Just over a year ago, a group of architecture students had an idea to temporarily lease a vacant lot and turn it into a park.

On Wednesday, the students' idea took concrete form with a groundbreaking ceremony for their park at Park and Market streets in San Diego's East Village. The students have since graduated from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design and formed a company called RAD Lab. It works on this and other downtown projects.

The lot just a few blocks north of Petco Park is owned by Civic San Diego, the nonprofit created to replace the city's dissolved redevelopment agency.

Reese Jarrett, the new president of Civic San Diego, said his organization hopes to build housing, retail and commercial space on the site in the future.

"But in the meantime, what happens to the space?" he said. "Well, RAD Lab has answered the question for us by creating this exciting opportunity of open space, public engagement and place making."

David Loewenstein, chief operating officer of RAD Lab, said the temporary park fills a need in downtown.

"In the middle of East Village, you see a lot of high-rises, a lot of residential, not a lot of public parks, or a lot of urban parks specifically," he said. "So our vision and goal was to create something new, something different, something for the community, and something we could all enjoy."

The park, which RAD Lab named Quartyard, will include a dog run, event space and a beer garden. It will be made with reusable materials, including shipping containers, and was designed to be set up quickly, so it should be open by December.

Loewenstein said when he and his student partners began looking for a space to build a park, they were "told no a million times." But they won the support of former Mayor Bob Filner, interim Mayor Todd Gloria and current Mayor Kevin Faulconer. The project raised $60,000 in 30 days on the website Kickstarter and got a major fundraising boost from Andrew Cantor, CEO of the investment firm Cantor Companies.

Gloria said at the groundbreaking ceremony that it was a change for him to break ground on a project that would be completed in just a few months.

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Construction Begins On Temporary East Village Park

Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) October 01, 2014

John and Anne Adams have followed their dream and recently opened the doors to their new architecture firm, Adams Architecture, based in Seattle, WA. The Adams duo has worked in the Seattle area since 2001, achieving acclaim and a solid client base while practicing with Stuart Silk Architects. Annes work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, Southern Accents and Luxe Interiors + Design, and Johns innovative commercial designs have been featured in Interior Design magazine. John is one of the Seattle areas leading providers of dental architectural services.

The pair decided that the time was right to join forces and create an architectural firm that combines their diverse talents.

The fact that we have both residential and commercial design experience is unique in the industry, says John. We can bring elements of commercial design into a residential project where that makes sense, as well as creating moments of residential refinement within commercial projects.

Both John and Anne value the relationships theyve built up with both clients and construction companies over the years, and strive to find the best possible fit on each project. Its a partnership between the architect, the client and the builder, comments Anne. It has to work well, because youre working with each other for long periods of time: years in some instances.

This attention to detail is very much appreciated by clients. Geoff and Kathy Osler started working with Anne in 2004 when she designed a new third floor for their 1929 Tudor home that seamlessly integrates with the exterior. At the same time, the entire kitchen was remodeled. When we first met, it was immediately apparent that Anne just got us, and understood everything we were trying to do, says Geoff. Anne has also worked with the Oslers on a complete interior remodel, and the team is now embarking on their latest project: a glass and steel deck, blending modern and traditional. Anne and John handle projects all the way to completion and thats a great asset, says Kathy. It makes the entire process quicker and more effective in the long run.

Linda David, another happy client, echoes the Oslers sentiments.

John was the project manager and designer of many of the most unique elements of our residential retreat in the mountains. John worked closely with us to stay on track according to our schedule and budget. He kept in contact so we were always aware of what was happening and he responded immediately when we had questions. His communications skills are outstanding and were critical to the success of our project.

Design is an ongoing dialog for us, says Anne. The benefit of working together as husband and wife is that we are always talking back and forth about projects and sharing ideas. Its not work, its our passion.

John and Anne are both active in the community and are avid supporters of the Kirkland Arts Center, a building on the National Historic Register. John donates his time to serve on the Kirkland Arts Centers Facilities Committee as they embark on an ambitious multi-year renovation of the building. In addition, he provides pro-bono design services for The Elizabeth Gregory House, a womens shelter in Seattle. Anne has served on the board at the Henry Art Galley at the University of Washington.

