Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

MEP engineering services for retail and grocery clients drives expansion into Mid-Atlantic region

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) October 15, 2012

The Eastern U.S. is an area of amazing opportunities in retail and supermarket facilities design, Scott Webb, Principal of MPW Engineering said. The population density and motivation for reusing existing buildings drives specialized store design. A project in this part of the U.S. may require 2 to 3 times the amount of engineering investigation and design services compared to a new store built on an unimproved pad site.

The systems used in restaurants and grocery facilities are energy intensive and in some cases are responsible for more than 80 percent of a commercial buildings energy costs. MPW Engineering provides expertise in reducing costs and creating an environmentally-responsible solution.

The Eastern Region office will provide increased availability and quicker response to projects and clients in the area, and will be supported by more than 50 engineers at the firms Tulsa, OK headquarters. The group will initially focus on serving retail and large grocery clients, but will expand services to restaurants, hospitality, banking, and government facilities. The firm is currently in the planning stages of a specialized three-level, water-cooled refrigeration system that will be installed in the Empire State Building.

Philadelphia is an increasingly important business center for large architecture and engineering firms because of its proximity to growing and rebuilding efforts in communities.

Philadelphia is a great city and is centrally located in the area we want to serve with our Eastern Region office, Webb said. We will be adding staff and expertise in mechanical, electrical, fire protection, and refrigeration design and engineering services.

MPW Engineering's Eastern Region office will provide MEP engineering, fire protection engineering, architectural lighting, LEED certification, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other sustainable engineering services and technologies to help clients meet their sustainability initiatives successfully and more effectively.

MPW Engineering, Eastern Region:

One Greentree Center

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Engineering Firm Picks Philadelphia for Expansion

By Eoin English

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The tourism minister paid tribute yesterday to everyone who helped to save, protect and conserve historic Fota House in Cork since it came into public ownership almost 40 years ago.

Leo Varadkar was speaking during his first visit to the property to mark the completion of a 2.5m four-year restoration project.

"Its great to be here at what is the official opening of the refurbishment of Fota House," he said.

"It now forms part of a whole cluster of attractions in the Cork Harbour area which has a huge amount to offer tourists, and hopefully we will see growth in that market in the next couple of years."

Fota House was originally a modest two-storey hunting lodge owned by the Smith Barry family, who lived in Britain.

In the 1820s, John Smith Barry decided to make Fota his home and he commissioned Irish architects Richard Morrison and his son, William, to convert the lodge into an elegant residence.

The house, which has more than 70 rooms, has remained virtually unchanged since and visitors today can glimpse the great craftsmanship that was found in Ireland in the 18th and 19th centuries.

It is home to one of the finest collections of Irish art in the country donated by the McCarthy family.

Originally posted here:
Varadkar pays tribute to all involved in Fota House restoration

SAN RAMON, Calif., Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --Canadian Solar Inc. (the "Company", or "Canadian Solar")(CSIQ), one of the world's largest solar companies, announced today it will partner with the largest privately held roofing company in the United StatesPetersenDeanon a new roofing program the company is introducing. PetersenDean has launched a successful solar division and will actively promote the new roofing program, capitalizing on its decades of roofing experience to improve the installation quality and costs for installation of a residential solar system.

"Canadian Solar is proud to partner with PetersenDean, a leader in bringing solar to the residential market and well known for quality workmanship and materials," said, Alan King, general manager of Canadian Solar USA. "We are pleased to support this award-winning company in an important new program that will help make clean, renewable energy a reality for consumers nationwide."

"We are committed to our partnership with Canadian Solar, and are pleased to offer its high quality solar products in this exclusive program," said Jim Petersen, CEO of PetersenDean. "We believe that Canadian Solar's fiscal strength, quality products, and strong performance warranty are assets to our program and ultimately our customers."

Canadian Solar's modules have been rigorously tested and awarded international certifications attesting to their quality, reliability and performance.The Company's modules are ranked among the top of the California Energy Commission's Solar Electric Incentive Program for their high PTC efficiency ratings. Canadian Solar is focused on delivering the best value in solar with their recognized high-performance solar modules and backstop warranty.

PetersenDean will kick off the new program at Santana Row, October 19-21.Find out more at http://www.petersendean.com.

About Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar Inc. (CSIQ) is one of the world's largest solar companies. As a leading vertically integrated provider of ingot, wafer, solar cell, solar module and other solar applications, Canadian Solar designs, manufactures and delivers solar products and solar system solutions for on-grid and off-grid use to customers worldwide. With operations in North America, Europe, Africa, Australia and Asia, Canadian Solar provides premium quality, cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solar solutions to support global, sustainable development. For more information, please visit http://www.canadiansolar.com.

About PetersenDean Roofing and Solar Systems

Headquartered in Fremont, California, as the largest privately held roofing and solar contractor in the United States, and operating in 15 regional offices across the United States, PetersenDean offers something few other companies can: the ability to guarantee all products and installations above the roofline. Our commitment to safety, superior quality customer service, and the environment has earned us an industry-wide reputation for excellence.

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Canadian Solar Partners with PetersenDean on New Roofing Program

The Window Fashion Pros is pleased and excited to announce the recent inclusion of their Synergy Pro window series to the companys already extensive product line of high quality replacement windows and home window treatments. The Window Fashion Pros currently delivers its hallmark level of interior design and home improvement services to customers throughout Southern California.

Simi Valley, CA (PRWEB) October 15, 2012

The Window Fashion Pros Synergy Pro window series offers homeowners the highest quality and value in replacement window technologies with unique design and manufacturing features including energy efficiency, design innovation, and self-cleaning glass technology. The companys vinyl windows ensure consistency in materials, lifespan, and low maintenance, delivering the best value for homeowners in the industry.

The Synergy Pro window line offers the best in energy efficiency to meet stringent Energy Star guidelines. Windows are developed with insulated glass panels with high performance, heat reflective coatings, warm edge spacers and dual weather stripping. Such innovative window features result in reduced household energy costs while improving the overall comfort of the home. The Window Fashion Pros have been recognized industry leaders in glass spacing technology, which reduces trapped moisture and condensation, prevents unwanted heat loss or gain, and reduces the chances of seal failure.

The Window Fashion Pros offer a custom approach to replacement windows in the home, because every home has a different and unique requirement. The company offers an extensive line of Synergy Pro windows available in casement, single-hung, picture, slider, specialty shapes and patio door styles. The vinyl replacement windows also are available in a variety of color options including clay, white and almond, offering homeowners throughout Southern California a truly custom home improvement experience.

The Synergy Pro replacement window series are constructed using a fusion welded approach, minimizing air and water penetration at all joints, resulting in a stronger and more durable window compared to one that is mechanically fastened. The Window Fashion Pros line of windows are all made in the United States, enabling lower transport costs, greater levels of quality assurance, and reducing delivery and installation times to offer a better overall experience for every Window Fashion Pros customer. Customers who own Synergy Pro windows attest to the low maintenance, reduced energy costs, and contribution to higher home resale value, allowing these windows to virtually pay for themselves. These windows require no maintenance, painting, staining, or scraping needed.

As an added level of value and service, the Window Fashion Pros provides a complimentary in-home consultation with a trained and licensed specialist in each customers area. This no-obligation consultation gives customers the opportunity to ask questions, review samples, and get more information on their interior design and replacement window options.

The Window Fashion Pros offers a wide selection of energy efficient San Diego replacement windows and Los Angeles replacement windows. The companys extensive line of window treatments includes custom composite and wood shutters, wood and faux blinds, vertical and aluminum blinds, roller and roman shades, cellular and sheer shades, Los Angeles window blinds, and much more.

The Window Fashion Pros offers over 50 years of combined home improvement and window treatment experience with an unwavering commitment to the highest product quality, value and customer service. They are experts in designing and installing custom replacement window and window treatment solutions to any home. Schedule your free design consultation today. Visit http://www.windowfashionpros.com

Mychael Margott The Window Fashion Pros of Southern California 888-410-0115 Email Information

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The Window Fashion Pros Proudly Announces Recent Product Inclusion of the Synergy Pro Replacement Window Series to ...

GRAND RAPIDS, MI Of all the energy-efficient and LEED-certified buildings in the world, a little brick office building at 502 Second St. NW stands as the LEED champ.

