Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

The Palm Desert library will close April 7 to make way for a $3.5 million makeover.

After the library closes for business that day, it will close for about six months of reroofing, repainting and recarpeting, along with installation of an automated self-checkout system with a conveyor belt.

The furniture will be replaced. The number of public computer terminals will triple from 12 to 36.

We outgrew 12 computers 15 years ago, City Librarian Jeannie Kays said.

Officials had expected the work to begin sometime last summer, but bureaucratic delays kept pushing the date back.

There also was uncertainty whether it would happen at all, since it's being paid for by redevelopment funds, which the the state will now absorb.

But the Riverside County Board of Supervisors authorized spending the money in time.

We're very lucky, Kays said.

The library opened in 1996, and opinions are mixed as to whether the carpet, furniture and other features are worn-out enough to warrant the remodeling.

This is a much nicer library than I'm used to having, said Peter Fremstad, a winter Palm Desert resident from Pigeon Falls, Wis. It seems unnecessary, when there's so much of a need for money in other areas of the government.

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Date set for Palm Desert library closure

Garden City, New York - WAC Lighting President Shelley Wald announced that the Sol(TM) Organic LED Chandelier was included in Green Builder Magazine's "Hot 50 Products." The magazine described the luminaire as an "EcoChandelier" in the February issue, which was seen by thousands of builders, remodelers, contractors, architects and designers.

"With eight honors and awards, Sol continues to create a tremendous amount of industry excitement," explained Ms. Wald. "Green Builder is a fabulous magazine and we are honored to have our OLED Chandelier featured in it. Look for new OLED designs from WAC later this year."

According to Green Builder magazine, "Sol Organic LED Chandelier is art. The design sculpturally represents ancient symbols for the sun. Each eco-friendly chandelier is hand-signed and numbered. ORBEOS OLEDs from OSRAM Opt Semiconductors panels distribute the lighting. A total of seven of these (2.1mm) panels produce 420 lumens, ensuring that light in the room is free of undesirable shadows or glare. Each OLED panel is completely cool to the touch."

First of its kind, Sol is a luxury decorative chandelier that embodies a sophisticated design made possible with advancements in new lighting nanotechnology. An expression of true sustainability with energy efficient organic light sources, the luminaire was created without the use of heavy metals or other rare earth materials. It is sustainably created of layers of carbon-based materials that self-illuminate in various colors when energized, without impacting the environment. The chandelier is inherently sustainable; designed around energy efficient and environmentally friendly technology, and individually crafted in WAC Lighting's zero-landfill ISO 14001/9001 certified manufacturing campus.

Adjustable light distribution is delivered for ambient mood lighting, using circular satellite OLED panels that rotate up for indirect lighting, and tilt down to comfortably illuminate the surface below or faces around a table. The central downlight provides direct downward lighting.

About Green Builder's Hot 50 Products Green Builder Media's anticipated annual roundup of the hottest green products is a mix of trusted, well-known brands and new innovative players. The editorial team digs into the specific green features, benefits, and applications of products that can help builders and other industry professionals provide more sustainable options for homebuyers.

About Green Builder Media Green Builder Media, LLC is a leading media company in the North American residential building industry focused exclusively on green building and responsible growth. With a comprehensive suite of print media, online options, demonstration homes, case studies, training and education vehicles, and live events, Green Builder Media assists building professionals prepare themselves for the new green economy.

As advocates for sustainability, this company's properties include: Green Builder magazine, the building industry's magazine focused on green building and sustainable development; The VISION House Series, comprised of demonstration homes built around the country that showcase the latest in green design, building techniques, and products; The ReVISION House Series, a presentation of realistic remodeling options for American families; and Green Builder College, an educational program to offer certification and continuing education to professionals in the housing sector.

The WAC Lighting Story WAC Lighting is a leading global manufacturer and innovative designer of lighting for Luxury Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Institutional, Retail and Architectural applications, specializing in track, recessed, under cabinet, monorail and decorative lighting, as well as new step and wall lights and a sustainable LED collection.