More here:
New Architecture Firm, Adams Architecture, Opens for Business in Seattle, WA

Shares of Apogee Enterprises, Inc. ( APOG ) have gained since the company reported second-quarter fiscal 2015 results on Sep 16, trading in the above $40 range in contrast to the prior $30 range. The upbeat results led the shares to gain 8% in a day, hitting a 52-week high of $39.49 on Sep 17. The shares have amassed 39% year-to-date return.

This leader in technologies for design and development of value-added glass products, services and systems, reported a 67% year-over-year improvement in earnings per share to 35 cents in the quarter aided by a strong architectural market. Earnings also benefitted from an IRS 48C energy-efficiency investment tax credit, with startup and commercial production of coatings on the new architectural glass coater.

Backlog increased across the board and was at the highest level in the last 6 years at $480 million. Approximately 59% of the backlog or $285 million, is expected to be delivered in fiscal 2015 and the balance 41% or around $195 million in fiscal 2016 and beyond.

In addition, based on the robust bidding activity, the company guided revenue growth in a range of 20% (up from the previous 15% to 20% range) and earnings per share in the range of $1.62 to $1.72 for fiscal 2015.

During the conference call, Apogee's Chief Financial Officer, Jim S. Porter, pointed out that Apogee's architectural businesses are gaining share as revenues for all of them increased 34%. Organic growth at 25% was well above the expected 10% market growth this year. The architectural markets have strengthened earlier than anticipated by the company; hence it is experiencing some costs and ramp up to meet demand. Porter mentioned that gross margin for the year will be 22% to 23%, down from the previous outlook of 23%, due to these factors.

Apogee's Chief Executive Officer, Joe F. Puishys, stated that strong results so far along with a growing backlog and strength in architectural markets has set the momentum for improved results in 2015. Puishys added that this is a stepping stone to achieving the company's previously-stated goal of $1 billion in revenues and 10% operating margin by the end of fiscal 2016.

Regarding capacity additions, Puishys mentioned that Apogee has reopened its Architectural Glass facility in Utah. The facility, which has been closed since Apr 2013, will resume operations by Jan 2015. This will help the company to meet the growing demand for Architectural Glass. Apogee will also expand its Architectural Finishing facility in Wausau, WI by the second half of fiscal 2016. This will add more than 50% capacity to a critical growth operation.

Coming to the segments, Puishys pointed out that Viracon architectural glass fabrication business, in its Architectural Glass segment, continues to benefit from the U.S. tall-building sector, which is at its peak since 2007. The segment continues to benefit from improved operating leverage and pricing.

In the Architectural Framing Systems segment, the U.S. storefront business will benefit from the recently announced price increases and will continue to be a profit driver for Apogee moving forward. Despite delivering a decline in revenues and profits in the second quarter, Puishys remains positive that demand for the Large-Scale Optical segment will pick up in the third quarter for holiday picture framing glass and acrylic requirements.

Puishys is confident that the company will outperform its commercial construction markets. He highlighted that McGraw Hill Financial, Inc. ( MHFI ) has increased to approximately 10% for the fiscal year. Furthermore, the Architectural Billing Index is at its highest level since 2007, delivering consistent monthly gains in the last 24 months. Despite the weak start in Canada, commercial construction markets are now expected to grow for the rest of the year. Moreover, Apogee's Canada backlog is now at a historical high.

Original post:
Apogee (APOG) Gains on Architectural Market Strength - Analyst Blog

By Jim Donovan: The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs announced today that it is citing 26 home improvement contractors for alleged violations of state consumer protection laws. The state is seeking $251,602 in civil penalties and consumer restitution, based on complaints and referrals by consumers across New Jersey.

New Jersey law (and Pennsylvania too by the way) requires that home improvement contractors register with the Attorney Generals Office.