The owners of Catalyst Partners and M Retail Solutions said Monday their 95-year-old office building has earned a LEED Platinum certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, with 66 of 69 points awarded.

Its the most points to date of any project in the world under the LEED for New Construction v2.2 Rating System, according to Catalyst Partners President Keith Winn and M Retail Solutions President Chris Muller.

The cool part is that this little building can achieve such a distinction, said Muller, sitting in a roomy conference area that once housed a tool and die shop and before that, a flour mill.

Grand Rapids was known to have the highest number of LEED-certified projects per capita and now we have the honor of having the project with the highest number of LEED points in the world, within our city limits, said Mayor George Heartwell, in a news release.

This LEED Platinum project, located in the citys West Side neighborhood, will continue to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and restorative development in Grand Rapids and the West Michigan area for many years to come, Heartwell said.

Built 95 years ago as a fireproof building for the Watkins Higgins Milling Co., the structure is now chock full of the latest in energy-efficient engineering while retaining a cool loft-style ambiance.

It features a state-of-the-art geothermal heating and cooling system, solar panels on the roof and re-purposed materials that include the former gym floor from Iroquois Middle School and doors from the Harrison Park Elementary School.

Outside, all of the rainwater that falls on the property flows to a rain garden. Elsewhere on the property, theres a neighborhood garden and native plants that were rescued by students from Calvin College and Grand Valley State University.

Besides having an office building that is 60 percent less expensive to operate than a traditional office space, the building also serves as a showcase for the owners talents in finding and creating energy efficiencies.

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Little brick building on Grand Rapids' West Side achieves the world's highest LEED rating

BUILDING PERMITS

Boulder

Building construction permits over $10,000 in value that were approved in Boulder between Oct. 1 and Oct. 7, 2012. Listed below are: the case number; address; total project valuation; owner name; contractor (if applicable); and description.

PMT2012-02980; 3080 Broadway; $324,000; Attention Inc.; Symmetry Builders Inc.; addition and remodel for Attention Homes residential care facility, increasing from 12 to 20 beds. See ADR2012-00044 and ADR2012-00045 for minor modification and conditional use review. See case notes for floor area calculations.

PMT2012-04167; 4950 Thunderbird Drive; $22,404; Frasier Meadows; Frasier Meadows Manor; interior remodel of 300 square feet of an existing assisted living facility to create a new memory care unit, includes installation of new secure entries, new emergency exit, and new resident lounge area. All exterior work through separate permit. Associated electrical and mechanical.

PMT2012-04281; 933 Mapleton Ave.; $130,000; Michael Sherman; Sugarloaf Building Co. Inc.; construction of a new detached accessory building -- 344 square feet with half-bath and 129-square-foot porch. Associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing. See HIS2012-00172 for approved landmark alteration certificate.

PMT2012-04332; 765 Hartford Drive; $88,226; Gerald and Natasha Rigg; second story addition of 858 square feet and remodel of 130 square feet to existing single-family residence, addition to include new master bedroom, study, bath and reading room. New front porch of 96 square feet and second level deck of 100 square feet. Associated electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

PMT2012-04539; 1720 14th St.; $28,000; 1720 Building; City of Boulder; interior tenant remodel of 418 square feet of office area for Information Resources Landlink replacement and TBBI projects.

PMT2012-04795; 836 13th St.; $19,550; Spruce Street; Sobo Design and Build; remodel existing three-car detached garage at rear of property, scope of work includes installation of exterior stucco, replace existing garage doors with new overhead doors, associated electrical work.

PMT2012-04801; 4949 Pearl East Circle; $25,054; P125678 LLC; Rincon Development Inc.; Suite 300 interior demolition and new construction of non-load bearing partition walls, interior remodel of 340 square feet.

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Boulder building permits: Oct. 15, 2012

WORK to reconstruct the retaining wall on the Nepean Highway in Frankston begins this week.

The wall was under construction in April when it experienced movement and collapsed.

As a result, VicRoads engaged ARUP Pty Ltd, an external consultant, to do an independent investigation into the incident.

VicRoads regional director Metro South East, Peter Todd, said that a gabion wall was still the most appropriate structure for the site, subject to the use of a lighter backfilling material, which will reduce the load imposed on it.

