Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

In July we spoke to Chief Percy Guichon regarding his award at the AFN General Assembly held in Moncton in June 2011, and the chief was pleased to discuss their success in forestry over the past two decades in the B.C. Central Interior.

By Malcolm McColl

WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C.Tsi Del Del is the name of our community in the Chilcotin langauge meaning Red Stone, explains Chief Percy Guichon. The company started 19 years ago, out of need to put our youth in the major forest industry that is operating around us, as a way of ensuring we had a company and meaningful way to manage Red Stone resources. The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) announced that Percy, Chief of the Alexis Creek Indian Band, and Tsi Del Del Enterprises of Chilanko Forks, B.C., won the FPAC/AFN Business Leadership Award. Chief Guichon was honoured on Jul 14, 2011, at the AFN General Assembly in Moncton.

We have a forest license, which started out jointly with major licensee at Williams Lake, Jacobsons Brothers, boiught by Riverside, now owned by Tolko Industries. The goal has always been to keep generating employment for members, says Percy. We have probably about 30 loggers and we operate in traditional territory with everything from skidders to hand buckers. Today we are fully engaged in all forestry operations including processors and bunchers.

Tsi Del Dell is a road- side logging operation, stump-to-dump. We have our own in-house forestry planning branch conducting block layout at pre-harvest, and now, including post-harvest silviculture operations, we are A to Z in forestry, including timber cruisers. We operate competitively on timber bids, often beating others rates on the bids. The operations occur in the West Chilcotin area of B.C., and personnel in the company includes a key man educated as a Registered Forestry Technician who does all our consulting. Depending on project, we will consult others.

The Tsi Del Dell success has spun off other Band-owned businesses, including logging truck owners and operators within the Band. The core of operations run from west of Williams Lake by about 2 hours. Percy explains, The other major component to our winning the award is from a certain percentage of the profit income generated being incorporated into training and skills development in the company. Fifty cents per Cubic Metre of harvest is put aside for training and schooling for Band members in post-secondary education and training.

The program of further education has produced personnel with a forest technician diploma, while another Band member went all the way to get his masters in forestry, and the education component continues to grow. The Band is building capacity and social capital to prepare for new opportunities, including, getting our more of our own Forest License.

Operating successfully under the B.C. Forest Range department programs and the Mountain Pine Beetle uplift of timber volumes, We get to put money aside for housing, which is essential because housing funding is inadequate from INAC. The Band has 650 on the list, and only 350 get to live on-reserve. Some would like to move home. Tsi Del Del operations go from spring to break-up, ten months of the year, and silviculture work is conducted annually. We are working under existing forest licenses and the Band will have its own awarded, to which we will be the sub-contractor.

Nupqu runs lean in growing forestry concern By Malcolm McColl

Nupqu Development Corporation started on April 1, 2009, explains Norm Fraser, when Ktunaxa Kinbasket Development Corp was absorbed, It became a new corporation and this was done for variety of reasons, but Nupqu took on the operations (of 13 years development) previously done by KKDC. Nupqu bought all the assets.

Follow this link:
Category: Private Property Created on Monday, 07 May 2012 10:12 Last Updated on Monday, 07 May 2012 16:09 Published Date

CALGARY , May 8, 2012 /CNW/ - Chief Executive Officer and President Bob Dhillon of Mainstreet Equity Corp. is pleased to report the Q2 2012 results, stating that, "The Q2 results demonstrate that the Corporation's business model continues to deliver and create shareholder value." Mr. Dhillon added that, "The numbers tell the story."

Results: Funds from operations ("FFO") were up 53% to $3.2 million (before disposition of an investment property and stock option cash settlement expense), versus $2.1 million in Q2 2011, while operating margins were at 61% versus 58% in Q2 2011.

Overall net operating income ("NOI") was up 22% to $11.1 million , while same asset NOI was up 9% versus Q2 2011. Rental revenues were up 17% year-over-year, at $17.9 million in Q2 2012 versus $15.3 million in Q2 2011. Finally, in Q2 2012, same asset revenues were up 4%.

The vacancy rate continued to trend downwards. As of May 1, 2012 the overall vacancy rate was down to 6.7% (inclusive of all unstabilized acquisitions), while the average vacancy rate for Q2 2012 was at 8.2% compared to 11.8% a year earlier.

