Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

By THOMAS CASTLES

Staff Writer

A sign advertises available space in the Epicentre shopping plaza on Route 9 in Manalapan. The vacancy rate for retail space in central New Jersey climbed to 9.8 percent in the second quarter of 2013. STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER ERIC SUCAR Storefront vacancies have blemished many of New Jerseys busiest retail corridors in recent years, and experts say there is no shortage of reasons why.

According to a report published by retail broker R.J. Brunelli & Co., Old Bridge, the retail vacancy rate in central New Jersey climbed to 9.8 percent in the second quarter of 2013, up almost a full percentage point from the previous year. That amounts to 2.95 million square feet of vacant space on routes 1, 9, 18 and 35 in Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer and parts of Ocean counties. If added up, the unoccupied space is equivalent to the size of about 20 vacant Walmart Supercenters.

But Walmart and other big-box stores of at least 20,000 square feet have been doing relatively well. According to Brunellis data, 225,000 square feet of previously unoccupied big-box space was filled by tenants over the past 12 months.

Empty retail buildings sit alongside Route 18 in East Brunswick. However, that positive trend was not enough to offset increasing losses of smaller spaces.

Much of the small-space woes can be attributed to the inability of small chains, mom-and-pops and franchisees to take advantage of vacancies, because financing for new ventures or business expansion remains so difficult to get, Brunellis report states. Until the economy improves and banks genuinely start to loosen the spigots, it will be difficult to make much of a dent in the small-store inventory. The impact of the 2008 financial downturn should not be understated when analyzing data like Brunellis, according to New Jersey Retail Merchants Association President John Holub.

PHOTOS BY KAREN KESTEN/STAFF Clearly, the economic environment has changed since 2008-2009, and I think businesses as a whole are continuing to scratch and claw their way out of the worst downturn in 70 years, Holub said. But it seems that every few years there are fits and starts and ebbs and flows, so I dont think the [recent] decline [in occupancy] is entirely surprising.

Economic uncertainty may just be another punch to roll with for area retailers, but competition from the Internet presents a much more sizable concern, according to Robert Burchell, professor and co-director of the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick.

A rising tide lifts all boats and a decreasing tide puts all those boats back on the ground, so the economy is always present and a major influence on American life, Burchell said, adding that Brunelli representatives and analysts are very well-respected in their field. But there will be a long-term future increase in vacancy rates [no matter how the economy fluctuates] because of the competition of the Internet.

View original post here:
Changing times challenge retailers

A decade ago, it took John McArthur and his crew of craftsmen about a year and a half to completely restore the century-old family home of Colorado Agriculture Hall of Famer Chuck Sylvester.

It took September floodwaters just minutes to undo their work on the Weld County farmhouse, smashing a window to flood the basement and filling the ground floor with 6 inches of mud and 17 inches of water.

(McArthur) did a total restoration to keep the integrity of this 100-year-old girl, said Sylvesters wife, Roni. Now shes 110 and hes back again. Hes mad as hell.

McArthur and the original crew many of whom were born in the same year crack jokes as they work to restore the 110-year-old, two-story house.

We arent doing this again, McArthur said with a chuckle.

McArthur and Chuck Sylvester said they take great pride in their backgrounds as they come together in this old house that represents the history of both agriculture and fine carpentry, both of which, they say, are fast-fading trades.

I cant find anybody who wants to work, McArthur said. When we were young, people would fight for the construction jobs.

Sylvesters family homesteaded the land just north of LaSalle 145 years ago. His grandfather built the white farm house, settled next to a big, red barn.

Roni Sylvester said her husbands hope in restoring the home is not to pass it on to family but to pass along the history of his ancestors who settled there and worked the farm.

He wants to really preserve the integrity of this home so that maybe there will be an opportunity to help our upcoming generation have authentic history they can look at, she said.

More:
Crew returns after a decade to restore historic Weld County home damaged by floods

The social gospel preachings of Pope Francis are starting to ruffle rich American Catholics, according to Home Depot founder Ken Langone, who is leading an effort to raise $180 million to restore St. Patricks Cathedral in New York.

The first Jesuit pope has taken aim at trickle-down economics and warned about creation of a culture of prosperity that is incapable of feeling compassion for the poor. Francis issued a November exhortation on the world economy, which said in part:

Pope Francis: He has warned of unfettered capitalism which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile.

