DEAN MOSIMAN | Wisconsin State Journal | dmosiman@madison.com | 608-252-6141 madison.com | | Posted: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 6:00 am

A developer is offering another ambitious project for the core Downtown, this time a 14-story, $25 million mixed-use project near Overture Center and State Street.

The city is intrigued and also asked Hovde Properties to explore the feasibility of including new Downtown Fire Department facilities, which could roughly double the cost, size, housing units and parking spaces in the project.

Hovde wants to demolish three buildings for a project that would reach the Capitol height view limit with 190 apartments aimed at workers rather than students, up to 12,000-square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and a 200-space parking garage on the 300 block of West Johnson and Dayton streets.

The developer has long owned two buildings and related surface parking and recently gained control of the third building, which "afforded an opportunity to do something truly meaningful on the larger site," Hovde President Michael Slavish said.

If approvals are secured, construction could begin by the end of the year and be done in the spring of 2014, Slavish said.

Mayor Paul Soglin described the proposal as "dynamic," and asked Hovde to consider expanding the effort to include new homes for Fire Department administrative offices and Fire Station No. 1, older facilities located next door to Hovde's project site.

"At first blush, it appears it could work," Slavish said of incorporating the fire offices and station one. "The questions come down to whether or not it works financially for us and the city, and if it can be done in a reasonable period of time."

Soglin said city officials are exploring cost and other issues and expect to give Hovde a more firm indication of city interest in a larger effort in two weeks or so. "We can't drag our feet on this one," the mayor said.

Ald. Mike Verveer, 4th District, who represents the area, said Hovde is moving in the right direction by making rental housing the centerpiece of the project and that the possibility of incorporating fire facilities is "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

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14-story mixed-use apartment building proposed for Downtown Madison

By JOY BROWN

STAFF WRITER

The Argyle apartment building, structurally weakened by a fire, high winds and freezing temperatures, will be razed.

Service-Safety Director Paul Schmelzer on Tuesday said owner Sharon Frullo decided to demolish the downtown building based on an assessment made by Alvada Construction Co.'s structural engineer.

It was determined that Alvada Construction's work to shore up the structure and remove the wobbly fourth-floor walls, to prevent a collapse of the building following Thursday's fire, wasn't a sufficient long-term safety solution.

"With the weather situation, the potential for more high wind, and the slow, continuing movement of the walls, the safety of the building continues to be compromised," Schmelzer said.

The National Weather Service is predicting rain and thunderstorms today.

City officials were hoping demolition crews would arrive Tuesday night. As of 11 p.m., they weren't in sight.

The scope of the demolition is more than Alvada Construction's equipment can handle, Schmelzer said, which is why another firm was being sought.

Alvada crews were hired for building stabilization and fourth-floor demolition. The company's proximity was a plus because it arrived on site quickly, Schmelzer said.

Read more:
Owner to raze Argyle building

CALIMESA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Just in time for spring home renovations, http://www.ConcreteNetwork.com is offering a free concrete patio design catalog for consumers interested in making-over a backyard. Focusing on patio ideas and new trends, the catalog features options and tips for designing a backyard oasis with concrete.

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Download the patio catalog in its entirety for free at ConcreteNetwork.com.

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About ConcreteNetwork.com

Established in 1999, ConcreteNetwork.com educates consumers, builders, and contractors on popular decorative techniques and applications. These include stamped concrete, stained concrete, concrete countertops, polished concrete, and much more. Over 12 million people visited The Concrete Network website in 2010 to research, get ideas, find concrete products, and to find a contractor.

The site connects buyers with local concrete contractors through its Find a Contractor service throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is fully searchable by more than 20 types of decorative concrete work. Through its Find Concrete Products service, the site provides visitors with a list of decorative concretemanufacturers throughout the U.S. and Canada,as well aslocal decorative concrete supply stores.

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Free Catalog from ConcreteNetwork.com Features Popular Patio Ideas for Spring

LA MESA In front of a packed crowd that included many La Mesa Downtown Village business owners, a school superintendent and a handful of village property owners, the City Council on Tuesday discussed itself as a property owner in the proposed Property-Based Business Improvement District for the village.

