Patrick Galley & Cindy Galley and 12549 Cypress Island Way in Wellington (Photo via Redfin)

An executive at a Chicago investment management firm bought a waterfront spec home in Wellington for $6.2 million.

Records show Patrick W. Galley and Cindy F. Galley bought the newly built house at 12549 Cypress Island Way. The seller is Estate Homes By Stock LLC, a Florida Corporation tied to Naples-based Stock Development led by John Ferry, CFO.

Patrick Galley is CEO and CIO of RiverNorth Capital Management, an investment management firm based in Chicago.

Estate Homes By Stock LLC bought the land in 2018 for $1.2 million and began constructing the existing house that same year. Property records show the house was completed in 2020.

The home was listed in August 2019, before completion, for $7 million. The most recent asking price was $6.5 million in November. Carol Sollak with Engel & Volkers brokered the sale.

The 6,246-square-foot-house has four bedrooms, four full bathrooms and two half-bathrooms. The home has access to a lake in the back yard and also features two two-car garages and a pool.

Wellington is best known for its equestrian roots, with many properties outfitted with barns and practice arenas. While this house does not include any accoutrements for horses, Cindy Galley and the couples daughter are avid equestrians, according to the Barrington, Illinois magazine Country.

In December, Wellington equestrian estates sold to a family member of the founder of Cumberland Farms for $8.2 million, and to the president of a Brazilian software company for $12.9 million.

Contact Jordan Pandy

Read the rest here:
Investment exec spends $6M on waterfront Wellington home - The Real Deal

A comparison of resistant (left) and bleached (right) corals. Credit: Courtesy of Ty Roach (HIMB)

Climate change is bleaching and killing corals, but researchers from Michigan State and the University of Hawaii are investigating how some can stand up to a warming world.

Coral reefs are beautiful and diverse ecosystems that power the economies of many coastal communities. Theyre also facing threats that are driving their decline, including the planets warming waters.

This threat hit extreme levels in 2015, when high temperatures were turning corals white around the globe. Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii was hit hard; nearly half of its corals bleached.

Hidden in the aftermath of this extreme event, however, were biochemical clues as to why some corals bleached while others were resistant, information that could help reefs better weather warming waters in the future. These clues have now been uncovered by researchers at Michigan State University and the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

It was kind of horrifying, said coral biologist Crawford Drury, who witnessed 2015s bleaching event from Florida before joining UH Manoas Hawaii Institute for Marine Biology, or HIMB. Its disheartening to watch, but I try to think of it as an opportunity.

How this disturbing event became an opportunity is now clear thanks to a February 8, 2021, report in Nature Ecology & Evolution that showcases HIMBs stewardship and MSUs biochemical expertise.

Coral samples were analyzed by mass spectrometry to investigate biochemical differences. Credit: Courtesy of Ty Roach (HIMB)

The researchers discovered chemical signatures in the corals biology, or biomarkers, that are present in organisms that were most resistant to the bleaching. This previously hidden insight could help researchers and conservationists better restore and protect reefs around the world.

Usually, we think of biomarkers as signatures of disease, but this could be a signature of health, said MSUs Robert Quinn, an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This could help us restore reefs with the most resistant stock.

Corals are symbiotic communities where coral animal cells build homes for algae that provide them energy and create their colors. When corals bleach, however, the algae are lost and leave behind skeletons that are susceptible to disease and death.

This symbiosis also plays a role in a corals resistance and resilience to bleaching, which HIMB was in a unique position to investigate literally. The institute sits right next to the reef, enabling experiments in real time.

The reef is about 100 feet away, Drury said. I could be there in 30 seconds.

During the 2015 bleaching event, researchers in the Gates Coral Lab at HIMB had tagged individual corals to keep tabs on them. Because most of the corals recovered, the team could follow them over time.

We think about it as a biological library, said Drury, the principal investigator with the Gates Coral Lab. It was set up by researchers in our lab who knew it would be very valuable.

A view of coral reefs near Hawaiis shores, where bleaching was prevalent in 2015. Credit: Photo courtesy of Ty Roach (HIMB)

Following the bleaching, the team compared and contrasted coral samples in the wild, noting how the organisms responded and recovered, making some surprising observations along the way. For example, neighboring corals could behave completely differently in response to high temperatures. One coral could bleach completely while its neighbor maintained a healthy golden hue.

To understand why, Drury and HIMB postdoctoral researcher Ty Roach, the lead author of the study, sent samples to Quinn at MSU. Here, Quinn and his team could thoroughly analyze the biochemicals of corals collected from this biological library using a method called metabolomics.

Im known more for my medical work, said Quinn, who studies the biochemistry of health and disease in humans. But Ive always loved ocean science. My background is in marine microbiology.

If the coral samples are the books in the library, Quinns lab used sophisticated equipment to reveal the biochemical language within. In particular, his team used tools known as mass spectrometers to understand what set resistant corals apart from susceptible ones.

The corals are completely different in their chemistry, but you cant tell until you run the mass spec, Quinn said. These mass specs are some of the most advanced technology on the planet.

Quinns team found that corals that were resistant to bleaching and those that were susceptible hosted two different communities of algae. The distinguishing feature between these algal populations was found in their cells, in compounds known as lipids.

The researchers metabolomic analysis detected two different lipid formulations. Bleaching-resistant corals featured algae that have what are known as saturated lipids. Susceptible corals had more unsaturated lipids.

This is not unlike the difference between oil and margarine, the latter having more saturated fat, making it solid at room temperature, Quinn said.

This discovery poses all sorts of new questions for researchers: How do the corals get these different algae? Is this difference unique to Hawaiian corals or can it be found elsewhere? How can researchers promote the growth and proliferation of resilient corals in a warming world?

Mass specs are such incredible machines and reveal intricate details of the chemistry involved. The biology is really the hard part. Quinn said. Were working on new grants. There are so many avenues to explore.

This initial project was funded by the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation.