In this system, which tends to devour everything which stands in the way of increased profits, whatever is fragile, like the environment, is defenseless before the interests of a deified market, which becomes the only rule.

Langone told CNBC that one potential seven-figure donor to the St. Patricks restoration has become upset at the popes words. Langone took his concerns to Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York.

Ive told the cardinal, Your eminence, this is one more hurdle I hope we dont have to deal with. You want to be very careful about generalities. Rich people in one country dont act the same as rich people in another country.

CNBC talked to Cardinal Dolan, whose soothing sound bites have become ubiquitous on network TV programs from 60 Minutes to the Today Show.

The pope loves poor people; he also loves rich people, said Dolan. So I said, Ken, thanks for bringing it to my attention. We gotta make sure this gentleman understands the Holy Fathers message properly. And then I think hes gonna say, Oh, OK, if thats the case, count me in for St. Patricks Cathedral.

Dolan is frequently pictured by The New York Times Sunday Style section at gala Manhattan fundraisers in the company of the rich and famous.

Langone also reported telling Dolan, You get more with honey than with vinegar, and pointed out, There is no nation on Earth so forthcoming, so giving as the United States.

See the original post:
Home Depot founder: Pope Francis ruffling rich donors

According to Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Home Depot founder Ken Langone has voiced concerns that Pope Francis recent rhetoric about income inequality was causing at least one high-level donor hesitation.

Langone is involved with Dolan in a $180 million restoration project of St. Patricks Cathedral in New York City, but informed the cardinal that one potential seven-figure donor was unhappy with the pontiffs criticism of free marketscomments which have already angered conservative pundits and been called Marxist by Rush Limbaugh.

Ive told the cardinal, Your Eminence, this is one more hurdle I hope we dont have to deal with, Langone said to CNBC. You want to be careful about generalities. Rich people in one country dont act the same as rich people in another country.

Dolan said Langone approached him recently about the remarks, saying, You come to us who have been blessed, who are wealthy, and yet we sense that perhaps the Pope is less enthusiastic about us. We need to correct that.

Dolan said he responded, Well, Ken, that would be a misunderstanding of the Holy Fathers message. The pope loves poor people. He also loves rich peopleWeve gotta make sure this gentleman understands the Holy Fathers message properly. And then I think hes gonna say, Oh, OK. If thats the case, count me in for St. Patricks Cathedral.

In a separate interview with George Stephanopoulos, Dolan praised Pope Francis for shattering the caricature of the Catholic Church.

Watch the full clip below, via CNBC:

[h/t Raw Story]

[Image via screengrab]

>> Follow Evan McMurry (@evanmcmurry) on Twitter

Continue reading here:
Home Depot Founder: Pope’s Rhetoric on Economy Worrying Rich Donors

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday (January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 31:

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala will be inducted into the Cabinet in a hurried reshuffle of Cabinet just ahead of a crucial Assembly session and in good time for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday ( January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy chose to give in to the diktat from the High Command with a view to restoring order in the faction-ridden Congress politics, sources said.

Chennithalas induction had become the hottest topic after warring factions had lined up for and against it over the last several months.

A series of scams, protest rallies, media sting operation, adverse court references and police action merely helped to incite political passions and colour discourses.

Chief Minister Chandy and his office have been right in the midst of the so-called solar scam that saw his personal staff either resigning on their own or being asked to leave.

This had only encouraged the political Opposition led by the CPI (M) to up the ante and launch a high-voltage campaign for his resignation.

But what must have hurt him more have been the covert and overt attempts by disgruntled elements in the ruling coalition to connive with rival Congress faction and discredit him.

See original here:
After diktat, Chandy to induct rival in Kerala Cabinet

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday (January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec. 31:

Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala will be inducted into the Cabinet in a hurried reshuffle of Cabinet just ahead of a crucial Assembly session and in good time for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Chennithala will be sworn in likely as Home Minister on Thursday ( January 2), to replace Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan in a politically significant move.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy chose to give in to the diktat from the High Command with a view to restoring order in the faction-ridden Congress politics, sources said.

Chennithalas induction had become the hottest topic after warring factions had lined up for and against it over the last several months.

A series of scams, protest rallies, media sting operation, adverse court references and police action merely helped to incite political passions and colour discourses.

Chief Minister Chandy and his office have been right in the midst of the so-called solar scam that saw his personal staff either resigning on their own or being asked to leave.

This had only encouraged the political Opposition led by the CPI (M) to up the ante and launch a high-voltage campaign for his resignation.