Growth: Mainstreet continues to grow its portfolio of properties. Since the beginning of the financial year, Mainstreet has acquired an additional 607 units for a total consideration of $59 million . After the closing of all acquisitions subsequent to Q2 2012, Mainstreet's portfolio will increase to 7,969 units, which represents an 8.2% expansion in the size of the portfolio. Mainstreet is presently working to absorb these unstabilized units into the portfolio as per the Mainstreet value chain, and looking for additional opportunities to make accretive additions. Once again, this growth was achieved organically with no equity dilution (except for stock option dilution).

Financing: Mainstreet continued to capitalize on low interest rates on CMHC insured financing in Q2 2012 financing $19 million long-term, ten-year CMHC-insured mortgages at an average interest rate of 3.11%. In the process, the Corporation unlocked $17.5 million in funds that can now be deployed towards growth-oriented opportunities going forward. Subsequent to Q2 2012, Mainstreet refinanced an additional $23 million in debt into long-term, ten-year CMHC insured mortgage at an average interest rate of 3.30% unlocking a further $4.2 million in capital for growth.

Outlook: The west is where Canada's economic growth is happening, and the Management believes Mainstreet is perfectly positioned to grow alongside it.

In the recent federal budget, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty stated that the majority of Canada's near-term economic growth would take place in the west in general and in Alberta in particular. The macro trends support this view, with continued positive net in-migration, strong oil prices and a political culture that's favourable to business.

The management believes Mainstreet is Canada's most concentrated real-estate play on western Canada's growing prosperity, and it will continue to press this local advantage to expand its portfolio of holdings.

But Mainstreet will not depend on macro-trends alone. It remains committed to driving costs down, and has pioneered a global supply chain of people, products and services. In addition to its proactive work in securing foreign workers, Mainstreet also continues to build out its pipeline of high-quality, low-cost materials and supplies direct from manufacturers in China . This has already yielded considerable cost savings on everything from kitchen cabinets to laminate flooring and ceramic tiles, and Mainstreet believes that these relationships will be expanded to include other necessary materials going forward.

Read the original here:
Mainstreet Equity Corp. continues to deliver value to shareholders in Second Quarter 2012

Historic downtown buildings that house homeless families from Pasadena and Glendale are now showing the planet some love.

On Thursday, Union Station Homeless Services unveiled the eco-friendly renovation of Euclid Villa, funded by a $1.18 million Los Angeles County Community Development Commission grant.

Among other improvements, the 14-unit complex near the Pasadena Convention Center received solar panels, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, new flooring, a garden makeover with drought-tolerant plants and a padded-cork surface for its playground.

Pasadena Water and Power contributed water- and energy-saving appliances for each apartment.

Euclid Villa serves both the Pasadena and Glendale housing agencies and takes an equal number of families from each city.

Since 1999, 117 families 100 of them led by single moms have spent between six months and two years at Euclid Villa before obtaining permanent housing, said Union Station Executive Director Marvin Gross. Thats 338 people, 211 of them children, he said.

Kassaundra Escobar, 18, her mother and three younger siblings moved into Euclid Villa on Christmas Eve after spending more than two months at the Ascencia shelter in southwest Glendale.

It was a real blessing, said Escobar.

The renovations will improve quality of life for Euclid Villas temporary residents, reduce operating costs for Union Station and extend the lifespan of the facility, said Gross.

Euclid Villa consists of two adjoined buildings a 10,400-square-foot former nursing home built in 1945 and an 8,800-square-foot Colonial Revival home built in 1900 as a school for girls and listed on the National Register for Historic Places.

Continue reading here:
Facility for homeless families gets an energy-saving makeover

Are you thinking about remodeling your drab kitchen?

Be warned: Remodeling projects will not always fill your pockets with cash when your home sells. In fact, you might not recoup the entire cost of the project.

Experts warn against dumping thousands of dollars into a renovation before researching the project.

"Know what other homes in your neighborhood are selling for," said Michelle Jennings Wiebe, founder and president of Studio M Interior Design in Tampa, Fla. "You want your home to be in a similar range. If you spend $100,000 on a kitchen remodel, and other similar comparable homes have $20,000 kitchens, then you will not recoup your investment."

