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Your calendar's full, your inbox is overflowing, and your job sites are keeping you on your toes, so I'll only take a few seconds of your time to say thank you. Thank you for continuously reading the MBEX Weekly Bulletin when it arrives. One of the best parts of MBEX membership is staying plugged in: seeing the important updates, tapping into new opportunities, and knowing the latest industry happenings. All meant to help you stay informed, connected, and ahead of what's next, all in one place.
Here's what's happening this week. Now for the real challenge of the day: deciding between iced coffee or hot 😉 ☕
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Five Quick Things To Know & Do This Week:
1.) Safety Week 2026 - Next week (May 4-8) is Construction Safety Week, and 2026's week of recognition builds off the headline "All In Together" and the progress being made. This year's messaging is centered around three pillars: Recognize, Respond, and Respect, to build a unified call to action on high-energy, high-hazard work to prevent serious injuries and fatalities on every job site.
2.) MBEX Golf Update - As of 2:00pm on Tuesday (April 28), only 2 foursomes remain open for the MBEX Twin Cities Golf Tournament on June 16. If you want to hit the greens with us at Oak Glen this summer, now's the time to register.
3.) Wage Theft Lawsuit - Two construction contractors have agreed to pay $1.28-million in back wages and liquidated damages to resolve wage theft claims involving 26 workers across 19 Twin Cities construction projects between 2019 and 2022, marking the largest wage-and-hour recovery in Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry history.
4.) Project Management - UpCodes has introduced a new platform that connects building codes directly with construction specifications, aiming to streamline compliance workflows. Features include specification library imports, built-in spec sections, collaboration tools, and automated quality checks that flag errors.
5.) Sixty-Second Video Break - 10/10. No notes. (And if any of our members feel inspired after watching this, please, pretty please let me be there 🤩 👏 🫡)
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Inside Issue No. 17:
• MBEX YPN: Join us at RJM Construction next week for the next Young Professionals Network event
• AIA Index: Billings held steady in March, indicating market stability
• Scholarship Reminder: Deadline to apply is one month away!
• Insurance Exclusion: What contractors need to know about the new exclusion policy tied to generative AI
• Upcoming Events: Blueam Revu courses 1-3 (5/5 -5/7); Online Plan Room Demo with MBEX Staff (5/21); Closed for Memorial Day (5/25); and more
• Five Headlines: Construction costs inflated by tariffs but shock is moderating; Number of young adults ages 18-25 with skilled trades career interest doubles; New class of "entangled materials" offers potentially ultra-strong manufactured materials for civil engineering and robotics uses; How technology is advancing safety in underground construction; & South Dakota awarded $65M Federal Highway Administration grant for Platte-Winner Bridge replacement project
• Project of the Week: Yamasaki Building hotel conversion project planned to begin in early 2027 in downtown Minneapolis
• Industry Event: Start the Day to Win the Job: The Power of Daily Crew Planning - Wednesday, May 13 - Live Webinar - Presented by the Minnesota Concrete Council
• Project Download: Updated project information for the week of April 20-24
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NEXT WEEK: Young Professionals Network (YPN) on May 6
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The next MBEX Young Professionals Network (YPN) event is just one week away, and if you've been meaning to get more involved, meet people outside of your company, or simply step away from your desk for a couple of hours, this is a solid place to start.
Join us on Wednesday, May 6, at RJM Construction for an easygoing afternoon built specifically for construction professionals in the early stages of their careers. No presentations to sit through, no formal agenda to navigate, simply a relaxed setting where conversations happen naturally over drinks and appetizers.
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Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location: RJM Construction
(830 Boone Avenue North, Golden Valley, Minn., 55427)
Cost: $20 per person (includes entry, drinks, and appetizers)
REGISTER BY:
12:00pm on Tuesday, May 5
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This event tends to attract a mix of estimators, coordinators, field staff, project engineers, and others early in their construction careers, making it a great chance to meet people who understand what your day-to-day actually looks like.
Come with coworkers, walk in solo; either way, you'll have a great time!
Space is filling quickly, so if it's been sitting on your "maybe" list, consider this your reminder to lock it in.
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THANK YOU TO OUR
MBEX YPN SPONSOR
| | | | The last MBEX YPN event drew over 75 attendees, from college students and interns to recent grads and those new to the industry. | | |
AIA: Architectural Billings Signal Market Stabilization
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Architecture firm billings held steady in March, indicating market stability despite gloal economic concerns.
The AIA / Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) scored 49.8, reflecting near-equal shares of firms reporting increases and decreases. This marks the closest the index has come to the 50-point growth threshold since early 2023, offering cautious optimism.
