By MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - U.S. construction spending showed a tiny increase in January as strength in housing helped to offset declines in nonresidential building and government projects.

Construction spending edged up 0.1 percent in January, significantly slower than an upwardly revised 1.5 percent gain in December, the Commerce Department reported Monday.

Home building was up 1.1 percent in January with single-family construction rising 2.3 percent and apartment building up 1 percent.

However, there was widespread weakness outside of housing. Non-residential construction fell 0.2 percent and office building was flat, with bad weather likely a factor in the weakness.

Total government construction was down 0.8 percent in January compared with December.

Construction spending totaled $943.1 billion in January at a seasonally adjusted annual rate.

The 1.1 percent rise in housing construction was just half of the 2.5 percent gain in December.

Economists had expected the January weakness, believing that construction, like other parts of the economy, would be slowed by the unusually cold weather. However, the expectation is that builders will see better gains once spring and warmer weather arrive.

Most economists are looking for sales of new and existing homes to show further gains in 2014, bolstered by an improving economy and steady job growth.

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US construction spending up 0.1 percent in January - Quincy Herald-Whig | Illinois & Missouri News, Sports

The new owners of one of Vancouver's most storied character homes, Casa Mia, are set to take their plans for the property to a public hearing March 13.

Maureen McIntosh and Lynn Aarvold of The Care Group bought the property at 1920 Southwest Marine Dr. for $10 million in 2010 and now want the property rezoned so they can build a 62-bed, two-storey long-term care wing onto the mansion, according to documents filed with the city.

The proposed plans, drawn up by Stuart Howard Architects, would see the heritage mansion preserved, but converted for care, dining, lounge and recreational use. A LEED Gold Certified facility - complete with basement, 16 spaces of underground parking and three loading bays - would be built adjacent and connected to the mansion, extending toward the northern edge of the property.

The Spanish Revival mansion, built in 1932 by beer baron and supposed rum-runner George C. Reifel, is painted with as much colourful myth and history as the man himself.

It was at the start of the Depression that Reifel built the eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom 20,000-square-foot mansion, according to a heritage conservation plan for Casa Mia by Donald Luxton and Associates. He paid for Casa Mia in cash, according to the plan, and the building's opulence hardly reflected the dire times.

It did, however, reflect Hollywood's obsession with "romantic and swashbuckling dramas" and an era when pricey homes were expected to reflect an identifiable historical style, according to the plan. In the case of Casa Mia, that style was Spanish Revival, as seen in its cement stucco siding, terra cotta roof tiles and wrought iron gate.

Inside, there is a ballroom in the basement where jazz legends played when they weren't performing at other Reifel-built venues such as the Commodore Block or the Vogue and Studio theatres.

The upstairs playroom in a thirdfloor tower was decorated by Disney artists in 1938 with scenes from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

There is a billiards room, a lounge, a curved grand staircase, a sunroom with views of the Fraser River, and a backyard pool. There are fireplaces, a library, and a basement vault with a hidden drop chute for valuables.

What there is not, however, is an oftrumoured secret tunnel built between Casa Mia and nearby Rio Vista at 2170 Southwest Marine Dr., where the family supposedly stored U.S.-bound booze. Jane Reifel, one of George Reifel's three children, told The Sun in 2007 that story is a myth.

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Public to have say on Casa Mia transformation

The new owners of one of Vancouvers most storied character homes, Casa Mia, are set to take their plans for the property to a public hearing March 13.

Maureen McIntosh and Lynn Aarvold of The Care Group bought the property at 1920 Southwest Marine Drive for $10 million in 2010 and now want the property rezoned so they can build a 62-bed, two-storey long-term care wing onto the mansion, according to documents filed with the city.

The proposed plans, drawn up by Stuart Howard Architects, would see the heritage mansion preserved, but converted for care, dining, lounge and recreational use. A LEED Gold Certified facility complete with basement, 16 spaces of underground parking and three loading bays would be built adjacent and connected to the mansion, extending toward the northern edge of the property.

The Spanish Revival mansion, built in 1932 by beer baron and supposed rum-runner George C. Reifel, is painted with as much colourful myth and history as the man himself.

It was at the start of the Great Depression that Reifel built the eight-bedroom, eight-bathroom 1,860 square metre mansion, according to a heritage conservation plan for Casa Mia by Donald Luxton and Associates. He paid for Casa Mia in cash, according to the plan, and the buildings opulence hardly reflected the dire times.

It did however, reflect Hollywoods obsession with romantic and swashbuckling dramas and an era when pricey homes were expected to reflect an identifiable historical style, according to the plan. In the case of Casa Mia, that style was Spanish Revival, as seen in its shape, cement stucco siding, terra cotta roof tiles and wrought iron gate.

Inside, there is a ballroom in the basement where jazz legends played when they werent performing at other Reifel-built venues such as the Commodore Block or the Vogue and Studio theatres.

The upstairs playroom in a third-floor tower was decorated by Disney artists in 1938 with scenes from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

There is a billiards room, a lounge, a curved grand staircase, a sunroom with views of the Fraser River, and a backyard pool. There are fireplaces, a library, and a basement vault with a hidden drop chute for valuables.

What there is not, however, is an oft-rumoured secret tunnel built between Casa Mia and nearby Rio Vista at 2170 Southwest Marine Dr., where the family supposedly stored U.S.-bound booze. Jane Reifel, one of George Reifels three children, told the Sun in 2007 that story is a myth.