But what must have hurt him more have been the covert and overt attempts by disgruntled elements in the ruling coalition to connive with rival Congress faction and discredit him.

Read more from the original source:
Will Minister Ramesh Chennithala help bring order to Government?

Houston, TX (PRWEB) January 01, 2014

MW Design is ready to help homeowners in their remodeling projects for the new year and points to an example of a custom home they recently completed.

Situated on almost a full acre of land, the home features a stainless steel pivoting door, coffered ceilings and vistas, a covered terrace, and a lap pool. The space contains low-profile furniture in order to maintain its openness. Theres also a free-standing horizontal fireplace and surrounding stone slab wall. The circular dining room serves as the heart of the home, as food is at the center of all celebrations. The semi-private kitchen is surrounded by large sliding windows which overlook the pool and waterfall spa.

On the houses opposite side, the family room features custom art created by family members and is surrounded by favorite photos, books and keepsakes on the wall-to-wall, built-in library. The west wing contains a gym and the bedrooms.

The best part of the home is its design with the latest energy-saving materials, equipment, and LEED construction practices. Therefore, its carbon footprint is small, and it uses the electricity of a house half its size. It is dynamic, peaceful, exciting, chic, grand, and cozy all at the same time.

MW Design delivers distinctive designs, dependable service, durable and green construction, and the best value for the money invested. They believe all projects deserve only the best, and delivers nothing but the best to all their clients. The business is located at 1211 Antoine Drive in Houston. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.mwdesigngroup.com, or call 713-622-0990.

About the Company: As a Houston custom home builder, MW Design's attention to detail begins at the outset. Through the oversight of a group of skillful contractors, MW Design & Construction brings beautiful, high-quality architecture to life when building a custom home. They also offer design solutions for more efficient, green home construction.

Read more here:
MW Design Recommends Remodeling for the New Year

South Haven, Minnesota (PRWEB) December 31, 2013

Combining superior quality rigid frame engineering with the proven benefits of tension fabric, Legacy Building Solutions now offers mining companies the industrys first line of tension fabric buildings to incorporate structural steel beams instead of open web trusses. This engineering concept provides a high level of flexibility for storage of bulk material or equipment, vehicle maintenance shops, portable or stationary soil remediation facilities, and other fabric structures used in mining or oil and gas operations.

Legacy buildings utilize a durable rigid frame in place of the hollow-tube, open web truss framing traditionally used for fabric buildings. Unlike hollow tube steel, Legacys solid structural steel beams are not vulnerable to unseen corrosion originating inside a tube. Additionally, the structural steel has multiple coating options, including hot dip galvanizing, red oxide primer and powder coat paint.

The strength of the structural steel frame provides several engineering advantages, including the ability to relocate buildings by towing or crane. The rigid frame also delivers the flexibility to customize buildings beyond the confines of standard shapes and sizes to the exact width, length and height required.

Legacys straight sidewall design allows for the inclusion of a variety of overhead doors, exit doors and dormers along the sides. Structures can be modified to provide desired eave extensions and interior columns. They also can be engineered to carry ancillary systems that need to be suspended, including overhead cranes, fire suppression systems, ventilation and lighting.

Legacy buildings feature high-quality polyethylene fabric roofs that eliminate the corrosion concerns associated with metal-constructed facilities. A wide variety of PVC fabrics are also available. The durable fabric allows natural light to permeate the structure, while insulation can be added when required.

Installation is faster than with conventional buildings, and the design can be adjusted for stationary or portable applications. Sidewalls can be customized and built with any desired material including steel, paneling or siding and then easily lined with fabric to prevent corrosion to the interior. Legacy steel components and fabric covers are backed by a 15-year warranty.

Legacy offers assistance from concept to completion, including renderings, foundation design, installation and project management. To date, Legacys in-house, professional installation crews have constructed more than 30 million square feet of fabric buildings.

Legacy Building Solutions specializes in the innovative design, engineering and construction of fabric-covered buildings for several different industries and applications. For more information, contact Legacy Building Solutions, 19500 County Road 142, South Haven, MN 55382, call 320-259-7126 or 877-259-1528, or visit the companys website at http://www.legacybuildingsolutions.com.

Read the original here:
Legacy Introduces Tension Fabric Buildings for Mining Operations

Dan Dahlgren of Rock Island hops inside his van, turns the ignition and blasts the heat.