While the Great Recession forced many homeowners to delay selling their homes, kitchen remodels jumped 36 percent in the third quarter of 2011, according to the National Kitchen and Bath Association.

The biggest issues that homeowners face with renovations are the problems that arise during demolition. Budgets should include money for unexpected expenses.

"I would recommend adding at least a 20 percent contingency to any budget," Wiebe said.

She offered these recommendations when tackling renovations:

-- Hire a highly recommended general contractor with at least three references with past jobs comparable to your remodel job.

-- If you are doing the work yourself, make sure you know what you are doing. It's common for homeowners to hire designers

Continued here:
Renovate your kitchen, but don't expect a windfall when you sell

by Kathleen Stinson - May. 8, 2012 11:31 AM Special for The Republic

Queen Creek got a big boost when the Town Council approved construction of a large medical office building, paving the way for for what it hopes will be an influx of medical jobs.

The 87,410-square-foot health center will be on an 11.78-acre parcel of land on the west side of Ellsworth Loop Road south of Victoria Lane in the Town Center.

Banner Health Center-Queen Creek is expected to provide office space for 12 physicians and a staff of 30-35 employees in the first phase; the single-story structure will eventually contain 23,426 square feet.

The second phase will add a two-story building with another 63,984 square feet and is expected to provide offices for 36 physicians and a staff of 135-140 employees.

Total cost of the building through Phase 2 is estimated to be $45 million, said Bill Smith, project supervisor for Banner Health Systems. Construction is expected to begin in August with a tentative date opening in April.

The council last week approved a request from C. Dale Willis, on behalf of Victoria Lund Investment Group, LLC, to rezone the land from a multiple residential to general commercial with a planned area development overlay. The town also approved the site plan.

Council member Robin Benning said attracting such an employer into the town center would generate higher-income jobs than would help nearby fast-food restaurants and retail businesses.

Doreen Cott, the town economic development director, said the location of Banner Health Center is "also within the town's redevelopment area, which not only helps to meet the redevelopment goals of the community, but also serves as an employment anchor in the Town Center. Projects like this also tend to become an economic catalyst for other health care-related businesses."

"I'm excited about bringing this project to Queen Creek," Vice Mayor Jeff Brown said. "It is a good first step in establishing a relationship with Banner."

Excerpt from:
Queen Creek Town Council approves medical-office site

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

KBR (NYSE: KBR - News) announced today that KBR Building Group has been awarded a contract by LCORa leading real estate development companyto provide construction services for Aurora, a luxury high-rise residential project in North Bethesda, Md.

The 18-story,311,000-square-foot Auroratargeted for LEED Certificationwill feature 341 units with a 135,000-square-foot, two-level, below-grade parking garage with 386parking spaces. Aurora is the second of four high-rise residential buildings to be constructed in LCORs phased development at North Bethesda Center at White Flint Metrorail Station.

The planned Aurora development includes a downtown streetscape decorated with brick pavers, granite cobbles and planting beds. Auroras amenities include a two-story lobby with concierge station, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, clubroom with private rooftop terrace, business center and conference room. A landscaped community green will serve as a centrally located outdoor plaza providing leisure space for the residents of North Bethesda Center.

We are proud to contribute to LCORs newest addition to the White Flint neighborhood revitalization, said Philip Southerland, President, KBR Building Group. KBR Building Group is pleased to provide its knowledge and expertise in green building and construction to construct this new facility.

KBR is a global engineering, construction and services company supporting the energy, hydrocarbon, government services, minerals, civil infrastructure, power, industrial, and commercial markets.For more information, visit http://www.kbr.com.

Editor Notes:

Continued here:
KBR Building Group to Construct Luxury High-Rise Residential Project, Aurora

NEWPORT BEACH, CA--(Marketwire -05/08/12)- JG Construction, a Chino, Calif.-based commercial/retail contracting firm, has begun demolition of existing structures and site preparation under a construction contract for Newport Place, a 12,351 square-foot retail center at 4221-4225 MacArthur Blvd.

The experienced contractor will build two single-story retail/commercial buildings, parking, landscaping and hardscape improvements. Designed by Stoutenborough Inc. Architects and Planners of Laguna Beach (www.stoutenboroughinc.com) with a California Modern style, the project is expected to be completed in late summer.