The issue of the citys involvement has many locals concerned. The city of La Mesa is one of the largest property owners in the village. If the proposal passes, the city would act as administrator of the district.

You as a legislative body have the final say, said Ed Henning, the citys hired PBID consultant.

Under the proposal, local property owners would make annual payments to the city to support maintenance and marketing of the village area.

La Mesa City Manager Dave Witt said that in fiscal 2012-13, the impact to the citys General Fund to pay the proposed assessment would be just over $60,000. The assessment could increase as much as 5 percent a year for the first five years of the tax.

The proposed district would be voted on by 133 property owners. It includes 182 parcels, mostly along La Mesa Boulevard and some surrounding blocks.

If approved by the majority of the owners, the initial tax would amount to a total of $378,100. The money would be used to keep sidewalks and streets clean with power washing; for landscape maintenance; and for village enhancement, promotion and marketing. The bulk of that amount, $100,000, would be for marketing.

Some opponents, such as business owners Deena While, Craig Maxwell and Bill Jaynes, wore large stickers that said: No PBID/Save Our Village.

Greg Houska, who owns property at Fourth Street and La Mesa Boulevard, said he would have to pass on the tax charges to his tenants, something he said he did not want to do.

The services you mentioned, I expect that from my city; I dont expect to pay more for that, Houska said. Whats going to help this city is the end of the recession.

Read the rest here:
La Mesa council discusses Business Improvement District proposal

The second month of 2012 is almost over already. A few days ago it was blowing snow and we received quite a few inches. Now this morning the sun is shining bright and the mercury on our thermometer is almost 40 degrees.

I will probably take advantage of the weather and wash some coats while we do laundry. I like to hang the laundry outside to dry when it is nice like this.

Another job that needs to be done again is washing the windows. With the sun shining on the windows, I can really see the dirt. The rain and blowing snow tend to leave their mark on the windows. We will see how far we get, though, as Elizabeth has to go to her job today. She enjoys the little children she cares for during the week.

Yesterday we attended church services in our district. There were a lot of women and children missing due to sickness. The benches were still filled, though, with visitors from other church districts and communities. Some of my dads cousins were there, so it was nice to get to visit with them.

Daughter Susan would like to thank you for the encouraging comments on her column last week. A friend printed the comments from the website so she could read them. She is still taking Minnie on her daily rides.

Last week daughter Elizabeth and I accomplished a lot of sewing. I sewed sons Benjamin and Joseph each a new navy jacket and pants to wear to church. They were pretty excited yesterday morning to wear their new outfits.

I sewed the outfits on my old black-colored head Singer sewing machine. My mother had one just like it and it did not often need repair.

My other sewing machine is almost 10 years old. It usually works pretty well, but it has been giving me some problems this last while. I oiled it and cleaned it, but so far cannot figure out what the problem is. I probably will end up giving our friend Terry a call to take a look at it.

Elizabeth sews on her own sewing machine, which was a Christmas gift from her friend Timothy. I would like to trade mine in sometime for one like she has. Hers is a free-armed and those are very nice to do hemming and mending.

We also were sewing pillows. Elizabeth cuts out the pieces and sews the pieces together. Then I sew the ruffles on the edges and the front and back together. Elizabeth also sews the inside pillow and stuffs it with pillow stuffing.

The rest is here:
The Amish Cook: Weather determines which chores to do

PLFixtures (plumbingandlightingfixtures.com) has made available the full line of Kichler Design Pro LED lighting on their web site. Kichler Design Pro LED lighting features, 40,000 hours of life, up to a 80% energy saving over forms of lighting like xenon and halogen and a limited lifetime warranty.

North Berwick, Maine (PRWEB) February 29, 2012

PLFixtures found, after a thoroughly study, that besides the energy savings and longevity aspect of Kichler LED lighting, the ease of design and installation of this product made it extremely suitable for not only professional, builders and remodeling contractors, in both a residential or a commercial environment, but very well suited for the do-it-yourself home owner.