He has spent hours climbing ladders installing satellite TV dishes to Quad-Citians' roofs.

Regardless of Tuesday's frigid single temps, business for Dahlgren, who works for a local DirecTV contractor, was no less busy than on any other day of the year.

And being that it was New Year's Eve only added to the number of service calls.

"Try to keep as much skin as possible covered," Dahlgren advises, as the wind chill makes the outside temperature feel like it's below zero.

One installation job takes at least an hour. Tuesday had him zipping from Bettendorf to Long Grove, Iowa, and back to Davenport.

He ascends a ladder with an ice scraper or a snow brush in hand. He clears away ice or snow from an area where he'll install a dish.

He points the dish south or southeast to get the best connection.

In conditions such as Tuesday's, he's careful about drilling into vinyl siding, as it easily cracks in the cold. Then he loops the wires through the holes.

He said working in the snow is the "fun part," and being originally from Minnesota, he's used to freezing weather.

Read more from the original source:
Layering up to work in the cold

By Jean Bartlett

Pacifica Tribune Correspondent

Photo by Jean Bartlett The Little Brown Church

Over the years there have been a lot of naysayers. The Little Brown Church on Francisco Blvd., built in 1910 by the Presbyterian Church, was too far gone to be made right. There were subterranean termites and wood boring beetles, a bee infestation. The roof needed replacing, the glulam beam supporting the roof needed replacing, copper gutters and drain pipes had to be installed, along with new metal flashing, and a new ridge vent. Then there was the repair and restoration of the bell tower, the replacement of the foundation, the repairs to siding and buttresses on the south side of the building, the removal of 14 bottlebrush trees holding moisture to the building, the north side exterior work, the dry wall, the paint, the trim, the baseboards, floors, electrical fixtures, the rough in plumbing and heating, the installation of a furnace and duct work and this was the short list of things to do. And before any of that, the Pacifica Historical Society, which decided to take this project on, had to campaign to their fellow Pacificans to save the Little Brown Church from being destroyed by the City.

The church, which was once a hubbub of activity with weddings, social events, meetings, and at times, student classrooms had housed the Pacifica Police Department for 18 years. When they vacated the building in 2001, the City pondered its options and by 2002, the City Council advised the historical society that there were no reserve funds to even develop a plan to show how this restoration projection could be accomplished. In 2003, the historical society consulted with an attorney who subsequently drafted an initiative to protect the LBC from being sold, demolished or moved to another location. And in 2004, the members of the historical society circulated petitions to place Proposition L on the November 4 ballot, and following the vote, the City of Pacifica agreed to let the Pacifica Historical Society assume the responsibility for restoration and financing of the Little Brown Church.

By 2011, with work proceeding as funds came in, the historical society had raised $298,447 in renovation fees. These fundraising events were through rummage sales, Bob Milne ragtime concerts at the Moose Lodge, Pacifica Islanders Football games, donation containers and "partnering" events at restaurants, spring teas, Sam's Castle tours, a prom at Winters Tavern, and the list goes on. Additionally, the Little Brown Church received $65,000 in pro bono donations of work and materials. Still, more money was needed.

American Disability Standards required a three-story lift in the church and handicap accessibility of upper and lower bathrooms, as well as handicap access from Salada Avenue. The gift shop needed expansion, work needed to be completed on stairways, hallways, front doors, room floors, storage rooms, the conference room, the warming kitchen. So the historical society's biggest constant fundraiser, their monthly rummage sales, continued with even more vigor.

"It has been a financial struggle for eight years," said Shirlee Gibbs, Restoration Chair of the Little Brown Church. "That's a long time to spend on a project."

But Gibbs, who is also the President of the Pacifica Lions Club, has a miracle to report. Recently the local Lions Club received an estate settlement from a Pacifican, and on the 11th of January, at a reception with the historical society at the Little Brown Church, 2 to 4 p.m., the Lions Club is giving the church $200,000. The public is invited to attend. The Lions Club donation will allow for the completion of repairs on the Little Brown Church, and it is anticipated the church will open its doors in early April.

Gibbs, who was installed as the 63rd President of the Pacifica Lions Club in the summer of 2012, said many people are unfamiliar with the world's largest service club organization. There are 46,000 Lions Clubs worldwide, with 1.35 million members. Each individual club's goal is to help their local community and to encourage service minded individuals to serve their community.

Read more:
The Little Brown Church - Miracle on Francisco Boulevard