WAC has developed a stellar reputation for upscale decorative and task lighting lines backed by an extraordinary level of service, an unprecedented shipping record, and a Five Year Product Warranty. To reflect Green energy saving strategies, social progress and community involvement, WAC uses the brand standard "Responsible Lighting" that reflects the company's holistic approach to business, encompassing a deep commitment to responsible eco-friendly manufacturing, extensive research/development, energy saving technology, and altruism.

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WAC Lighting's "EcoChandelier" Cited as Hot 50 Products by Green Builder Magazine

MONTREAL, March 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - GENIVAR Inc. (TSX: GNV.TO - News) ("GENIVAR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Smith Carter Architects and Engineers Inc. and Smith Carter (USA) LLC (collectively referred to as "Smith Carter"), international leaders in the areas of integrated architectural design and engineering, are joining the GENIVAR team. Headquartered in Winnipeg and with offices in Calgary, Ottawa, Atlanta and Washington, DC, Smith Carter has a workforce of some 190 employees and has designed some of the world's most complex buildings in some of its most challenging environments.

Scott Stirton, Smith Carter's current Chief Executive Officer, will be joining GENIVAR's National Leadership Committee, where he will play a key role in developing an architectural platform. All of Smith Carter's partners applaud this transaction and will become GENIVAR shareholders.

Smith Carter's core specialities are designing and engineering complex projects in the science and technology, healthcare, security and defence as well as urban impact markets. Known for excelling at high-profile projects, the firm is a world leader in bio-containment laboratory design. Its clients include a mixture of government, academic and healthcare agencies undertaking critical missions, including Boston University, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Defence Construction Canada, the Centers for Disease Control, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Smith Carter's outstanding track record has been recognized with numerous awards, including a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Innovation Award for the use of business information modeling in connection with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2011; a Canadian Architect Award of Excellence for the Women's Hospital at the Winnipeg Health Sciences Centre in 2010; most Innovative Building and Best Building Award for structural, mechanical and electrical engineering in 2005; LEED Platinum status for their headquarters building in 2009; and the Governor General's Medal in ArchitectureCanada's highest architectural honour in 2006.

"We are very pleased to welcome Smith Carter into the GENIVAR family. Smith Carter is recognized as a leading firm in the architectural/engineering building industry. With this transaction, we have achieved two expansion objectives, which were to strengthen our presence in Western Canada and enter the U.S. market, where we believe there are many other opportunities for growth," said Pierre Shoiry, GENIVAR's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Over the past few years, our architecture partnerships has grown significantly, with firms like PBK Architects, ANO Architects, WHW Architects, the Arcop Group and most recently AE Consultants tying up with GENIVAR. The time has now come to unify these practices and their respective areas of expertise. This will be Scott's main responsibility. Under his leadership, we are confident that this architecture practice will become an essential component in GENIVAR becoming a leading global player in the building market," he added.

"We are delighted to be joining GENIVAR, which has a reputation for promoting solid values while focusing on excellence and strong client relationships," said Scott Stirton. "Contributing to GENIVAR's continued success while spearheading the long-term growth of our combined architectural and engineering practices will be a wonderful opportunity for our respective teams. We have similar market capabilities and expertise, complimentary cultures, a focus on design excellence and a passion for professional service delivery that responds to market opportunities and client expectations. Through the power of partnership, we are convinced that GENIVAR will benefit from the knowledge we have honed through years of experience."

ABOUT SMITH CARTER ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS INC. Established in 1947, Smith Carter is one of North America's leading integrated architectural design and engineering firms. With offices in Winnipeg, Calgary, Ottawa, Atlanta and Washington, DC, Smith Carter works with government, institutional and private-sector clients from across Canada and around the world. Offering expertise on all types of complex projects, the firm specializes in designing healthcare and research environments. Smith Carter is committed to supporting the vital urban fabric of the communities in which its projects are located.