This collaboration has been a great opportunity to ask and answer questions, Drury said. Hopefully, were just getting started.

In the meantime, having this chemical information is promising for coral conservation. When conservationists reseed corals to help restore reefs, they can potentially select more resilient specimens.

We can use natural resilience to better understand, support, and manage coral reefs under climate change, Drury said.

Conservation biology has some of the more successful stories in modern scientific history, Quinn said, pointing to the resurgence of elk in Virginia and bald eagles in Michigan. Someday, maybe we can add corals to that list.

Reference: Metabolomic signatures of coral bleaching history by Ty N. F. Roach, Jenna Dilworth, Christian Martin H., A. Daniel Jones, Robert A. Quinn and Crawford Drury, 8 February 2021, Nature Ecology and Evolution.DOI: 10.1038/s41559-020-01388-7

Funding: Paul G. Allen Family Foundation

See original here:
Biochemical Clues Reveal How Some Corals Resist Bleaching From Climate Change That Is Killing Coral Reefs - SciTechDaily

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Automotive Trailer Market by Trailer Type, by Axle Type, by Vehicle Type - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Automotive Trailer Market was valued at USD 24.72 billion in 2019 and is estimated to garner USD 35.10 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period, from 2020 to 2030.

Automotive trailers are unpowered vehicles towed by powered vehicles attached through a hitch. These trailers hold wide applications in the transportation of goods & commodities inside a country or internationally. They are also used for recreational purposes such as to carry luggages, fishing boats, or used as mobile homes with limited facilities.

Market Dynamics and Trends

The growth of the automotive trailer market is attributed to the rapid growth in the transportation and logistics industry, advancements in infrastructure, increase in re-creational activities, and traction in the global trade. Moreover, automotive trailers offer benefits such as low fuel consumptions and emissions of GHG gases, large cargo carrying capacity, and eco-friendly modulations further boosting the market growth.

However, low re-sale value of these trailers and high maintenance costs of suspensions are hampering the market growth. On the other hand, increase in per-capita income and advancements in product technologies are creating lucrative opportunities for the automotive trailer market.

Market Segmentations and Scope of the Study:

The global automotive trailer market is segmented on the basis of trailer type, axle type, vehicle type, and geography. On the basis of trailer type, the market is segmented into dry van & box, refrigerator, chemical & liquid, tipper, flatbed, and others. In terms of axle type, the market is segregated into single axle, tandem axle, and three or more than three axles. Based on vehicle type, the market is divided into two-wheeler & bike, passenger car, and commercial vehicle. On the basis of geography, the market is classified as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World (RoW).

Geographical Analysis

North America is expected to account for a major share of the market and this trend is estimated to continue during the forecast period due to factors such as presence of key market players, increase in global trade, technological advancements, and increase in R&D activities for improving product technology.

The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to the low cost of trailers, rapid industrialization, increase in recreational activities, and rise in disposable income.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the automotive trailer market are China International Marine Containers Co., Ltd, Dennison Trailers Ltd., Schmitz Cargobull Aktiengesellschaft, Humbaur GmbH, Wabash National Corporation, Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, Great Dane, Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd., Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, and Hyundai Motor Group among others.

In November 2019, Schmitz Cargobull introduced its high-volume rigid trucks with drawbar trailers and popular power curtain tarpaulin. The MEGA versions of the M.CS rigid truck curtainsider and Z.CS central axle curtainsider drawbar trailer offer up to 500 kilograms extra payload; and optional lath-free POWER CURTAIN tarpaulin. The high-volume rigid truck and drawbar trailer combination offers space for up to 38 Euro pallets.

In December 2019, Dennison Trailers signed a deal to supply Dyce Carriers with 20 new oil spec platform skeletal trailers for its fleet. The deal aims at providing high-quality haulage for the clients and a commitment to first-rate services.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction

1.1. Report Description

1.2. Research Methodology

2. Market Snapshot, 2019-2030 Million Usd

2.1. Market Snapshot

3. Porter's Five Force Model Analysis

4. Market Dynamics

4.1. Growth Drivers

4.2. Challenges

4.3. Opportunities

5. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Trailer Type

5.1. Overview

5.2. Dry Van & Box

5.3. Refrigerator

5.4. Chemical & Liquid

5.5. Tipper

5.6. Flatbed

6. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Axle Type

6.1. Overview

6.2. Single Axle

6.3. Tandem Axle

6.4. Three or More Than Three Axle

7. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Vehicle Type

7.1. Overview

7.2. Two-Wheeler & Bike

7.3. Passenger Car

7.4. Commercial Vehicle

8. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Region

8.1. Overview

9. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u6bp89

Read more:
$35+ Bn Automotive Trailer Market by Trailer Type, Axle Type, Vehicle Type - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast to 2030 -...

DUBLIN, Feb. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Automotive Trailer Market by Trailer Type, by Axle Type, by Vehicle Type - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Automotive Trailer Market was valued at USD 24.72 billion in 2019 and is estimated to garner USD 35.10 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.2% during the forecast period, from 2020 to 2030.

Automotive trailers are unpowered vehicles towed by powered vehicles attached through a hitch. These trailers hold wide applications in the transportation of goods & commodities inside a country or internationally. They are also used for recreational purposes such as to carry luggages, fishing boats, or used as mobile homes with limited facilities.

Market Dynamics and Trends

The growth of the automotive trailer market is attributed to the rapid growth in the transportation and logistics industry, advancements in infrastructure, increase in re-creational activities, and traction in the global trade. Moreover, automotive trailers offer benefits such as low fuel consumptions and emissions of GHG gases, large cargo carrying capacity, and eco-friendly modulations further boosting the market growth.

However, low re-sale value of these trailers and high maintenance costs of suspensions are hampering the market growth. On the other hand, increase in per-capita income and advancements in product technologies are creating lucrative opportunities for the automotive trailer market.