The modular designs created by the Kichler designers are truly a cost saving attribute in both installation time and in the long term service and maintenance of the product in their own right. For example; Kichler Design Pro LED Modular 2.0 24 Volt DC consists of the fixture(s), an optional full range dimmer switch module (12357 BK), and optional night light module (12356 BK). Fixtures and modules can be snapped directly together or connected by interconnect cables. This under cabinet or under shelf system is so versatile, Kichler Design Pro LED Disc lights can be added by using the 12359 BK Disc Driver module.

PLFixtures has discovered after seeing an actual installation of Design Pro LED Modular lighting that the product can be virtually invisible with compact size. Example a 12311 2-light LED under cabinet fixture module (pictured at right) measures only 6 L x 2-3/8 W x High. Equally impressive is the size of the LED disc lights from the Kichler Design Pro LED 24V Disc 2.0 system (also pictured at right). Measuring only 2-3/4 Diameter x 3/8 High they are again, virtually invisible behind the lip of an under cabinet installation.

Both the 24V LED Disc system and the 24V LED Undercabinet system are fully dimmable.

PLFixtures is also carrying Kichler Design Pro LED Direct Wire 2.0 120 Volt system favored by many professionals looking for a fast, simple energy efficient solution for Undercabinet . Both dimmable and non-dimmable fixtures are available. This system can be direct wired or the 10582WH Power Cord and Plug can be used.

plumbingandlightingfixtures.com, LLC.

361 Beech Ridge Rd.

North Berwick, ME 03906

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PLFixtures is Now Selling Kichler® Design Pro LED Lighting.

In its latest edition of the brown bag series 25 Architects in 25 Weeks, the District Architecture Center will continue to welcome architecturally enlightened discussion among non-architects.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Stephen J. Vanze, FAIA, of Barnes Vanze Architects, will lead attendees in a discussion of traditional architectural principles and their application in a sometimes not-so-traditional context. Mr. Vanze is a 2011 Home & Design Designers Choice Award Winner for Traditional Residential Architecture and plans to share his approach on how a traditional building can conscientiously fit in with its DC Metro surroundings.

We are truly lucky to have Mr. Vanze share his time and insights with the public here at the Center, says Mary Fitch, Executive Director of AIA|DC. His practical and clear explanations of architecture resonate well with both architects and homeowners alike.

The 25 Architects lunch series is typically hosted on the first and third Thursday of every month. Its held at the District Architecture Center, located at 421 7th St. NW, Washington, DC 20004.

About the District Architecture Center

The District Architecture Center is home to the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Washington Architectural Foundation, two organizations that advocate for architecture and the built environment, educate both professional architects and the public, and inspire design excellence through workshops, tours, exhibits, lectures, and special events.

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Mary Fitch District Architecture Center 202.347.9403 Email Information

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Lunch Program on “Traditional Architecture” Aimed at Non-Traditional Audience

Capital Retail Group today announced Body Smith, a fitness and training company serving up workouts to both avid athletes and those new to exercise, has signed a lease to move and expand its business in Logan Circle.

Washington DC (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Body Smith owner Stuart Smith says, You will find everything you need in a clean, friendly, non-threatening, environment. We will be offering all the amenities of a large club in an inviting, service-oriented, neighborhood gym. Stuart goes on to say, We are excited about expanding our current footprint. It will benefit our potential and existing clients alike.

Robert Tack, CEO of Capital Retail Group partnered with Todd Sherbacow of McBride Real Estate in representing the tenant. Lee Engle and with Street Sense, handled lease negotiations for the landlord. Todd Sherbacow says, The building is perfectly set up for a gym with concrete floors and open space.

Even though the Logan Circle area has several gyms, most are high end with memberships costing at least $130 per month. Body Smith will offer memberships more moderately priced. Says Capital Retail Groups Robert Tack, There will always be demand for a neighborhood gym offering a strong value in the marketplace. He goes on to say, The Powell building is surrounded by an affluent professional population providing Body Smith with the density essential to their success.