New project inquiries rose steadily, and firm backlogs averaged 6.6-months, the highest since December 2023. Multi-family residential backlogs grew from 5.4-months in December to 6.2-months in March, while institutional backlogs remained steady at 8.2-months. However, design contracts declined for the 25th consecutive month, with the slowdown worsening from February.
Regionally, the West saw its first billing increase since December 2024, while other regions, particularly the Northeast, faced softer conditions.
Key ABI Highlights for March include:
⦿ Regional averages:
• West - 50.6
• Midwest - 49.4
• South - 48.5
• Northeast - 44.2
⦿ Sector Index Breakdown:
• Institutional - 52.6
• Commercial / Industrial - 52.5
• Multi-Family Residential - 50.9
• Mixed Practice (firms that do not have at least half of their billings in any one other category) - 40.7
⦿ Project Inquiries Index: 56.8
⦿ Design Contracts Index: 47.8
"While billings could soon see positive growth for the first time in three years, ongoing economic and geopolitical challenges, such as the Iran conflict and labor shortages, pose significant risks to recovery," said AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch. "These external issues will have a significant impact on the health of construction activity in both the near- and long-term."
| | | Business conditions in the broader economy were mixed in March, as the impact of the conflict in Iran came into sharper focus. Construction employment added 26,000 positions in March, although growth remains flat on a year-over-year basis. | | |
Scholarship Dollars Available for Future Construction Professionals: Deadline is Approaching!
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The deadline is getting closer for the 2026-2027 MBEX / TBG Construction Scholarship, and now is a great time to help spread the word (or apply).
Applications are currently open for students pursuing careers connected to the construction industry, whether that path leads to the trades, construction management, engineering, estimating, project coordination, or other related fields. Scholarships range from $1,000 - $5,000, helping ease the financial load for students preparing to enter an industry that continues to need skilled, motivated talent.
The application deadline is May 29, which means there's still time to share this opportunity with employees, apprentices, interns, family members, or students in your network who may be planning for the next school year.
This scholarship program has supported future construction professionals since 2013, and every applicant represents another step toward strengthening the workforce pipeline across the Midwest.
Don't let this opportunity stay under the radar; share it with someone planning a future in construction today!
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The New Generative AI Insurance Exclusion:
What the Construction Industry Needs to Know
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are showing up everywhere in business right now, including construction, and insurance companies are starting to notice.
A new insurance policy exclusion tied to generative AI could make things a little more complicated for contractors who rely on tools like ChatGPT, AI scheduling software, automated estimating platforms, or AI-assisted design support.
Here's the plain-English version: insurance providers are beginning to add language that may limit or deny coverage for claims tied to AI-generated mistakes. That means if an AI tool spits out a bad spec, incorrect calculation, faulty schedule, or misleading documentation (and that mistake contributes to property damage, injuries, delays, or disputes), your insurance company may argue that it's not covered.
For construction companies, this matters more than it might sound at first glance. AI is quickly becoming part of day-to-day operations, whether that's helping draft emails, summarize specs, build schedules, create marketing content, or assist with design coordination. The concern isn't that AI exists; it's that many businesses are using it casually without realizing it could create new liability questions.
The insurance industry is reacting because AI mistakes can be hard to trace and even harder to price into traditional risk models. A wrong material recommendation, a hallucinated code reference, or an inaccurate project timeline generated by AI could lead to very real jobsite consequences. Insurers don't love uncertainty, especially when it comes with expensive claims attached.
The takeaway? AI can absolutely save time, but it shouldn't replace human review, especially on anything tied to safety, design, contracts, compliance, or project documentation.
Contractors may also want to take a closer look at their insurance renewals and ask a simple question: "Does our policy say anything about AI?" Because this is one of those details that probably won't show up until it suddenly matters.
| | | The Insurance Services Office ("ISO") has a new optional endorsement for commercial general liability ("CGL") policies entitled Generative AI (CG 40 47 01 26) (the "Generative AI Exclusion"), presenting language for claims arising from generative AI outputs. This Exclusion applies to both Coverage A (bodily injury and property damage) and Coverage B (personal and advertising injury). | | | |
A valuable benefit of an MBEX membership is invitations to our social and educational events; by being an employee of a member company, you, too, can take advantage and attend any and all MBEX-sponsored events.