Market Segmentations and Scope of the Study:

The global automotive trailer market is segmented on the basis of trailer type, axle type, vehicle type, and geography. On the basis of trailer type, the market is segmented into dry van & box, refrigerator, chemical & liquid, tipper, flatbed, and others. In terms of axle type, the market is segregated into single axle, tandem axle, and three or more than three axles. Based on vehicle type, the market is divided into two-wheeler & bike, passenger car, and commercial vehicle. On the basis of geography, the market is classified as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of World (RoW).

Geographical Analysis

North America is expected to account for a major share of the market and this trend is estimated to continue during the forecast period due to factors such as presence of key market players, increase in global trade, technological advancements, and increase in R&D activities for improving product technology.

The market in Asia Pacific is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to the low cost of trailers, rapid industrialization, increase in recreational activities, and rise in disposable income.

Competitive Landscape

Key players in the automotive trailer market are China International Marine Containers Co., Ltd, Dennison Trailers Ltd., Schmitz Cargobull Aktiengesellschaft, Humbaur GmbH, Wabash National Corporation, Bockmann Fahrzeugwerke GmbH, Great Dane, Ifor Williams Trailers Ltd., Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company, and Hyundai Motor Group among others.

In November 2019, Schmitz Cargobull introduced its high-volume rigid trucks with drawbar trailers and popular power curtain tarpaulin. The MEGA versions of the M.CS rigid truck curtainsider and Z.CS central axle curtainsider drawbar trailer offer up to 500 kilograms extra payload; and optional lath-free POWER CURTAIN tarpaulin. The high-volume rigid truck and drawbar trailer combination offers space for up to 38 Euro pallets.

In December 2019, Dennison Trailers signed a deal to supply Dyce Carriers with 20 new oil spec platform skeletal trailers for its fleet. The deal aims at providing high-quality haulage for the clients and a commitment to first-rate services.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Introduction1.1. Report Description1.2. Research Methodology

2. Market Snapshot, 2019-2030 Million Usd2.1. Market Snapshot

3. Porter's Five Force Model Analysis

4. Market Dynamics4.1. Growth Drivers4.2. Challenges4.3. Opportunities

5. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Trailer Type5.1. Overview5.2. Dry Van & Box5.3. Refrigerator5.4. Chemical & Liquid5.5. Tipper5.6. Flatbed

6. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Axle Type6.1. Overview6.2. Single Axle6.3. Tandem Axle6.4. Three or More Than Three Axle

7. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Vehicle Type7.1. Overview7.2. Two-Wheeler & Bike7.3. Passenger Car7.4. Commercial Vehicle

8. Global Automotive Trailer Market, by Region8.1. Overview

9. Company Profiles

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/vro34g

Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager [emailprotected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

http://www.researchandmarkets.com

Originally posted here:
Global Automotive Trailer Market Report 2020: Market was Valued at $24.72 Billion in 2019 and is Estimated to Garner $35.10 Billion by 2030 -...

U.S. like a banana republic

There is an axiom: What you know you have the opportunity to manage. Its what you dont know that bites you in the ass. Seems like security in DC didnt know what was going on around them, or if they did know, they sure blew it completely. The U.S.A. calls itself a republic. OK so where do I get my bananas?

Emil Andew Sekerak, Hamilton

Someone needs to get those launch codes

As I watched the riots in Washington, caused by an apparently mentally unstable President Trump, I became very concerned. The capitol was the centre of violent activity needing leadership, yet the president was nowhere to be found, and was apparently sending offensive or provocative Tweets such that Twitter froze his account. At that point I became acutely aware of my worst fears, and hoped that someone would confiscate Trumps nuclear launch codes. I wondered if Russia is on Level 3 alert, and slept with my clothes on.

Edward A. Collis, Burlington

Where are the Trump fans now?

It wasnt long ago that there were ample letters here from people who obviously admire Donald Trump. Didnt our own premier at one point say he was a role model? Where are all the Trumpists now?

Angela Walters, Burlington

Rats and sinking ships

We all watched in horror and disgust the chaos which took place at the U.S. Capitol this week. Were any of us surprised at what transpired given the divisive and baseless rhetoric coming from Donald Trump since he lost the election?

Quite apart from the surreal pictures and videos, it was fascinating to watch the parade of politicians, pundits, news and social media that rode the Trump gravy train for the past five years, suddenly realize that the trains engineer was leading them to a canyon with no bridge to success. They have been falling over each other to get off that train. Senators and members of Congress who proudly enabled the presidents behaviour over the years suddenly decided to change their positions on certifying the election results. Twitter cut off his social media account. Facebook took down his inflammatory videos. All of these people enjoyed enormous electoral success or made millions (if not billions) of dollars off of the Trump train.

Alas, that train is coming to the end of the line. And no one wants to admit that they had a ticket for the ride.

Ralph DAngelo, Hamilton

Karma bites the U.S.

U.S.A. capitalism, genocide, slavery, war mongering till this day. Cause and effect and the justice karma.

Michael McCrory, Hamilton

We should all learn from Washington

The events in Washington are a very sad reflection of many world governments simply ignoring their own people. When racism, white supremacy, poverty, unemployment, distrust of politicians and lack of affordable health care go largely unchecked, the results are predictable. Extremist groups see this inaction by governments as a great time for the recruiting of angry people. It is worth noting, this is how Hitler and Mussolini came to power in the 1930s with disastrous results for humanity. The Biden administration will have a difficult task of beginning to repair a deeply divided nation and ending a Pandemic that is taking thousands of American lives daily. All Americans need to see this as a wake up call and strive To Make America into a Great Society for all of its citizens. All governments of the world should look closely to what happened in Washington, D.C. For if people have no hope, cannot find work, see those in public office ignoring health guidelines, are subject to racism or cannot find affordable health care the results are predictable the beginning of the breakdown of an orderly society.