About Body Smith

Bodysmith has been the leading innovator in personal fitness training in the Washington, DC area since 1998. From the beginning, we've specialized in functional training methods for our clients, taking them to previously unmatched results in their own personal fitness.

About Capital Retail Group

Capital Retail Group provides a full range of brokerage, property management and strategic advisory services to the commercial retail sector. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and our Blog.

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See the rest here:
Residents of Washington DC will have a Gym They can Call Their Own

Hanley Wood selects the winners of the 2012 Most Innovative Products (MIP) Award Program

Washington, DC (PRWEB) February 28, 2012

Held annually at Hanley Woods World of Concrete, the MIP Award Program showcases many of the new products exhibited. The MIP Program allows attendees and readers of CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, MASONRY CONSTRUCTION, THE CONCRETE PRODUCER, and CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS a chance to vote for the products they judge as innovative. A panel of industry experts, many of whom serve on the World of Concrete Educational Advisory Board, reviewed and selected MIP award winners. The editors of CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION, MASONRY CONSTRUCTION and THE CONCRETE PRODUCER review and select the products in terms of the innovation they bring to the industry.

This years products were grouped into 9 categories. Information about each entry is available online at http://www.votemip.com.

The 2012 MIP Award goes to:

Business Tools and Software

Industry Choice:BASF Integrated Durability-Sustainability Wizard, BASF Corp

Experts Choice: Venture Project Collaboration Software, Dexter + Chaney;

Tekla BIMsight, Tekla

Editors Choice: JobClock Hornet, ExakTime

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2012 Most Innovative Products Winners Announced

Complementary capabilities of global access control powerhouse and security software leader yield segment-defining new products/systems

An agreement between DORMA, international leader in premium access solutions and services, and Brivo Systems, LLC innovator of SaaS-based security management systems, integrates the pioneering capabilities of both companies in a new line of DORMA electronic access solutions. These products and systems embodyan ideal fit between DORMA's deep knowledge of all mechanical and electrical aspects of swinging and sliding doors, and Brivo's 10-plus years of expertise in web-based access control.

This blending of technologies will provide a totally integrated package, taking the guesswork out ofwhat components to buy and how to install them. The result is a seamless integration of mechanical, electronic, and software systems that offer the utmost ease of installation and operation. The new offering will feature web-based administration and configuration.

Brivo's established dominance in Software as a Service (SaaS) applications for security management reinforces DORMA's 100-year mastery in access applications enabling premier safety and security. The new product line is expected to reach the market in early spring.The launch of this powerful solution set is planned for the ISC West Conference and Exposition, March 28-30 in Las Vegas.

DORMA, a family-owned company of global reach and stature, has developed into the world market leader in safety and security, pedestrian traffic flow, and space and sound management. The company's unsurpassed experience and expertise in sliding and swinging doors is essential to its ability to maximize the capabilities of Brivo technology in the new access control line.

The product will be marketed under the DORMA Approach name and will be a co-branded DORMA-Brivo solution. The new offering will feature web-based administration and configuration.

With an international workforce of around 6,500 employees, DORMA operates 71 wholly-owned companies in 47 different countries.

"Brivo is pleased that DORMA has selected our technology to be included in its new electronic access control line," said John Szczygiel, Brivo Executive Vice President. "DORMA is a global power with more than a century of tradition and success in premium access solutions. Combining their rich experience with Brivo's innovative platforms is a natural fit."

"By coupling DORMA's premium access solutions and services with Brivo's industry-leading technology, a previously unknown level of ease of use, integration, and standards compliance will be created in the access control world," said David Katz, DORMA's Director of Business Development.

About Brivo Systems Brivo Systems, LLC is a SaaS-based security management systems provider for organizations that need to protect and remotely monitor buildings and perimeter entry points. When introduced in 2001, Brivo's Web-hosted physical access control system was a unique solutionafter a decade of evolution and innovation, it still is. Brivo's groundbreaking physical access control and video solutions empower organizations by giving administrators real-time device control, including immediate visibility of security events and video in local or remote facilitiesanytime, anywhere.

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DORMA And Brivo To Collaborate In Pioneering SaaS-Based Access Control Solutions