the ethane cracker as was rumored. Pennsylvania bucked the national trend favoring Republicans (and followed the national trend against incumbents) by electing a new governor, Democrat Tom Wolf from York. Perhaps because polls had Mr. Wolf ahead by a landslide all year, the outcome has provoked little reaction, even among oil/gas companies. Wolf's election should be good news for the K-12 market and will likely not be as bad a news for private industry - including the oil/gas producers - as campaign promises foretold.
 

Activity in commercial real estate - a segment tied very directly to jobs - continues to be on the upswing. The apartment segment of the market is experiencing a burst of new construction in the fourth quarter. Permits were pulled in October for four new projects: the 74-unit Uptown Apartments being built by Massaro for Castlebrook Development, the first phase of the 360-unit EastSide Apartments being built by PJ Dick, Oxford's 300-unit Yards at Three Crossings being built by Rycon and the 56-unit 3030 South Water Street project built by P. W. Campbell for Ralph Falbo. Another 600-800 units are in the hopper for construction before the year ends.


Project News 


Among the projects put out for bids within the past week or so are the $10 million first phase of infrastructure improvements to the Lower Hill for the redevelopment of the former Arena site. Pitt will take bids on Dec. 4 for the $25 million Phase 2  Upgrades to Parran/Crabtree Hall in Oakland. See the complete list of pre-qualified contractors at the Builders Exchange site. Penn State has its $29 million new data center out for trade packages, due Dec. 16. Mosites Construction is taking bids on the $8 million athletic center expansion & renovation at the Kiski School on Nov. 13.


 
Starwood is finalizing contractor selection for the renovation of the Westin lobby with Rycon and F. J. Busse. Erie Insurance is interviewing a short list of firms - including PJ Dick & Walsh - to serve as CM for its $80 million new office building in Erie.


Not feeling up to speed on the market? Go to BuildingPittsburgh.

Like contests? Vote for your favorite project.

You can go to the Master Builders' Tradition of Excellence page to view the winners form 20 years of MBA Building Excellence award winners and vote for your favorite project in one of four categories.
 
Chief Estimator Wanted

Local general contractor/construction manager is seeking an experienced senior level estimator for Chief Estimator position.  Interested parties should reply with a cover letter outlining your experience working for a general contractor on competitive bid, negotiated GMP and conceptual estimating projects along with a resume. Reply confidentially here.
People News


 
Hatzel & Buehler has acquired the assets of Franklin Electric. Hatzel & Buehler will retain Franklin Electric's staff and have hired Jim Gloekler to serve as Vice President, Branch Manager, overseeing the local Hatzel & Buehler operations. Fred Sargent has also joined the local Hatzel & Buehler team as an industry consultant.

 

Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp. promoted Kim Donnelly to director of business development.

 

Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (HRG) recently named Robert T. Zulick, P.E., as Senior Sales Executive of the firm's Western Region, which includes the firm's State College, Lewisburg, Pittsburgh, and Hermitage, Pennsylvania and Ohio and West Virginia office locations.

Coming Events

 

CSI Pittsburgh Tour of Scott Hall, November 11

 

Meet at 4:45 at construction trailer between Scaife Hall and Porter Hall, Carnegie Mellon University. Hard sole shoes (work boots) are required.   Hard hats and eyewear will be provided. Dinner following at 7:00 at The Porch at Schenley

Cost:  $35.00  Reservations to Marc Zell by Friday Nov 7.

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MBA-YC Changing of the Guard, November 12

 

The Young Constructors have assembled a panel of next generation leaders for a discussion of how Boomers, Gen X and Millennial professionals can continue progress for Pittsburgh's construction industry. See the event flyer.

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NAWIC Block Kids 2014, November 23

 

The Pittsburgh Chapter of National Association of Women in Construction is sponsoring the Blcok Kids 2014 challenge on November 23 at 1:00 PM at the Keystone Mountain Lakes Council of Carpenters Jt. Training Center, 623 Ridge Rd. Pittsburgh PA  15205. Learn more about the contest or sponsorship opportunities. Or contact Danielle Hoffman for more information.

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Tall Timber Group is the publisher of BreakingGround and DEVELOPINGPittsburgh magazines and the Pittsburgh Homebuilding Report, and is a consultant for contractors and designers serving the construction and real estate market. For more information about our services, contact Jeff Burd or call:


Tall Timber Group
506B McKnight Park Dr.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15237
412-366-1857

www.talltimbergroup.com

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