Mike LoSchiavo, Stoney Creek

Fords priorities out of whack

As Premier Ford insisted on rapid testing at Toronto international airport for free, our seniors in LTC and retirement homes along with all the valued staff are left out in the cold. Articles have stated that the local health units have the say when the residents and staff are tested. Maybe each week or every other week? With the ongoing rate of infection all staff and residents should have a rapid test every week, also all employees should be tested on their first day back to work after days off. All relatives must be tested each week upon any visits. Any visitor who refuses to wear a mask in front of any staff helping their relative should be barred entry for one week.

Why is Doug Ford so concerned with visiting travellers when our seniors are not being looked after? Doug Ford and his Minister of Long-Term Health have had enough time to study what is wrong with the LTC. Strict rules must be enforced now to save our seniors and disabled. Premier Ford has the power but again big business and friends who run them are more important. Time for all of us to tell him our seniors and disabled are very important to us. Next election remember the bleeding heart, but no action to solve anything.

Sheila Cherriere, Hamilton

Olympics are a misplaced priority

Dick Pound feels that to ensure the success of the 2020 (2021) Olympics, all Olympic athletes should receive priority vaccination.

Mr. Pound, your privilege, is showing.

Forget Phillips, blame Trudeau

Phillips sense of entitlement (Jan. 6)

This was a well written and acceptable letter. Maybe the letter writer could write another letter Trudeaus sense of entitlement. Lets level the playing field and mention all the misdemeanours by our elected politicians not likely considering its our Honourable Justin Trudeau.

Here is the original post:
Opinion | Jan. 9: Spec readers weigh in on Washington riots, forget Phillips go after Trudeau and other letters to the editor - TheSpec.com

Kalispell

In 2019, Kalispells planning and building department had a strong year for residential and multi-family permits, establishing what seemed like a relatively high bar at the time.

Then came 2020.

We pretty much doubled multi-family and residential this year, Kalispell Development Services Department Director Jarod Nygren said on Dec. 31. Unless things change, well stay on pace with this year into the next year. COVID didnt affect growth in the valley. It actually sped it up.

In the past year, the department issued building permits for residential 312 units, which includes single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes. The department also issued permits for 156 multi-family units, which are apartments. The 2019 totals were 160 residential and 84 multi-family.

I suspect in 2021 well see more than 156 (multi-family units), Nygren said.

The activity was more than the department was anticipating, in part driven by newcomers. But a lot of the new permits were simply projects that have been planned for years and are now coming to fruition, an accumulating response to the issues of low housing supply and high demand that have been prevalent in Kalispell for years.

Growth is part of it, but its also pent-up demand we had 0% vacancy before 2020, Nygren said. The reality is that we could have built a lot more housing units just to keep up with the demand without all the new people moving here.

Since at least 2018, the planning department has known that about 1,000 new multi-family units altogether would be coming over a period of years. The 2020 trend of more units reaching the permitting phase is expected to continue in 2021, which means a lot of construction occurring on new apartments throughout the city, especially along Two Mile Drive and in north Kalispell.

We planned for it all and knew it was coming in 18, 19, but it really came this year, Nygren said.

Using planners baseline average of 2.5 people per unit, the combined 468 single-family and multi-family units permitted last year equates to housing for roughly 1,200 people. More available housing can help alleviate growing rent costs.

It certainly helps the supply, which helps keep the rental market in control, Nygren said. When youre hovering around 0% vacancy, the rental rates can continue to go up. Building new units also allows people to move around and opens up other units that might be older and maybe can be more affordable.

Commercial was also a little stronger in 2020 than the planning department expected, led mostly by office space and some retail. The areas behind Costco, on both the east and west sides of the bypass, continue to build out with professional office spaces and, to a lesser extent, retail.

Residential and commercial combined, Kalispells building department in 2020 issued $125.7 million in permits, which are indicators of forthcoming construction.

Once theyre permitted, they break ground quickly, Nygren said.

The long-awaited Kalispell Parkline Trail is going to bid this winter and will not only finally break ground in late spring or early summer, but will be completed in calendar year 2021, Nygren said, calling it straightforward single-season construction.

Weve been talking about it long enough that people are wondering if it will ever happen, but it will be finished by this time next year, Nygren said in late December.

The trail will replace the railroad tracks through the heart of town and open up development opportunities along the corridor, with ample interest already pouring in. Nygren said considerable demolition and work through the federal Brownsfields program, which facilitates the assessment, cleanup and reuse of contaminated properties, was completed over the last year.

Those sites are now open for redevelopment, Nygren said. Hopefully well see those take off this next year. There are a lot of developers with a lot of different ideas.

Before even breaking ground, the project has attracted development, including SunRift Beer Company setting up in its location off Main Street specifically to be situated along the trail. Other projects include the transformation of the former CHS Country Store on U.S. Highway 2 into office spaces and the expansion of 4th & Zuri.

Trail features such as a splash pad will be driven by private grassroots efforts, similar to the citys dog park and the bouldering feature at Lawrence Park.

Whitefish

Up the highway, Whitefish experienced a similarly busy year in residential permits and expects yet another robust construction year in 2021, led by both multi-family and single-family units.

It was just a banner year for housing, and I definitely dont see things slowing down from a building perspective, Whitefish Planning and Building Director Dave Taylor said. Theres a ton of people moving in and building.

Unlike Kalispell, Whitefish has a limited supply of large land tracts for major subdivisions, not to mention high-priced land, so single-family residence activity is predominantly driven by individual property owners building their own custom homes rather than developers constructing spec houses on multi-lot layouts.

Most of it is infill projects, which is what our growth policy called for, Taylor said.

Whitefish permitted 91 single-family residences in 2020, which Taylor called a healthy number, even if its slightly less than 2019, when 95 permits were issued. But combining that figure with other forms of housing, such as townhomes, duplexes and apartments, the total number of permitted dwelling units last year was 296.

Thats the most dwelling units weve seen in a decade, Taylor said.

One single-family residence development bucking the trend is Trailview, where developers are building a community of 58 homes along Monegan and Voerman roads aimed at providing more affordable but high-quality workforce housing.