ABOUT GENIVAR INC. GENIVAR is a leading Canadian consulting services firm providing private and public-sector clients with a full range of professional consulting services through all project phases, including planning, design, construction and maintenance. Ranging in size, its clients operate in various market segments, including the building, industrial and energy, municipal infrastructure, transportation and environmental sectors. GENIVAR is one of the largest engineering services companies in Canada by number of employees, with more than 5,500 managers, professionals, technicians, technologists and support staff in over 100 cities in Canada and internationally. http://www.genivar.com

Forward-looking statements Certain information regarding GENIVAR contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although GENIVAR believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and may be based on assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. GENIVAR's forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The complete version of the cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements as well as a description of the relevant assumptions and risk factors likely to affect GENIVAR's actual or projected results are included in the Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and nine-month periods ended October 1, 2011 and the year ended December 31, 2010, which are available on SEDAR at http://www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof and GENIVAR does not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless expressly required by applicable securities laws.

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Smith Carter joins forces with GENIVAR

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

CIM Group announced today that it has closed on its majority investment in the high-rise residential tower and retail development site located at 303 East 51st Street in Midtown Manhattan. Construction at the .39-acre property at the northeast corner of 51st Street and 2nd Avenue is expected to begin later this year. The existing capital partners in the development, ACRO Real Estate and Polar Investments, will remain as minority equity investors in the project, and affiliates of CIM Group and HFZ Capital Group will co-develop the property.

The project, designed by SLCE Architects, will comprise a 32-story, approximately 273,750 square foot tower and base design containing 123 units averaging 1,568 square feet per unit. The base of building, floors 1 through 7, will include the building lobby and approximately 9,000 square feet of ground floor retail space. The building will also contain up to 32 parking spaces in the sub-cellar level.

Located in the heart of Midtown East, 303 East 51st Street offers excellent access to mass transit, some of the Manhattans finest restaurants and retail destinations, as well as the Citys largest central business district.

About CIM Group

CIM Group is a premier real estate fund manager that makes private equity and/or debt investments in urban communities throughout North America, utilizing its full array of investment and operational expertise to maximize returns while mitigating risks. With offices in Los Angeles, Bay Area, Bethesdaand New York, CIM has three distinct portfolios each diversified by geography and type of property. They include: Opportunistic or repositioning and development projects in established and emerging urban areas; Stabilized/Core or well-positioned operating properties in transitional districts; and Infrastructure or properties serving the public interest. Once involved in a qualified community, CIM seeks to routinely make additional investments in order to support the growth of the community and enhance the value of its previous investments. For more information, please visit http://www.cimgroup.com.

About HFZ Capital Group

HFZ Capital Group is a Manhattan-based real estate investment and development company founded by Ziel Feldman. With expertise in a broad range of real estate disciplines including underwriting analytics, structured finance, investment, development and asset management, HFZ Capital Group has built an excellent reputation based on its breadth of talent, creative approach to deal structuring and unique ability to manage risk. The companys depth of experience ensures strong returns for both partners and investors. For more information, please visit http://www.hfzcap.com

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CIM Group Closes on Investment in Residential and Retail Development at 303 East 51st Street

Despite the unseasonably warm weather, Eagan residents crowded into a room in the city's community center Wednesday night, March 14, to get a first peek at the sprawling retail center that will take the place of defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

Reactions were mixed to developer CSM Corp.'s proposal for a 500,000-square-foot pedestrian-friendly retail center at the intersection of busy Pilot Knob and Yankee Doodle roads.

The plan includes room for large retail tenants in addition to smaller shops, restaurants and possibly a bank. CSM initially proposed a mixed-use development that would include 75,000 square feet of office space, but those plans were nixed after a market study was done, company representatives said.

At least one resident, a former Lockheed employee, was pleased with what she saw.

"I'm so glad you guys aren't putting a nasty old strip mall in there," said Laura Traeger, who said she worked for Lockheed Martin for 33 years.

But she and others worried there wouldn't be enough parking, especially during the busy holiday season.

CSM Vice President Thomas Palmquist said his company was working on a plan for a shuttle service from the transit station that sits across the intersection from the 51-acre property, which could help with overflow parking during the busy season.

Still, representatives assured residents the plan meets the number of parking spaces required by the city for a retail development.