The contractors cited today include both registered and unregistered contractors at the time of the alleged consumer law violations. AAA Above All Average Painting Company/Above All Average Construction, Mays Landing (Unregistered) Angel Berdugo d/b/a Elegant Home Remodeling, Willingboro (Unregistered) Anthony Wyatt t/a Anthonys Custom Exteriors, Mantua (Unregistered) Ermal Rustemlliu d/b/a Tri State Construction, West Caldwell (Unregistered) Fritzky Contracting LLC, Pompton Plains (Unregistered) G. Lee Sales, Inc., Tuxedo Park, NY (Unregistered) Gualdino Santos, Elizabeth (Unregistered) HydraShield, Inc. d/b/a HydraShield Waterproofing, Deerfield (Unregistered) Kevin Matthew Harrison d/b/a Arias Restoration and Renovation, Berlin (Unregistered) Mark Walton t/a All Exteriors Roofing & Siding, Seaside Heights (Unregistered) Michael McNamara t/a Affordable Masonry, Randolph (Unregistered) Myck General Contractors,LLC, Paterson (Unregistered) Nicholas Marino d/b/a Pools! Pools! Pools! Levittown, PA (Unregistered) Robert Haines, Egg Harbor City (Unregistered) Salahudin Abdullah t/a New Day Reconstruction, Camden (Unregistered) Stephen B. Hensler Custom Builders, Point Pleasant (Unregistered) At Home Renovations & Repairs Company, L.L.C., Hamburg (Registered) Carmens Anthony, Inc. d/b/a Anthony L. Falcone General Contracting, Ventor City (Registered) Garry N Moore t/a General Contractors, Blackwood (Registered) GSR Masonry & Contracting Inc., Kendall Park (Registered) Hercules Contracting Limited Liability Company, Raritan (Registered) Keith Tanis d/b/a Keiths Contracting, North Haledon (Registered) Norwestar Services LLC d/b/a Norwestar Services, Bloomfield Registered Paul Iski t/a Gutter Up Construction Co., Bordentown (Registered) Smith Design and Construction Limited Liability Company, Collingswood (Registered) Straight Light Painting & Construction Limited Liability Company, Clark (Registered)

Of the contractors being cited today, the Division has directed all but three to pay a total of $153,582 in restitution to consumers. The restitution amounts range from $200 to $27,400, and represent the amounts allegedly owed to consumers due to the performance of shoddy work, or the failure to start and/or finish work for which consumers had pre-paid.

In addition, the Division is citing all 26 contractors for various violations of New Jerseys Contractors Registration Act. For example, 16 are cited for soliciting home improvement work despite having failed to register with the Division, as required by law. Others are cited for violations such as failure to provide consumers with detailed, written contracts, which are required by law for all home improvement contracts costing more than $500. The State has assessed a total of $97,750 in civil penalties against the 26 contractors, in addition to the assessed consumer restitution.

Todays action follows the Divisions July 16, 2014 announcement of Notices of Violation to 68 home improvement contractors, seeking a total of $1,046,978 in consumer restitution and $276,250 in civil penalties. Home improvement complaints are typically the largest consumer complaint category the Division of Consumer Affairs receives each year as was the case in 2013, when the Division received 1,434 consumer complaints about home improvement contractors.

Each of the contractors receiving a Notice of Violation has the opportunity to contest the alleged violation, or the opportunity to correct the violation by desisting from any practices in violation of the law, paying a civil penalty and/or consumer restitution where required, and submitting an application for registration, if not registered. Each contractor also may contest the Divisions assessment of consumer restitution.

Excerpt from:
NJ Cites 26 Home Improvement Contractors, Seeks Penalties/Restitution

UPDATE, 3:15 p.m., Oct. 1:

The West Virginia Supreme Court ruled Oct. 1 5-0 to allow the Republican Party to select a candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates 35th District race in November.

The ballots will have to be reprinted and redistributed with the new candidate's name, Marie Sprouse-McDavid, listed. The decision came at about 3:15 p.m., the day after justices heard the case.

Click HERE to read the order.

After hearing the case, several Justices issued statements in the ruling.

Justice Allen Loughry said the practical effect of the Election Commission and Secretary of State Natalie Tennant's failure to be knowledgeable of and comply with this state's election laws has serious consequences.

Loughry addressed the fact military ballots have been printed and mailed, and the ballots must be reprinted and re-sent to the voters, at a cost.

Seeking to escape the consequences of their inaction, the Commission and Secretary Tennant offensively suggest that an amendment to the ballot may cause our military men and women and overseas voters to be confused about the need to complete a second ballot,' and thus lead to their disenfranchisement, Loughry wrote in his concurrence. I seriously doubt that our military and overseas voters are so easily confused.' Perhaps more offensive is the respondents' suggestion that the voters of the 35th District should simply grin and bear the consequences of the Commission's failure to follow the law.