In lieu of widespread single-family subdivisions, developers are staying busy with apartment, townhome and multi-use projects, including downtown mixed-use buildings with ground-level retail and upstairs condos. One development that continues to move forward at a sustained pace is the Alta Views townhome community near North Valley Hospital, for which 32 building permits were issued in December alone.

Columbia Falls

The city has been experiencing a transformation in recent years, both commercially and residentially, a trend that held up in 2020 and is expected to continue in 2021.

It was such a busy year, Columbia Falls City Manager Susan Nicosia said. During COVID, building and planning never slowed down. If anything, it accelerated.

Nicosia said only about 100 empty lots remain within city limits, predominantly residential.

Weve definitely been filling out in the city, Nicosia said.

While the changes in Columbia Falls have elevated property values and prices for homebuyers, a rapidly growing inventory of apartments has aimed to provide lower-cost workforce housing, led by The Highline Apartments, an expansive multi-family project on Bills Lane that has completed 180 units to date.

Highline is always full, Nicosia said, adding that multi-family in general has been filling out pretty nicely.

It definitely helps the housing market, she said.

Similar to Whitefish, Columbia Falls is welcoming more mixed-use projects into its downtown corridor. One in the works is a multi-phase project developed by Mick Ruis on Nucleus Avenue and Fifth Street. The first phase, currently underway, involves demolishing a building on the north end of the property to make room for a new three-story structure with retail on the ground floor and 48 residential units.

The second phase of Ruis project will involve the old Citizens Bank structure, which will either be remodeled or torn down.

Both residential and commercial remodels have been active as well, Nicosia said, while construction is plowing forward on the suite of school projects funded by a $37 million bond package approved by voters in October 2019.

While retail is coming in on the commercial side, office spaces have been particularly active. For one, Glacier Medical Associates (GMA) and Orthopedic Rehab Physical Therapy spearheaded a makeover of the Cedar Palace, where a multi-tenant medical campus opened in November.

Another healthcare addition is North Valley Hospitals new physical therapy building.

Thats a really nice addition to the downtown corridor, Nicosia said.

Beyond City Limits

The Flathead County Planning and Zoning Office saw elevated activity on multiple fronts last year for projects in county territory.

Pretty much everything is on the upswing, Landon Stevens, a planning technician with the planning and zoning office, said.

The office received 23 requests for major subdivisions in 2020, up from 14 in 2019, which Stevens called quite an increase. Major subdivisions are those with six lots or more.

The county planning office was also busy with lakefront requests for features such as docks, walkways and buoys. The jump from 81 lakefront requests in 2019 to 107 last year represents a 32% increase.

That speaks to the increase in activity of newer lakefront owners and overall increase in lakeshore activity, Stevens said, adding that there are about a dozen or so primary residential lakes under county purview. I would say that because of the influx of people here, a lot of the folks are seasonal or new owners.

The county saw continued high interest in administrative conditional-use permits to operate vacation rentals, commonly marketed on websites such as Airbnb and VRBO. Forty vacation-rental applications came through in 2020, down from 53 in 2019, and those are only properties outside of city limits. Vacation rentals inside the boundaries of local communities have boomed in recent years as well, especially during the pandemic.

People come here and want to live here and potentially profit off their property with the amount of tourists and visitors, Stevens said. Thats been a big theme weve been seeing in the office.

mreece@flatheadbeacon.com

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Read the original here:
Residential Development Expected to Keep Booming - Flathead Beacon

Published 7 January 2021

Allanwater Homes has announced the launch of a new development which will see it build in East Lothian for the very first time.

Allanwater Haddington, situated in the Letham Mains area of the market town, will offer a selection of energy efficient, three and four-bedroom bungalows, together with three bedroom linked villas.

Several brand new designs exclusively designed for this new development - will make their debut at Allanwater Haddington, including the Tay three-bedroom detached bungalow, the Clyde and Spey, other three-bedroom detached bungalows, and the Devon, a four-bedroom detached bungalow.

Added to the mix is another recently launched home which has proved very popular at other Allanwater Homes developments across Scotland the three-bedroom Sidlaw villa.

Specification wise, Allanwater Haddington features the housebuilders new as included specification which includes Twyford Sanitaryware, Stainless Steel kitchen appliances with Induction Hobs, thermostatic showers, USB charging points, and monoblocked driveways.

Also planned to launch in 2021, is an additional new development in Chryston, near Glasgow, another brand new geographic area for Allanwater.

A sales consultant has been given a more unusual first assignment to help sell his old high schools classrooms.

Nicholas Levinson, 37, a former pupil of Boroughmuir High School in Edinburgh, attended classes while the school was based in its former home, the famed early 20th century building at Viewforth and one of the citys most prized school buildings which has been renovated into 87 apartments.

Now, thanks to working with CALA Homes (East), which is behind Boroughmuirs historic renovation, the Edinburgh native has a rare chance to revisit his youth, each and every day he works from the on-site sales office and show apartment.

While protecting and subtly enhancing the impressive exterior to the Grade B-listed building, the developer is transforming the former classrooms inside into a range of one to four bedroom mezzanine apartments.

Nick, who now lives in Trinity with his partner, said: When I take people around the different properties and tell them I was a pupil here, they usually ask me straight away which classroom or part of the building an apartment is. The transformation is incredible, its just so different on the inside to what it was when it was a school its nice to see the building in its best light now.

One of my favourite plots so far is Plot 75 on the top floor, as it has huge vaulted ceilings beyond six metres and original feature beams. It was formerly a chemistry classroom. Youd never believe what its become.

Nick is also keenly awaiting to see inside Plots 86 and 87 when they are completed, which will become two four-bedroom apartments and the largest properties at Boroughmuir. They are being built in a space that was the old school library.

Nick added: Ive had a couple of old classmates contact me, the building is quite well known in Edinburgh so theres been a lot of buzz and excitement around it. The feedback were getting from clients and visitors has been excellent, theyre amazed at how the architect has ambitiously used the space and how bright and spacious the properties feel.