** indicates a newly added or updated event
May 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
This session teaches attendees how to navigate menus, toolbars, panels, shortcuts, and key settings. Attendees will also get hands-on with markup and measurement tools, plus insider tips that boost speed, accuracy, and proficiency. Sign Up
May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
This session introduces standard measurement tools and markup customization options to help convert highlighters into powerful takeoff tools. With emphasis on the Markups List and workflow tips, this session helps estimators improve speed and accuracy from day one. Sign Up
May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
Learn to create custom columns, embed formulas, organize information, and export or live-link Excel templates. Sign Up
May 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
From navigating the Deskpad, setting up filters, understanding project information, and adding your company to a project's bidders list, this free one-hour session is a great introduction to our Online Plan Room. Register
May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
MBEX will be closed for the Memorial Day holiday. We will return to regular business hours on Tuesday, May 26.
June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
Join MBEX's Board of Directors and staff over lunch so we can show our membership our appreciation for their continued and on-going support. Lunch will be catered by Famous Dave's, and this year's BBQ will be hosted at The Builders Group in Eagan. Register
June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
An annual summer event that offers fantastic opportunities for members to enjoy a day of golf, networking, and camaraderie at the Oak Glen Golf Course in Stillwater. Enjoy lunch, 18 holes of golf, a post-game happy hour, dinner, and a program that includes team awards, raffle winners, and door prize giveaways. Register
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Five construction-related headlines you need to read over the next coffee break.
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CONSTRUCTION COSTS | TARIFFS
😳 U.S. Construction Costs Inflated by Tariffs, but Initial Shock is Moderating
One year after the intitiation of the president's tariffs on imported materials, data show a notable impact on construction costs, according to analysis by Cushman & Wakefield. Although the initial tariff shock is moderating, ongoing cost pass-through is contributing to a structurally higher-cost environment. Construction materials costs are expected to be up about 6% versus a pre-tariff baseline, with total project costs rising about 3%. (Building Design + Construction)
LABOR & WORKFORCE | SKILLED TRADES
🛠️ Share of Young Adults Interested in Trades Careers Doubles
According to a report from the National Association of Home Builders, the share of adults between the ages of 18 and 25 who are interested in trades careers has doubled over the past decade. Still, at just 6%, the share remains low, signaling that there is work to be done in educating the public that there are increasing opportunities for rewarding, lucrative careers in the skilled trades. NAHB estimates the industry will need 2.2-million new skilled construction workers over the next three years to keep up with demand and account for industry expansion, retirements and departures. (National Association of Home Builders | See full study here)
BUILDING MATERIALS | SUSTAINABILITY
🪹 Interlocking Materials Offer High Strength & Flexibility for Robotics, Infrastructure
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are developing a new class of "entangled materials" inspired by the surprising strength of a tangled ball of office supplies. Much like a bird's nest or a burr, a cluster of staples gains its strength from geometric interlocking rather than chemical bonds. Through this, researchers are mimicking natural structures to create ultra-strong manufactured materials, which can also offer potential for sustainability and advanced technology, particularly in civil engineering and robotics. It could also enable large-scale structures, such as bridges, to be "unzipped" and recycled rather than demolished. (Interesting Engineering)
CONTECH | UNDERGROUND CONSTRUCTION
🦺 How Technology is Advancing Safety in Underground Construction
One of the most significant developments in underground construction is the rapid adopton of telematics and connected equipment, shifting operations from reactive to data-driven. Platforms such as Ditch Witch's Orange Intel system provide real-time visibility into machine location, performance, utilization and maintenance status. That visibility goes beyond tracking, giving contractors a clearer understanding of how equipment is being used and where potential risks may be developing across jobsites. (Utility Contractor Magazine)
BRIDGES | SOUTH DAKOTA
💰 South Dakota Secures $65M for Platte-Winner Bridge Replacement
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has awarded the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) a $65-million grant through the Competitive Highway Bridge Program to replace the 60-year-old S.D. Highway 44 Platte-Winner Bridge. This is the longest bridge in the state, spanning 5,655-feet across the Missouri River. The replacement project will widen the roadway by eight feet. Two 12-foot lanes will remain, while shoulder widths will increase from two-feet to six-feet. Officials said the approximately $200-million project would likely begin later this year. Once the new bridge is completed and traffic is shifted, the existing bridge will be demolished. (Government Market News)
| | Yamasaki Building Transformation Scheduled for 2028 Finish | | |
Read more on Finance & Commerce
CDT Realty Corp. hopes to begin the conversion of the Yamasaki Building into a hotel property in early 2027 and wrap up construction by the summer of 2028.
The building, located at 20 Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, is directly across the street from the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.
The conversion will utilize all nine floors of the property, installing 165 rooms, along with 40,000-square-feet of space for two restaurants, three bars, as well as retail space "featuring Minnesota-made products." The rooftop will also have a pool and sauna, a ballroom, meeting spaces, and 10,000-square-feet of rooftop deck space.
