Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

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Photo courtesy of Howard S. Wright

EMP Administrative Office Building

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Developed to support the Experience Music Project Museum, a five-story office facility was designed and built to achieve LEED-Platinum certification on a nonprofit budget.

The team determined that to achieve its sustainability goals the project would require an extremely high-performing envelope. The team took a compartmentalized approach and determined the U-values required to meet project goals. Competitive requests for proposals for subcontractors were as much performance based as they were cost and aesthetic based. Specialty subcontractors were brought on early during the envelope design process.

Other sustainable features include rainwater reclamation for toilets; passive cooling; variable refrigerant flow systems for heating and cooling load sharing and distribution; installation of a reclaimed photovoltaic system; extensive green roofs for stormwater quality and quantity control; and pervious sidewalks to reduce runoff.

Building information modeling added to the project's green approach. Howard S. Wright processes submittals, shop drawings and other documents in editable electronic formats. On the EMP Administrative Building, electronic construction documents were available on flat-screen displays in the jobsite office, on moveable smart boxes in the field and on touchscreen tablets carried around by staff. The firm says this approach reduces paper consumption, increases productivity and results in significant savings for the client.

The team had ongoing daily quality-control surveys with the architect, field staff and management. Everything was tracked using cloud-based BIM software, which meant up-to-date information was available to the entire project team at any time.

Howard S. Wright's in-house BIM department also modeled the underground shoring system, which helped minimize damage to existing underground utilities.

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Best Office/Retail/Mixed-Use Development Project | ENR ...

Plans to build an 8,250-square-foot office and retail building at the southern flank of downtown Ceres generated both approval and praise by members of the Ceres Planning Commission on Monday evening.

Bill Leer of Modesto's Leer Corporation went before the panel to seek approval for a Site Plan Approval for the project to be constructed on a 14,375 square foot parcel at the northwest corner of Park and Sixth streets. The project was approved 3-0 by commissioners Laurie Smith, Gary Del Nero and Hugo Molina. Commissioners Gary Chapman and Bob Kachel were both absent.

Leer proposes to build a two-story shell building which would be improved by tenants for either office or retail uses. Leer said he would begin marketing three upstairs units and three downstairs units with future tenants needing to obtain permits from the city for interior improvements. He said the upper floor office space will be perfect for insurance, real estate or law firms while the downstairs would be ideal for a sandwich shop or retail shops.

Leer, who has projects in Modesto and Turlock, said he expects construction to start this spring and be ready by fall.

"Staff supports the project as it would provide some new construction in downtown Ceres which meets the intent of the Downtown Specific Plan, and the project encourages both the development and reuse of an underutilized parcel," wrote Associate Planner James Michaels in his report to the commission. He added that staff feels that the project offers "an attractive new building to the downtown area."

Michaels also said "in our opinion this will not only be one of the most aesthetically pleasing buildings in downtown, but in all of Ceres."

The new building, coupled with the design of the $1 million Turlock Irrigation District office at 2944 Third Street which opened in 2009, is likely to be the design standards for new construction in downtown, Michaels said.

"It'll be a nice improvement to any downtown," said Leer. "We're hoping that you like it. It's a great place near the freeway."

Smith said she feels the design is attractive and that she is familiar with Leer's projects in downtown Modesto. Molina commented that he likes Leer's building in Turlock so much that he would like to own it someday.

"I like the design, I like the idea," said Molina. "It goes right along with what we've been talking about revitalizing downtown. The building is beautiful and I wish we had it right in front of the freeway where people can see it but hey it's an awesome start. Welcome to Ceres."

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Downtown office building wins OK

A world leading construction specialist has opened a new regional office in Cambridge for its UK division.

Cambourne Business Park has benefited from significant new investment and upgrades in the buildings, landscaping and facilities since being acquired last summer by Cube Real Estate in a multi-million pound deal.

It is estimated that the takeover was worth anything between 80m and 100m. Vinci has chosen to relocate its Eastern regional office from Stowmarket, leasing 4,150 sq ft at Cambournes Building 2030.

The company have taken a new five year lease, and joins an existing business community which includes some of the most innovative companies such as Citrix Systems, Netcracker, ip.access and CDT.