Architects at the community

Three ponds occupy corners of the proposal, and a decorative water feature would accompany one of the ponds. The pedestrian entrance would include a terraced park with seating and a space for events, Palmquist said. Landscape architects would use native plants in the development, and the park would include interpretive signs that would explain the vegetation used and talk about the site's history.

Originally posted here:
Eagan residents see plans for 500,000-square-foot retail center in Lockheed Martin space

SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WattStopper announced today two appointments to its executive management team. Jim Young will join the company as Vice President of Sales and Marketing while Shireen Zekanoski becomes the Vice President of Operations and Engineering.

Young joins WattStopper from a series of senior positions with Acuity Brands, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the company's specialty group, encompassing Winona Lighting, Peerless, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, and Mark Architectural Lighting brands. Prior to that, he held executive-level positions with Peerless Lighting for seven years. A graduate of Sonoma State University with a degree in planning and energy management, Young is a member of IESNA and IALD. "Emerging technologies like LED lighting, and evolving market trends, such as increasing regulatory demands for maximum energy efficiency, are creating opportunities and challenges. Control solutions are at the heart of these trends and WattStopper has proven itself as a leader in bringing new ideas forward to reduce energy waste for nearly 30 years It's an exciting time to join the WattStopper team and find new ways to partner with customers to maximize energy performance," Young observed.

Zekanoski has held numerous senior positions with Silicon Valley companies over the past ten years, including NeoPhotonics, Apple, Celerity, and 3Com. Most recently, Zekanoski served as Vice President of Global Operations for Santur Corporation (acquired by NeoPhotonics) in San Jose. Prior to that, Zekanoski held various positions with increasing responsibility at Apple Computer where she led the NPI Program for the Portables Operations division and managed the business operations for one of the company's fastest paced product lines, the iPod.

"We're delighted to welcome Jim and Shireen," WattStopper President Dean Pournaras said. "Their vision and industry savvy will help WattStopper continue its rich heritage of innovation while also positioning the company for continued growth in a rapidly changing marketplace."

WattStopper (www.wattstopper.com), a Legrand group brand, is a leading manufacturer of energy efficient lighting controls for commercial and residential use. We help customers find convenient ways to save energy, meet green initiatives, and comply with energy codes with our comprehensive range of products, programs, and services. Legrand (www.legrandelectric.com), located in Limoges, France, is the world specialist in products and systems for electrical installations and information networks, offering solutions for use in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.

Contact: Rita A. Renner rita.renner@wattstopper.com 408-486-7526

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WattStopper Appoints Two Industry Veterans to Management Team

GRAND RAPIDS Walking through the Meyer May House with Site Manager Don Dekker, Steelcase eases gently into his story.

Just as the homes architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, challenged the world of architecture and design to explore how they designed houses, Steelcase challenges the business world to re-examine and explore how they design the workplace, Dekker explains.

But visitors would be hard-pressed to find the Steelcase name or logo anywhere in the Meyer May house. Its only found on a historic plaque outside the house and on a small plaque near the entrance.

Its part of Steelcases philosophy of quiet competence, says Dekker, who retired from Steelcase after 37 years and is now the homes site manager and head docent.

After all, the low-slung house at 450 Madison Ave. SE has a story of its own. It was built in 1909, before Steelcases forerunner, the Metal Office Furniture Co., was founded in 1911.

Do you have a Steelcase story? Do you or a family member have a special memory of working for the company? We would love to have you share your story with us. Send us your memory and email it to us at grbusiness@mlive.com with the subject line, Steelcase memory.

Department store owner Meyer May commissioned Wright to build a modern home for himself and his bride to reflect his elegant lifestyle and his 5-foot-4-inch height. Wright designed the homes furniture, windows and ceilings to Mays personal scale in his trademark Prairie style.

But the house didnt remain a Wright masterpiece for long. The tragic death of Mays wife, a new wife who didnt like Wrights furniture, an addition for her children and subsequent owners who divided the house up into three rental units had left the house in poor repair by the mid-1980s.