The construction timeline for the project is driven by approvals needed from the State Historic Preservation Office. The building has passed through the first part of the approval process and is now in the second phase. Once that is completed, the firm will just need to wrap up the design process.
Greiner Construction and ESG Architecture are also working on the property with CDT Realty.
| | ABOVE PHOTO: The six-story Minoru Yamasaki building, known for its dramatic white columns and green marble exterior, located at 20 Washington Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, is slated to be transformed into a 165-room hotel starting in February 2027. Photo via The Minnesota Star Tribune. | |
Start the Day to Win the Job:
The Power of Daily Crew Planning
Presented by the Minnesota Concrete Council (MCC)
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DATE: Wednesday, May 13
TIME: 12:00pm - 1:00pm CT
LOCATION: Live Webinar
COST: Free
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This session will focus on the importance of daily planning by field work crews. Concise, result-driven daily meetings ensure that work crews maintain a high-level of communication and collaboration throughout the project, which can build a stronger, more cohesive work environment.
A well-executed planning meeting can offer several measurable outcomes contributing to the successful completion of a project:
• Increased production efficiencies and productivity
• Increased profitability potential
• Identify Quality Control challenges and solutions
• Improved communication between crew members and other contractors on site
• Hazard identification to establish safety controls
• Active, collaborative problem solving
The presenter is Chad Stuart, Senior Risk & Safety Consultant, PC, Holmes Murphy.
Attendees who fully participate in the live webinar will receive a certificate of attendance for
1 AIA CES LU or 1 PDH. No credits will be awarded for viewing recordings of the webinar.
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• Total Projects Received at MBEX from 4/20/2026 - 4/24/2026: 104
• Total Project Leads Reported on at MBEX from 4/20/2026 - 4/24/2026: 36
• Total Active Projects Received / Reported on at MBEX as of 4/28/2026: 477
• Total 2026 Projects posted to the Online Plan Room as of 4/28/2026: 2,377
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Click the button above to view the most recent project data from 4/22/2026 - 4/28/2026.
For information about the Bulletin's content, technical issues, or to place an ad (such as a Minority
Notice, Job Posting, or Event Notice), contact Ashlee, Membership + Communications Director.
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UPCOMING MBEX EVENTS
• May 5 - Bluebeam 1: Baseline Basics
• May 6 - Bluebeam 2: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Basic)
• May 6 - Young Professionals Network (YPN)
• May 7 - Bluebeam 3: Material Takeoffs & Estimates (Advanced)
• May 21 - Online Plan Room Demo
• May 25 - Memorial Day - MBEX Closed
• June 2 - Member Appreciation BBQ
• June 16 - Twin Cities Golf Tournament
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Information within the MBEX Weekly Bulletin are obtained from sources deemed reliable. The Midwest Builders Exchange (MBEX) does not assume responsibility for its completeness or accuracy. You are urged to check your own sources in addition to the information contained in this publication. This issue contains plans and other bidding information received prior to and including the date noted above. The project data within this newsletter is intended for member company's and their employees use only.
2026 BOARD OFFICERS: President - Brian Kalla, St. Cloud Acoustics; Vice President - Sean Ochis, Northern Industrial Insulation; Treasurer - Allie Brady, Veit USA; Past President - Heidi Sedlacek, Associated General Contractors of Minnesota
2026 DIRECTORS: Kevin Bohrer, Donlar Construction; Ben Bowman, Adolfson & Peterson; David Brandt, Schadegg Mechanical; Matt Lennartson, RJM Construction; Chris Niemand, Frattalone Companies; Jason Rentmeester, Kraus-Anderson Construction; Harry Rothstein, Weidner's Mechanical Contractors; Jim Rothstein, Erickson Electric; and Alanna Soukkala, Holden Insurance Agency.
MBEX STAFF: David Siegel - Executive Director; Julie Miller - Executive Assistant / Project Coordinator / Accounting; Ashlee Hartwig - Membership & Communications Director; Melanie Hendrickson - Events & Membership Coordinator; Jeff Boelter - Project Acquisition & Plan Room Support; Shauna Baska - Project Reporter & Bidders Lists; Ka Yang - Addenda & Apparent Lows; Peggy Esboldt, Madison Gentil & Michelle Siegel - Project Reporters; Don O'Connor - Independent Event Planning Contractor
You are receiving this email because you are employed by a current member company in good standing or have indicated you wanted to receive MBEX's Weekly Bulletin. Unsubscribe from the Weekly Bulletin
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