The apartments themselves are so impressive, with high spec and the city views from some of the homes on the second floor are something else I spent many hours daydreaming, looking out those windows!

Coming back has been quite nostalgic, seeing what we are achieving with the refurbishment has been really nice on a personal level. Its also great to see the area of Bruntsfield has changed as well it is now one of the citys hotspots for independent shops, restaurants and bars its certainly not the area it was when I was at school.

A Fife quarry could continue for another 40 years after major expansion plans were approved.

The operators of Goathill Quarry, near Donibristle, want to extract a further eight million tonnes of hard rock by extending south into a hillside.

The site produces crushed aggregate used in road building.

It also makes large stone blocks and has secured an order for armoured stone for a stabilisation project on the River Tay.

Two commercial units are being proposed for the car park of a vacant pub/restaurant on the southern edge of Glasgow.

An application has been lodged for the site in Corselet Road at Nitshill Road, at the former Darnley at the Mill venue, last used by Cook and Indis World Buffet.

Permission is being sought by Harlequin Leisure Investments for one retail unit and one food/drink takeaway in the front car park area.

The buildings total footprint would be 300 square metres. There would be 15 car parking spaces.

Lochmaben-based roof tile manufacturer Russell Roof Tilesis celebrating the dedication and long service of three employees who have a combined long service of 40 years.

The deserving staff who have been awarded the accolades include Bruce Laidlaw (production director) for 20 years, William Riddell (production operator) and Charlie Graham (production operator) who have both worked at Russell Roof Tiles Lockerbie site for 10 years.

In 2020, 11 members of the team were presented with awards ranging from 10 to 30 years.

Andrew Hayward, managing director at Russell Roof Tiles, said: Were delighted in these challenging times to have such a dedicated team across our sites, our Long Service Awards not only recognise the hard work they have put in over the years but also says thank you for the commitment to Russell Roof Tiles.

We look forward to being able to continue celebrating our hardworking staff over the next few years across all sites.

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Building Briefs - January 7th - Scottish Construction Now

The seaside town of Penarth is home to Wales' priciest street of 2020.

Using the most recent available data on average selling prices from the Land Registry of houses that have sold during 2020, we can see the 10 streets in Wales with the highest average sale prices.

Most years Cardiff dominates the most expensive property landscape, and a street from a county in the north of the country usually features, but this year there is a noticeable shift.

The capital city appears four times in the top 10 with Swansea claiming the second and fourth spot. Cowbridge, which usually makes an appearance, can be seen at number eight and Newport appears for the first time at number five.

But it's the popular Vale of Glamorgan seaside town of Penarth that claims the top spot as well as position seven.

These are Wales' most expensive streets of 2020.

This seaside town close to Cardiff and the Glamorgan Heritage coast can always claim to have some of the most expensive streets in Wales within its boundaries.

Popular with families due to its good schools, parks, and pretty, substantial homes, the town is also a hot spot for workers wanting the ease of links into Cardiff but all the benefits of living outside the city.

Coast and country are on the doorstep while boutique shops, pubs, and eateries along the pretty town's high street all add up to make the location a permanent hotspot. This popularity can also mean the town is pricey.

As well as the 1m-plus mansions occupying clifftop positions along tree-lined avenues the town has apartments and attractive terraces to tempt buyers with less than a seven-figure buying budget.

According to property portal Zoopla, the current average property value in Penarth is 328,198, which is an increase of over 33,000 in just 12 months. This compares to an average of 253,020 in Cardiff with an increase of 16,679 over 2020.

However the huge variety in housing stock in the capital, especially at the lower end of the market, can partly explain the difference when compared to Penarth.

The average value of a property in Victoria Road in the town is 685,873 which is a huge 57,644 change over the past 12 months, with the average price paid 870,000.

This is despite the fact that the attractive suburban avenue, lined with distinctive Victorian villas, includes apartments which by reason of their lower price bring the average figure down.

An apartment within a handsome house in the road sold in July 2020 for 290,000 with David Baker & Co. Other sales in the street include a detached house for 1.75m and another detached property was snapped up for 940,000.

Visit the road called East Cliff on the Gower Peninsula and there's no prize for guessing why this country land running along the coast of this beautiful landscape near Swansea is one of the most expensive in Wales in 2020.

Not only is the road lined with large, expansive detached houses along this particular stretch but it is also flanked on one side by large expansive sea views.

Close to all the incredible beaches the Gower can offer, and the convenience of pretty seaside town Mumbles and further down the coast Swansea, these houses have an isolated coastal feel but with urban centres close by.

Over the past 12 months, according to Zoopla, the road has seen a 47,508 increase in the current average property value.

The pictured five-bed detached house sold for 905,000 in January of 2020 with Fine & Country Swansea.

Now the new owner is now enjoying sea views over Hunts Bay and Deep Slade Bay, a heated swimming pool and a spacious home close to Pennard golf course, while the cars are happy in a triple garage.

Even the horses can live on-site in the double stables at the back of the property.

This popular street is in the heart of the permanently desirable suburb of Pontcanna.

This affluent and characterful area to the west of the city centre, Bute Park, and Pontcanna fields is bursting with streets lined with a characterful mix of pretty period properties.

The suburb has, in the past, been named by The Sunday Times as one of the 30 most fashionable places to live in the UK and within the top 20 in TravelSupermarket's UK Hip Hang-out Neighbourhood Index.

Pontcanna can boast boutique shops, pubs, cafs and eateries making it a busy destination for residents and Cardiffians who live further afield.

Within walking distance of the city centre and flanked by vast open and undulating parkland it's not a surprise to find house prices continue to climb.

According to Zoopla the road has experienced an increase in average value of almost 39,000 over the last 12 months to 553,838, although the average price paid is more in the region of 675,000.