A project of Ridgeway Development, also of Newport Beach, the center is the first new retail space in the area in a number of years, according to developer and former Mayor Tod Ridgeway. It is expected to revitalize a previously underperforming stretch along MacArthur between Birch Street and Von Karman Avenue.

"We believe, as does the city, that this area needs a shot in the retail arm," said Ridgeway. "Along with access from MacArthur, Newport Place will offer a lively presence amid the predominantly office uses on this stretch."

Tenants that have signed leases are 7-11 and Capriotti's Deli. It is expected that the site will include a bank, another small restaurant and retail stores.

Founded in 1979, JG Construction is a Certified Woman Owned Business and licensed general contractor in 11 western states including Hawaii. Along with JG Service Company, the two entities comprise family-owned JG Companies and serve national commercial/retail clients with a vast range of projects, from ground-up to tenant improvements to interior remodels. JG Service Company for more than 33 years has provided electrical, mechanical and construction repair services to facility managers and property owners throughout California. For more information, please visit http://www.jgconstruction.com, or contact Nan Richardson at (909) 993-9393, or nanr@jgconstruction.com.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1974648

See original here:
JG Construction Building Specialty Retail Project in Newport Beach

Saturday, May 5, 2012

MAYOR Mauricio Domogan expressed concern over the unreleased funds for the Irisan Controlled Dump Facilitys retaining wall.

Funds that were promised by the National Government are needed badly to rehabilitate the damaged portion of the wall where the trash spilled over. The amount of P80 million will come from the Department of Public Works and Highways fund, Domogan said.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

The mayor said documentary requirements asked by the National Government have been complied, including the program of work for the rehabilitation of the retaining wall.

We really need to repair the wall immediately, hopefully funds will be released before the onset of the rainy season, Domogan said.

City Environment and Parks Management head Cordelia Lacsamana is now coordinating with the City Engineers Office for the possibility of re-profiling its present slope. (Paul Rillorta)

Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on May 05, 2012.

Here is the original post:
Mayor prays for release of funds for dumpsite

The Massachusetts Land Court decision issued last month affirms what was established two years ago that Borden Light Marina Inc. built a 630-foot concrete retaining wall without permits while the marina president, Michael Lund, was a member of the City Council.

The finding of facts and decision by Associate Justice Judith Cutler in favor of The Landing at South Park Condominium Association said Borden Light did not obtain permits before doing the work.

Director of Inspectional Services Joseph Biszko supplied the building permit Borden Light obtained on April 29, 2010 months after the wall was built.

They had already put it up. They put it up without a permit, Biszko said.

He said the department issues a verbal warning for a first-time offense and doubles the permit fee for a second one.

Biszko issued the building permit to Robert Guay of Fall River, the structural engineer, based on an estimated $76,000 cost for the wall.

The permit fee was $702, and James Furtado Excavating of Swansea built the wall, according to city records.

There are also questions both in Cutlers court decision and in Guays engineering report about the walls safety.

Guay wrote on April 22, 2010, that a section of wall is higher than the existing design of the wall will allow, and there is no geo-fabric at each level. ... The wall in this section will have to be down and rebuilt per design drawings also submitted, according to inspection records.

There are no indications replacement work has taken place in the past two years.

Read the original post:
Judge says Borden Light Marina built wall without permits

A portion of a stone retaining wall between a house at 66 Adams Ave. and 83 Hill St., caved in Thursday, leaving big hunks of debris in the driveway at the Hill Street residence.

The wall is on the Adams Avenue property. A neighbor said there was no question the wall would eventually collapse, the only question was when.

Im glad no one got hurt, commented Karen Booth, who has lived at 83 Hill St. for about 19 years.

Booth said young children were playing near the wall Wednesday night.

As you can see, more is going to come down anytime now, she added.

A portion of the wall gave away early Thursday afternoon. A worker who said he was employed by the landlord of the Adams Avenue property arrived shortly after the wall collapsed to do the clean up. That work was completed, and yellow caution tape was strung around the area.

Jeff Johnson, Hornell codes enforcement officer, said he spoke with landlord Dean Hoag Thursday to make sure the debris would be cleared away. Johnson also spoke with Booth. Johnson also said the landlord must find a permanent solution for the wall.

I am going to stay on it and see to it that it gets fixed, Johnson said.

The rest is here:
Portion of retaining wall collapses in Hornell, no one hurt