Justice Menis Ketchum said it was his belief that the Election Commission blatantly ignored both a black-letter election law, and a 22-year-old case interpreting that law.

Ketchum wrote the decision process is a simple choice of one or the other. The Legislature crafted election laws that attempt to be fair to both sides. Sauce for the goose, as they say, is sauce for the gander.

Read the original here:
LATEST: WV Supreme Court rules State Election Commission must allow GOP to add candidate to 35th District ballot

MONTVILLE TWP. - The Montville Kiwanis Club swore in a new president, Joe Daughtry, and vice president, Michael Johnson, along with Treasurer Doug Cooper and new member of the Board of Directors Manny Irizarry at the annual installation dinner on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Columbia Inn.

Both the incoming president and vice president are the sons of current Kiwanis members, Art Daughtry and Dave Johnson.

Outgoing President Jerry Hug served throughout the 2013-2014 business year.

The parents of both Daughtry and Johnson were present and spoke of their pride in their sons for their past achievements and for their ongoing participation in community projects. Daughtry is the current president of the Drug Awareness Council and Johnson is running for the Board of Education in the upcoming election.

The Montville Kiwanis Club has contributed to several community projects over the years, such as the childrens playgrounds at the Community Park and Camp Dawson, the Kiwanis Food Pantry, scholarships and sponsorship of the High School Key Club and their participation in the High School Key Club and their projects.

The new officers and their committees have many upcoming projects in development, such as restoring the siding at the Food Pantry building and socially, a wine tasting event coming up in early 2015.

Any man or woman who would be interested in joining the Montville Kiwanis can contact Michael Johnson at (973) 316-8450 or e-mail him at Michael.Johnson3@Marist.edu. Former Key Club members are particularly invited to join and regain the spirit of volunteerism that they developed in high school.

For more information about meetings and the club in general, visit MontvilleKiwanis.org or Facebook.com/MontvilleKiwanis.

Read the original here:
Montville Kiwanis club welcomes new officers

Why governments are so stingy with information after the fact is rather obvious. Consider the legitimate concern that SaskPower simply did not do its due diligence on its smart meter deal with Sensus.

Despite recovering $24 million by convincing the U.S.-based company to take back the faulty devices, this deal will still wind up costing ratepayers millions in installation and removal costs.

Of course, we don't know whether SaskPower did or didn't do its diligence. It keeps putting up roadblocks to getting to the bottom of this, including a $57,000 bill sent to this newspaper - the supposed cost of four Freedom of Information requests about the selection of Sensus, exemptions for installers, malfunctions and communication with Sensus.

But such disclosure shouldn't be just an after-the-fact matter. Even more critical for governments is to be open and accountable to the citizenry before expenditures are made.

And unless it's another Spudco, in which the former NDP government promoted a project as being something it clearly never was (it was an almost-exclusively government enterprise sold to the public as a public-private partnership), then there's no good reason for the public not to have information before a project starts.

This takes us to the puzzling matter of the public-private Regina bypass project and the government's reluctance to provide the public with all the information individuals are requesting on the route chosen for this project.

In fact, concerned citizens have started a Facebook group entitled "Why Tower Road?" - a reference to the north-south road running west of CTV's Regina station - as the location for this bypass's eastern end.

Admittedly, those pushing for more information - who state their goal is make the government take a "sober second look" at the Tower Road location as they push for the bypass to end a mile further east at Gravel Pit Road - are hardly dispassionate observers.

Nester Mryglod is a co-owner in Super Seamless of Canada - a siding company that plans to relocate its operations on land it owns near the city bypass.

But that certainly doesn't negate the validity of questions he and others are raising on the "Why Tower Road?" Facebook page.

Read more here:
Mandryk: Group says government bypassing disclosure

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Decra Roofing DFW - Jon Wright Industries - Video

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Jwps roofing. DU11 PWZ. - Video

Tan Elvaloy PVC Flat Roofing Membrane, SImsbury CT
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By: Marcus Keilch

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Tan Elvaloy PVC Flat Roofing Membrane, SImsbury CT - Video