This super-stylish house (pictured above) in the street was sold by estate agents Jeffrey Ross for 675,000 in July 2020 and it's not a challenge to see why.

The sellers had created a gorgeous kitchen diner at the rear of the property by extending out into the side-return and cleverly adding multiple roof windows into this new slice of accommodation.

This long and winding road stretches along the seafront from Swansea to, you guessed it, the pretty coastal town of Mumbles.

It is lined by the sea of Swansea Bay on one side and a massive variety of property on other, including some substantial houses both in size and price.

Of course the closer the property is located to Mumbles and the better the sea view the higher the price a house hunter can expect to pay on this street.

This seven-bed detached house in the area of West Cross, between Black Pill and Mumbles, had space, a huge garden, partial sea views, and a vast amount of space stretching over three floors.

The house sold for 695,000 with Fine & Country Swansea in February 2020.

The road's average price paid for a property in 2020 was 650,000 and the section of the road in West Cross saw the biggest average increase during the year of 39,500.

We've launched a new property group on Facebook.

Whether you love nosing around beautiful properties or always keep an eye open for your latest project, this group will bring you the best in Welsh homes, properties, renovations and more.

Join our new group for all the latest.

The city of Newport makes an appearance on the most expensive streets list and it's in the form of a new street within an exclusive four-house development on the outskirts of Llanwern.

The luxury homes were marketed with the promise of hi-spec kitchens, underfloor heating, and a massive open-plan kitchen, dining, and living room at the rear of with three sets of doors leading out onto the garden patio.

Upstairs the master suite had a dressing room and en suite plus there were three further double bedrooms on this floor as well as a family bathroom and a grand central galleried landing.

The part stone-rendered faade and black-framed windows ensured that each house looked ultra-contemporary and also distinctive and enticing.

It seems the kerb appeal and all the interior design goodies inside worked their magic and, according to Rightmove, a house here went for in the region of 645,000 via Kingston Newell, Newport.

This popular suburban street in the ever-popular north Cardiff suburb of Radyr has a variety of period properties lining its route as it wanders through the heart of the pretty suburb.

The main road through Radyr can offer terraces, semi-detached, and detached homes on both sides of the street.

Within the catchment area of Radyr High School and with amenities including a tennis club and a village centre of local shops the suburb attracts families from around the region.

This long road through the suburb has a current average value of 519,447 according to Zoopla a 32,780 increase over the last 12 months.

This handsome double-fronted period property in Heol Isaf sold in April for 865,000 and offered a new owner oodles of space including four reception rooms, four bedrooms, a large kitchen-diner lounge, and immaculate interior design over three storeys.

It could be argued that the bathrooms in the property were the star of the potential buyer's property tour, offering a five-star standard of soak in the bath or shower.

Find your next perfect home here:

The Vale of Glamorgan coastal town is represented again in the top 10 most expensive streets of 2020 and this time the road is a route that travels through a number of areas where homes can be found. It starts in Penarth, skirts past Cosmeston, and ends up at Sully.

According to Zoopla the street has seen a hefty 40,678 increase in the average value over the last 12 months to 484,005 with an average price paid of 567,500.

It's not a surprise then to discover that this long road saw a number of property sales during 2020 including this Edwardian detached home with mock Tudor detailing and large bay windows.

Outside the period property is full of traditional character but inside the home has been extended and converted into a light and spacious modern abode complete with an impressive and substantial kitchen-diner lounge at the rear.

Many of the glorious original features remain and ensure this home is a successful blend of past, present, and future.

The home sold for 727,500 in July with Watts & Morgan.

This is the only entry in the top 10 for this popular and pretty rural market town in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan.

Cowbridge is popular for attracting commuters out of the cities and large towns to set up home in a charming and characterful place surrounded by countryside and close to the coast.

The town is continually popular for attracting visitors too and is still able to offer an individual high street packed with boutique and independent shops, cafs, pubs, and and restaurants.

The current average property value in the town, according to Zoopla, is 479,180 with the value increasing by 25,112 over the last 12 months to arrive at that figure.

Eastgate is actually just a section of the main road into the town from the east and has an attractive mix of period cottages, terraces, and substantial properties lining both sides.

This charming stone cottage in Eastgate sold in February for 329,950 with Watts & Morgan and offered the new owner three bedrooms, spacious open-plan living with kitchen and diner running from the front to the back on the ground floor.

This tree-lined avenue that travels into the heart of the suburb of Rhiwbina and its village-style high street is strewn with mainly large detached homes or attractive period semi-detached houses.

Some plots in the street are occupied by period bungalows and some plots have seen the bungalow squashed and a contemporary urban mansion replace it.

A proportion of the suburb is described as Rhiwbina Garden Village , which was developed between 1913 and 1923.

The current average value of the road is 517,860 which was arrived at by a 34,055 increase in value over the last 12 months.

The village high street includes a collection of shops featuring both national brands and independents as well as cafs and restaurants.

This four bed semi-detached house in the road was a stunning mix of period features, beautiful interiors, and modern open spaces.

The house sold in May 2020 for 585,000.

This street lined with substantial period properties, mainly semi-detached, is in the north Cardiff suburb of Whitchurch and is always popular with families due to the area's good schools, parks, community neighbourhoods, local events and blend of shops, pubs, and cafes.

There is a village-like feel to the suburb. It was once a small independent village before Cardiff expanded and it was swallowed up in the city's urban spread.

Within Whitchurch Bishop's Road is one of the most popular places for families to put down roots.

Such is the demand for family-friendly homes along the street, houses that are in need of modernisation are snapped up as soon as they go on the market for over half a million pounds.

That was the case with this house a four bed semi-detached and well-loved home in need of updating with a huge garden and oodles of space inside.

The house was sold in July 2020 for 544,000 by estate agent Hogg and Hogg.

According to Zoopla the average price paid on this street is 540,000, up by 28,682 within the last 12 months.