Christopher Reeve, head of office agency at Bidwells, said: Following the office buildings at Cambourne Business Park being bought by a Joint Venture between Cube Real Estate and Benson Elliot, with Cube asset managing the property, considerable interest has been received.

This is due to the new owner's considerable investment in the park, with upgrades including refitted receptions and office space and landscaping improvements.

This alongside our client's fresh property management approach has attracted a great deal of interest from Cambridge orientated companies, and I am delighted Vinci has decided to base its office here.

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Construction firm moves to Cambridge

OAKLAND -- A move-in delay at the future headquarters of the Bay Area's regional transportation agency will cost tollpayers an extra $5.4 million to temporarily house FasTrak, the agency's electronic toll-collection operation.

FasTrak was supposed to set up shop in the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's planned new office building at 375 Beale St. in San Francisco.

But the eight-story structure won't be ready to occupy until mid-2015, and the lease on FasTrak's current office expires this June, which leaves the operation's 146 employees and 1.4 million electronic accounts homeless.

To close the gap, the commission's Bay Area Toll Authority Oversight Committee on Wednesday reluctantly earmarked $5.4 million from its toll proceeds to move FasTrak into temporary offices for up to 18 months.

"It's not like we have a choice," said committee member and Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates. "(FasTrak) can't stay where they are, and we aren't ready to receive them. It was unfortunate timing."

The money will cover rent and building improvements for an interim FasTrak office at 62 First St. FasTrak allows motorists to carry an electronic device in their vehicles that automatically deducts tolls from a prepaid account.

The transportation commission initially planned to move into a fully renovated Beale Street building with three other regional agencies in 2014.

But the building's sole remaining tenant -- the federal Drug Enforcement Agency Western Laboratory -- apparently lacked the same sense of urgency. The agency occupies the top floor, and it isn't scheduled to move to new offices on Koll Center Parkway in Pleasanton until November.

The commission hired a contractor last summer and began renovations, but there is a great deal the construction team cannot finish until the building is empty, said commission spokesman Randy Rentschler.

"Getting the DEA to focus on finding a new location has been a challenge," Rentschler conceded. "The federal government did not move at the pace we would have preferred, and there is only so much work the contractor can do at night and on the weekends."

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FasTrak office will need temporary home at cost of $5.4 million

Description Albemarle Corporation is seeking an E&I Project Engineering Specialist -- Corporate Engineering Department in the Houston Area. Position will be responsible for providing instrumentation, controls, and electrical design expertise on site capital projects. This role will be required to provide instrument/electrical design support and leadership for site capital projects during conception, design, and execution.This position will be based in Pasadena and will support projects for both Pasadena and Bayport Texas locations. Requirements: *Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering * Minimum of 8 years engineering experience in the chemical/petro-chemical industry with at least 5 years of E&I design experience * P&ID development for instrumentation and electrical * Knowledge of Electrical Hazardous Area Classifications for instrument/electrical equipment selection * Instrumentation specification, sizing and design, including flow, pressure, temperature, level, power, etc * Pressure relief valve and rupture disk sizing and specification * Plant Field experience, including instrument/electrical loop-checks, configuration, troubleshooting, new equipment set-up and start-up assistance * Coordination and support of I&E design/drafting activities, including instrument indexes, location plans, wiring diagrams, installation details, etc. * Definitive project design work, including scope development, project cost estimation, definitive design work, purchasing, reporting, scheduling and liaison with construction contractors and vendors * Electrical equipment specification and design, including 480v motor circuits, power, MCC, lighting, etc (typically < 2300v)

Preferred: * Familiar with DCS & PLC programming, troubleshooting and installation * Plant work experience required * Computer skills: Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, MS Project, Lotus Approach, SAP (Project Module), Instrumentation sizing software and AutoCAD * Familiar with applicable code, requirements, standards (NEC, ISA, OSHA, NFPA, etc) * Ability to work with all levels of plant personnel, from wage roll to plant management * Excellent verbal and written communication skills

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Senior Project Engineer Electrical

January 7, 2014

Image Credit: DISH Network

Enid Burns for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

On Monday at the 2014 International CES in Las Vegas DISH Network made several big announcements, including a number of enhancements to its award-winning Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR platform. This included offering DISH subscribers the ability to record eight shows at once, which would all but eliminate channel conflicts.