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Plans to transform Vancouver mansion into care home to go to public hearing

BUILDING PERMITS

Building construction permits over $10,000 in value that were approved in Boulder between Feb. 17, 2014 to Feb. 23, 2014. Listed below are: the case number; address; total project valuation; owner name; contractor (if applicable); and description.

PMT2013-03680 820 Pearl St., Suite A; $229,507; Austin George; JDC Construction; Repairs to exterior of mixed use building, including replacement of concrete with 2-by-2 pavers, stair treads, minor masonry, gutters, and downspoints and landscaping. Also includes security enclosure for parking garage at streetside entry and alley vehicle access.

PMT2013-06332 1845 Bluebell Ave.; $510,000; Shannon Collier; Morningstar Homes; New two-story, single-family dwelling home with detached two-car garage by separate permit. New home to include 2,509 square feet with four beds, three baths, 290-square-foot second floor deck, 102 square feet of porch, and 240-square-foot breezeway. See PMT2013-06335 for garage. Includes associated MEP.

PMT2013-06335 1845 Bluebell Ave.; $70,000; Shannon Collier; Morningstar Homes; New detached two-car garage with storage loft. Garage to be 689 square feet. Includes associated electrical. See PMT2013-06332 for new home and breezeway.

PMT2013-07144 4770 Mckinley Drive; $60,000; Frederick and Pamela Brasch; Prana Construction Inc.; Remodel and addition to single-family dwelling to include removing the existing covered patio to the existing slab and adding newly enclosed and conditioned space where it was, a kitchen remodel, and a new covered deck.

PMT2014-00061 2516 49th St.; $25,000; Comprop III; Denver Design Build; Interior tenant remodel of 1,500 square foot space for kombucha tea brewing facility with accessory retail - Rowdy Mermaid Kombucha. Includes associated MEP.

PMT2014-00377 2640 Cornell Circle; $350,000; Newlands Property ; Melton Construction Inc.; Remodel and addition to existing single-family dwelling residence. Basement remodel includes 946 square feet, first floor includes 621 square feet of additions, second floor includes 734-square-foot master suite. Historic approval under HIS2014-00014

PMT2014-00422 1950 Norwood Ave.; $214,669.08; Goldman Family; Harrington Stanko Construction; Interior remodel of existing single-family dwelling. Scope of work includes reconfiguration of 3,912 square feet, including new wine room, interior stairs, entire main level, master bedroom and master bath, exterior remodel of entry, rear deck and new roof at rear of home. New windows in affected area. Includes associated electrical and plumbing.

PMT2014-00425 3115 Fremont St.; $72,195.68; Virginia and Brian Betty; Mark Perry Construction LLC; First-time basement finish for 877 square feet of unfinished space, remodel of basement bath (65 square feet), and flood repair/restoration of basement bedroom (151 square feet) Remodel of 421 square feet on main level to include removing one bedroom, creating large master closet and reconfigured master bath.

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Boulder building permits: March 3, 2014

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MT. VERNON The council will be presented with seven Tax Increment Finance Redevelopment agreements on Monday.

More than 12 projects were presented to the Downtown TIF Advisory Committee last week, but grant recommendations were not discussed at that time.

The projects which will be presented for consideration of TIF funds are for King City Books, R&R The Crossing, Girolamos, Headpieces by Toni, Once Upon A Lifetime Photography, the William D. and Phyllis A Edminson Trust and Steven L. Beal.

Kendra and Dale Peterson have been recommended to receive 47 percent of total projects costs for King City Books, not to exceed $40,000, which will be paid from 2013-14 TIF proceeds to rehabilitate a building on Ninth Street. The total project includes demolition, wood floor repair and refinishing, new wood partitions, plaster repair and painting, an electrical upgrade, coffee counter and equipment, shelving and furnishing, virtrolite repair, window restoration, new signage, plumbing and professional fees.

Randy and Linda Lowery owners of R&R The Crossing have been recommended to receive a grant in the amount of 42 percent of total project costs not to exceed $50,000. The funds, if approved, will be paid from 2013-14 TIF proceeds.

The project will rehabilitate the business building, which has a total project cost estimate at $119,700. The work includes tuck pointing, repair of front awning, new top band, new doors, new windows, paint, signage and removal of old awning; new ceilings in the front bar, removal and rebuilding of closets, removing the double door entrance; remove barn wood and replace and repair several walls, install new ceiling fans and re-do the bar; put new ceilings

in the back bar and restrooms, paint and re-do the walls, remove the old heating system, cut down the bar and install new fireplaces; and remove and install new flooring throughout.

Girolamos has been recommended to receive a grant of 23 percent of the total project costs not to exceed $75,000 paid from 2013-14 TIF proceeds.

The total project undertaken by owner Frank Barlotta for 815, 817 and 819 Jordan St., is estimated at $323,500 which includes $265,000 in building renovations, $45,000 in building acquisition and $13,500 in equipment.

Headpieces by Toni, owned by Toni Federici, has been recommended to receive a grant of 37 percent of total project costs not to exceed $10,000 to be paid from 2013-14 TIF proceeds.

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City discusses TIF agreements

OKGO by Waterworks Window Cleaning Ltd
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High Pressure Patio and Path Cleaning in Bolton
Look at the difference our patio and path cleaning makes to this paving! Summer is coming and if you want a spotlessly clean path or patio call A L Window Cl...

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new water heater install in Japan
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Tree Care Toronto | Tree Removal | 647 694 5844
Tree Care Toronto - Pruning 101 - 647.694.5844 One of our arborists uses a GoPro to prune an old tree on our property. Tree Care Toronto is a locally owned c...

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Tree Care Toronto | Tree Removal | 647 694 5844 - Video