RELATED: More coverage of Steelcase's 100th anniversary

Thats when Steelcase stepped in. By then the worlds leading office furniture manufacturer, Steelcase wanted to make a design statement and Wright fit the bill perfectly.

Continue reading here:
Why Steelcase has long link to legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Steelcase at 100)

According to Atlantic radio station, KJAN, The Vision Iowa Board, Wednesday, awarded $134,642 in grants to the restoration of the Johnny Carson Birthplace home and a trail project in Des Moines.

The grants were approved by the Vision Iowa Board at their meeting in Des Moines. In Corning, a $21,100 Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grant fund was awarded to the Johnny Carson Birthplace Home Restoration Project, which is expected to cost $139,100.

The grant award, which is the exact amount requested by the restoration group, is contingent upon completion of fundraising within 30 days. The project includes the full restoration of Johnny Carsons birthplace home. When completed, the home will be permanently maintained as a 1925 period home with memorabilia of Carsons life and career.

The Vision Iowa Program provides financial incentives to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa.

Currently, 353 CAT awards have been granted by the board, amounting to more than $132.9-million.

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Grant Awarded To Restore Johnny Carson Birthplace

A Winslow Dining Hall student employee works where Paula Amols, director of Dining Services and Racer Hospitality, hopes to install a Mongolian grill this summer. || Melissa Ruhlman/The News

Chris WilcoxStaff writer

Winslow Dining Hall and the Thoroughbred Room are slated to undergo several changes during the summer of 2012.

Changes include equipment renovation, new utilities and newly offered services.

Winslow will gain two combination ovens and one cook-and-hold oven. The T-Room will also be gaining a pair of each.

Combination ovens are programmable, standardizing the cooking process. The machines combine the abilities of convection and steam cooking ovens.

Paula Amols, director of Dining Services and Racer Hospitality, said the additions will provide quality fried food in a healthier way and will create less food waste. She said these ovens cook much quicker than the ovens used now. Adding these ovens will require the venue to have gas lines.

The addition of cook-and-hold ovens will allow for venues to produce food overnight.

These additions will ensure consistency no matter who is working, she said. It will really improve the quality and efficiency of service.

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Winslow, T-Room to undergo renovations

VALLEY FORGE, PA -- CertainTeed is making installation much easier with the introduction of a J-Pocket trimboard with Cut-out in its Restoration Millwork PVC line. The cut-out allows the trimboard to lie flush with the siding around windows and doors with built-in nail flanges, allowing for more perfect miter cuts at the corners.

"Before, contractors had to spend valuable jobsite time on window and door trim carpentry," says Patti Pellock, senior marketing manager for CertainTeed Restoration Millwork. "Now there is no worrying about imprecise and expensive do-overs. The new J-Pocket with Cut-out creates an instant, perfect and flat installation."

The Restoration Millwork J-Pocket with Cut-out is available in a 4-inch width with nominal 5/4-inch thickness with either Smooth or TrueTexture woodgrain. It joins the existing standard J-Pocket trimboard line, which includes smooth or woodgrain finishes in 4- and 6-inch widths. J-Pocket trimboards come with FinishedEdge, a smooth finish created by a proprietary heat-sealing process that prevents dirt from collecting on the surface.

Made from cellular polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the Restoration Millwork full line of trim, beadboard and accessories is engineered to look, feel and work like top-grade lumber. Unlike wood, however, it is made with a long-lasting, low-maintenance material that is resistant to rotting, warping, moisture and insects. Offered in Natural White finish, Restoration Millwork can also be painted to complement exterior colors. It can be cut using ordinary woodworking tools and fastened with nails or screws.

In addition, Restoration Millwork complements all siding materials -- including vinyl, fiber cement, wood, stucco and brick -- and is ideal for single- and multi-family housing, light commercial developments and remodeling projects. It is highly resistant to yellowing caused by UV rays, resists freezing during winter months, features a Class A (Class 1) flame spread classification and is backed by a 25-year limited warranty.

For more information, visit http://www.certainteed.com.

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New CertainTeed Restoration Millwork J-Pocket Eases Installation of Corner Trim