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The 10 most expensive streets to buy a house in Wales in 2020 - Wales Online

PLANS to develop 1,000 apartments at the old Ford distribution site on Centre Park Road at Corks docklands have been met with a mixed reaction from city councillors.

Detailed plans for the development site have been published in recent days.

For a number of years, the Live at the Marquee concert series has been held at the site. The concert series is also expected to take place there from May until June of 2021.

The new plans have been devised by Kildare company Marina Quarter Limited and include the construction of 1,002 apartments comprising a mix of studio, one-, two-, and three-bed apartments in 12 blocks, ranging in height from four to 14 storeys.

The 1,002 homes are to be built on 5.97 hectares in the area, situated within the South Docks Development area, approximately 1.9km from Cork city centre.

Blocks 1 to 12 include commercial and community facilities, including the provision of five retail units, one montessori school, one creche, a medical centre, bar, caf, venue/ performance area, and two community resource spaces.

An application has now been lodged with An Bord Pleanla for the strategic housing development which can be decided on by the planning board as it exceeds a development of 100 homes and, therefore, does not have to go through the local authority for planning permission.

The application is for a 10-year planning permission period.

An environmental impact assessment report has been prepared in respect of the proposed development and accompanies the application.

Mixed reaction to plans

Fine Gael Councillor Des Cahill said he was delighted to see the application but was concerned the developer would struggle to build the project with current construction costs and said the apartments might not be affordable for people.

In contrast, Independent Councillor Kieran McCarthy said he had a number of concerns about the project including a lack of green space and public realm, overdensity, and potential traffic congestion.

Mr Cahill said the city was crying out for apartments and he would not be too concerned with the current plans as it would be tweaked and changed as it goes through the planning process, but Mr McCarthy said he was uninspired and unimpressed with the architecture of the development and would be making a submission to An Bord Pleanla outlining his numerous concerns.

Mr Cahill said the project has to be high spec and high density. You cant go building semi-detached houses in the city centre, Mr Cahill said.

Mr McCarthy said the landscape layout and design was not jumping out at him and said while he acknowledged the area needed to be developed and the developer has obviously put a great deal of time and money into the project, he thought the project was out of sorts with what the city needed.

I am conscious that there is a city development plan in the works with the city council and I feel this project is premature. There is a new master plan coming and there are developments being proposed before the plan, that are haphazardly being put to An Bord Pleanla.

Plans for the development have been published online here.

See more here:
Mixed reaction to plans for former Ford site at docklands - EchoLive.ie

Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson, who was elected to a historic fifth term without opposition this year, said 2020 had bright spots, despite its challenges, and expects better things in 2021.

As we come to the end of what has been for many a very tough year, I dont think Americans have ever been more anxious to start a new year than they are now.

Despite the challenges associated with the pandemic, 2020 had some high spots for the City of Andalusia. In January, we were able to close on 143,000 square feet of space in 18 mostly-vacant buildings in our historic downtown. We announced the acquisition on March 10 just three days before the first announcements of closings in Alabama in the wake of the coronavirus.

We were able to work out an agreement with Andy Gibson and Draftstone Properties to renovate the building commonly known as the Opera House, and are very pleased that his first tenant opened there in December. He has further renovations planned, and a waiting list for the apartments that will be developed upstairs.

Across the street from him, Lee and Debbie Williams were inspired to renovate the old Brunson Bakery and will open the Bluebird Coffee Co. next week.

Michael and Shaun Jackson set opening week records when they opened the new Firehouse Subs. The pandemic delayed announcements of agreements they have at Covington Mall, but we expect those to be announced soon.

It is good to see local people investing in our community, and these are all examples of just that: People who live in Andalusia, believe in Andalusia, and are helping us grow.

As Johnson looks ahead, he said he is hopeful for a return to more normalized patterns in the community.

As we look ahead to 2021, we are anxiously awaiting the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, first, for our first responders who will begin receiving them this week, and then for others in our community. Once we get through January, when the virus is expected to surge, and begin to get people in the general population vaccinated, we are hopeful for a return to more normalized patterns in our community.

Carlisle Corp. has come out of the ground with the foundation for the new Wendys, and we expect it to open near the end of the first quarter of 2021.

For much of 2020, we worked on upgrading an existing spec building in our industrial park for Covington Casket. That project also is nearing completion, and they should have all of their operation moved there by the end of the first quarter.

Another project begun in 2020 that should be completed early in 2021 was the construction of the first house in our new Garden District in the Church Street School area. The City of Andalusia has partnered with Hila Gatewood of Gatewood and Sons to develop the garden district housing. The plan calls for renovation of some homes, as well as construction of new ones designed to blend in older neighborhoods. All will be part of a neighborhood association that sets standards for landscaping and maintenance.

Out at Johnson Park our crews have been working on the installation of our new splash pad, which will open when it gets a little bit warmer this spring.

Very soon, well begin working on the new parking lot downtown at the former Brooks Hardware site, and we expect to have that done by the end of the first quarter. This project is critically important for the redevelopment of our downtown.

We also expect to announce three new contracts for space in our historic downtown by the end of the first quarter, and are continuing to negotiate with others interested in downtown redevelopment. We also are seeking grant funding to add bike lanes to East Three Notch, which will make our downtown safer and more livable.

In 2021, Johnson said they will continue to work in partnership with other municipalities and county governments to develop a rails to trails project. We have taken the first steps to put a coalition together, and continue to negotiate with the railroad to acquire the property.

There was good news for much of Alabama in the spending package President Trump signed into law on Sunday, and specifically for the Wiregrass. The package included $1.2 billion for flight training at Fort Rucker, which means their helicopters will continue to land and refuel in Andalusia, which is important for the South Alabama Regional Airport Authority. I cannot overstate the importance of the airport and the industries surrounding it to the economic health of our community.

Like most other Americans, I am looking forward to 2021, and believe it will be another good year for Andalusia.

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Andalusia Mayor reflects on 2020 - The Andalusia Star-News - Andalusia Star-News