By pairing the Hopper with the new SuperJoey, a client that adds two network tuners to the Hoppers three native tuners, users can record even more programs and share them throughout the house via 801.11ac Wi-Fi. This provides users with the ability record eight shows simultaneously any four shows plus the four major broadcast networks, or provide users with the option to use the five network tuners to watch and record any five shows from any network at the same time.

The Hopper continues to break new barriers in terms of accessibility, affordability and mobility, said Joseph P. Clayton, DISH CEO and president. You see that in the way in which DISH delivers more content and virtually ends channel conflict with SuperJoey. Our new Wireless Joeys and software-based Virtual Joeys make in-home installation options almost limitless. And, our app strategy continues to lead the way with best and most value-packed mobile entertainment experience in the market.

In addition to affordability, DISH operates on three pillars in its strategy: Affordability, available everywhere, and ease of use.

The American consumer only cares about three basic requirements for their video needs, said Clayton, at a CES press conference.

The Wireless Joey system further provides users with options to stream recorded programming even where coaxial and Ethernet wiring is unavailable. The Wireless Joey installation includes an Access point along with the Wireless Joey Client, which creates its own dedicated 802.11ac Wi-Fi cloud within the home. The company noted that this does not degrade the Hoppers video quality and will even work in homes that do not have dedicated Internet access.

In addition to going wireless, Joey is also going virtual, as DISH announced that it has developed a Virtual Joey software application that integrates the Dish Hopper HD-DVR experience directly on 2013 and 2014 LG Smart TVs. This app can be used in place of hardware-based Joey, which further increases the options where coaxial and Ethernet connectivity is not available. The wireless Joey allows users to install or bring their TV to hard-to-reach places such as mounting a set over a fireplace or bringing a TV into the back yard.

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CES 2014: DISH Network Announces New Hopper Features

This week the First Congregational Church in Redlands began the next step in its restoration of the church's century old stained-glass windows when the large west windows facing Cajon Street were removed for cleaning and restoration.

The brick church at 2 W. Olive Ave. in Redlands was built and the windows installed in 1900. The largest of the windows being restored is a depiction of Christ made by the Tiffany Art Glass Company. The largest window is over eight feet wide and about 22 feet tall and was originally installed in memory of Rev. C.A. Kingsbury, city councilman, school trustee and namesake of Kingsbury Elementary School.

The 100-year-old windows are in need of extensive cleaning and repair due largely to the leading that is breaking down and putting stress and cracks in the glass. There are also thousands of little "pinpricks" where paint has fallen off. The removal and restoration will be done by Judson Studios in Highland Park, Calif. The windows took about four days to remove.

Bob Clark is a member of the church and is leading the five-year window restoration project expected to cost $500,000. So far the church has raised, through five-year pledges, approximately $450,000. From June to September in 2013 the project began with the removal and restoration of the south facing window on Olive Street.

"I'm overwhelmed to see the congregation being so supportive - and we're not huge just maybe 500 members - in our effort to raise $500,000 dollars," Clark said about the congregation's willingness to support such a large project. "We have also had neighboring churches donate."

Clark said the need for restoration was demonstrated when the south facing window returned after being restored By Judson Studios. The windows returned much clearer and with more vibrant colors.

"We're really lucky to have them this close," Clark said about Judson Studios. "They're probably the best in the country and we're lucky to have them this close."

According to Clark, when the window was first returned the choir, which stands facing the window, would become distracted by the beauty of the window and just stare.

"It was real surprise how much brighter they were," Pastor Lowell Lindon said. "You have to remember that those windows were exposed for all the years that smudging was part of the process of raising oranges here in Redlands and that smudge [used to protect the orchards from frost damage] got all over everything."

"Because this window was made by Tiffany Co. the window is irreplaceable," Clark said. "The Tiffany glass is like an onion made with layer upon layer of glass so you can see a lot of depth in it."

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Church continues project to restore century old stained-glass

JACKSON, MS (WLOX) -

As Mississippians brace for freezing temperatures, State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney wants to remind everyone using a fireplace, gas heater, or wood burning stove for warmth to use extreme caution. Chaney warns it could literally mean the difference between life and death.