"A gabion retaining wall is flexible, strong, durable and cost effective. It involves minimal excavation in its construction and allows the growth of vegetation, which enhances the environment," Mr Todd said.

The new retaining wall design has been independently verified to ensure the safety of road users and workers.

The reconstruction of the new wall began on October 15.

No lanes will be closed to motorists as a result of the works.

But VicRoads requests that all road users observe the 40km/h speed limit.

The bicycle lane and footpath will continue to be unavailable for use throughout the duration of the work.

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HAVE YOUR SAY: Slow going as Frankston retaining wall work resumes

A couple years ago, the Zwingli United Church of Christ on Wile Avenue in Souderton had some bad luck.

In late June 2008, Senior Pastor Butch Kuykendall woke to a phone call from a member of the church saying his church was engulfed in flames.

About four years later, on Sept. 30, 2012, Kuykendall placed a white cornerstone in the outside wall of the church, marking the official end of reconstruction following the fire. The event took place 50 years to the day after the church was formed in Souderton in 1962.

The church was originally founded in 1887, which means this year marks the churchs 125th anniversary.

After the fire, in which no one was seriously hurt, according to Kuykendall, the church began fundraising to reconstruct the church. In the meantime, services were held at the Indian Valley Boys & Girls Clubs gymnasium a spot where Kuykendall would give sermons for about three years.

They [the Boys & Girls Club] were wonderful, as was Univest, who Kuykendall said gave them office space for their administrative needs.

Attendance remained fairly consistent throughout the years at the Boys & Girls Club, according to Kuykendall, and the church actually gained members. Some members joined the church during the time services were at the Boys & Girls Club, while other members have been with the church for 60 years, Kuykendall said.

The community really supported us, said Kuykendall, who will have been a pastor at the church for 15 years this coming February. It was incredible.

About two years after the fire, reconstruction of the church started, and it would end up taking a little over three years to finish it.

In August 2011, the members moved back to their location on Wile Avenue, though construction wasnt fully finished. Continued...

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Zwingli UCC in Souderton holds cornerstone ceremony 50 years to the day after church was formed

Dust flew around 60 members of the Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian Church as they grabbed a rope and pulled an old plow across a plot of land in the shadow of Cheyenne Mountain.

Shovels would not do for the late Sunday morning groundbreaking of their new church at 4450 Westmeadow Drive.

We wanted something that could help visualize the fact that God is doing this through all of us together, Senior Pastor Jim Alexander told congregants before guiding the plow in dress shoes and a suit. This is about Gods glory ... walking together in one direction, pulling together in one direction.

After years of bouncing from place to place, meeting in schools and renting and sharing buildings with other congregations, Cheyenne Mountain Presbyterian, established in 1996, will have a place to call their own within a year.

The $2.4 million dollar project has been a decade in the making.

The church bought the 6-acre plot of land 10 years ago and paid it off last year. The 140-member congregation raised $230,000 for the land and $440,000 toward the construction of Phase I of the project a 300-seat church.

The congregation now shares a space with other churches at 1615 E. Cheyenne Road. People outside the congregation chipped into help build the church, which will focus on military outreach.

The land is in a residential neighborhood near Highway 115 and Academy Boulevard, minutes away from Fort Carsons main gate. Alexanders goal is to have a large impact on the military community, which has struggled with issues including repeated deployments, suicide and domestic violence.

Alexander appointed retired Air Force Maj. Jim Franks, whom he met in seminary school, as the churchs military outreach coordinator.

Franks said faith got him through a 22-year career that included frequent moves and a deployment to the Philippines.

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Church pulls together for new building, military support

SAN ANTONIO- A blaze destroyed an appliance repair shop on the west side. Heavy smoke and fire damage also took over a neighboring church in its path.

The flames ignited around 4:30 Sunday morning along the 9800 block of Marbach, and quickly intensified. Bright orange flames could be seen shooting up into the sky. Fire fighters battled the fire but in the end it proved to be too much to tame. The damage had been done.

You can see the devastation of the roof. I couldn't get into the other room to show you the part where we actually had a fire wall there that actually protected the church from actually burning up, explained Pastor Terrell Jackson of Faith Based Institute.

The church and the appliance shop both leased space from the building owner who said he had insurance and plans to rebuild.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Blaze destroys appliance shop and neighboring church