"I want to repeat the message that space heating poses a significantly greater risk of fire, death and injury than central heating," Chaney said.

More than half of the heating fire deaths in the nation from 2003-2007 involved stationary or portable space heaters.

"If you have to use a wood burning or other type of fueled heating device, that is the time to be most cautious. Also, anyone using a generator needs to make sure it is in a well-ventilated area, away from their home."

"Every home should have a working smoke alarm. Working smoke alarms can cut the risk of people dying in home fires in half."

The State Fire Marshal's Office offers these space heater safety tips:

-If you are using a generator, keep it away from the house in a well-ventilated area. Do not put it on a back porch or carport.

-Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.

-Supervise children when a fireplace, fire pit, or other space heater is being used. Use a sturdy, metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are even more common than flame burns.

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Experts: Use extreme caution with space heaters

Chris Riley, top, and Brandon Pennington, bottom, both water and sewer department technicians for the town of Front Royal, maneuver to clamp this 10-inch water line that ruptured during the cold weather on Tuesday. The town worked to repair two leaks on Tuesday. Rich Cooley/Daily (Buy photo)

Eric Riley, a water and sewer department technician for the Town of Front Royal, saws into the pavement at Virginia Avenue and Sixth Street to repair a water leak on Tuesday. Rich Cooley/Daily (Buy photo)

By Katie Demeria

Though relief from frigid temperatures should arrive soon, the polar vortex that swept through areas of Virginia on Tuesday left many scrambling to prevent a severe impact.

The cold hindered travel in various parts of the commonwealth -- AAA experienced a higher volume of calls than usual Tuesday morning, largely from individuals with dead batteries or cars that would not start.

Mass transit was also impacted, with a cracked Metro rail causing delays in Washington and HOV lanes on Interstate 95 opening an hour later than usual due to frozen gate motors.

During the day Tuesday, the wind chill warning issued by the National Weather Service was decreased to a wind chill advisory scheduled to end at midnight.

NWS meteorologist Bryan Jackson said the wind was still blowing throughout the day Tuesday, and would possibly continue to do so through the night, but the temperatures largely did not reach minus 20 degrees, the minimum for a wind chill warning.

"There might still be some minus 20-degree readings at higher elevations, like in the Blue Ridge Mountains, but we wanted to highlight more of what is happening in the valley itself and what will continue through the evening hours," Jackson said.

The Shenandoah Valley likely will see a south breeze today, Jackson added, causing temperatures to rise out of the single digits and into the upper 20s and 30s.

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Cold temperatures impact many in area Tuesday

January 7, 2014 Mail carriers ask for assistance with snow

Anonymous Westside Flyer The Hendricks County Flyer Tue Jan 07, 2014, 02:50 AM EST

As the inches of snow increase by the hour throughout Indiana, the Postal Service is asking customers to help letter carriers deliver mail safely by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks, stairs and mailboxes.

The weather forecasters predict even more of the same next week, which means cold, icy conditions will remain and we can expect several more snowstorms before spring arrives.

One seasonal tool is expected to make its return at homes and businesses the shovel.

Snow and ice make delivery dangerous and slow, Indianapolis Postmaster Gary Soultz said. Maintaining a clear path to the mail box including steps, porches, walkways and street approach will help letter carriers maintain consistent delivery service and help them get those cards and packages delivered.

Customers receiving door delivery should make sure their sidewalks, steps and porches are clear. Customers receiving curbside delivery should remove snow piles left by snow plows to keep access to their mailboxes clear for letter carriers.

Delivery service may be delayed or curtailed whenever streets or walkways present hazardous conditions for letter carriers or when snow is plowed against mailboxes. The Postal Service curtails delivery only after careful consideration, and only as a last resort, Soultz said. Any curtailed mail is attempted the next delivery day.

Blue collection boxes also need to be kept clear for customers to deposit their mail and for the Postal Service to collect the mail for delivery. Residents and businesses with collection boxes near their property are asked to keep them clear of snow and ice.

We want our letter carriers to be safe, Soultz added. We can only do this with the help of our customers.

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Mail carriers ask for assistance with snow