Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

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EDMOND Fairfax property owners' campaign to keep $250,000 to $300,000 garden homes out of their neighborhood failed this week before the city council.

Council members approved a preliminary plat for 31 single-family lots to be built northwest of Covell Road and Sooner Road. The average lot size is 7,500 square feet.

Other homes surrounding the Fairfax golf course are valued at $500,000 and more.

We are very concerned about the small tract home versus the estate, large custom homes, Fred Stanley, 3208 Cumberland, said during his PowerPoint presentation. Garden homes are not appropriate.

Danette Sanchez, 3101 Garden Hill Circle, called the garden homes cookie cutter homes with the same garage doors and same color of brick.

Stanley said the developers, Fairfax Joint Ventures LLC and J.W. Armstrong, promised the homes would cost between $380,000 and $1.3 million.

View the photos.

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Edmond homeowners protest garden homes planned for Fairfax addition

Posted: Mar. 14, 2012 | 12:52 a.m.

Sam Cherry is happy to be downtown again.

Known for the development of two key downtown high-rises, Soho Lofts (where he lives) and Newport Lofts, Cherry took some time away from the downtown scene to regroup after his namesake development group crumbled with the real estate crash.

But Cherry is back downtown and likes what he sees in the new Fremont East District, at Soho with its Lady Sylvia bar opening last summer, a grocery store up and running, and the many overall additions to an area brimming with optimism.

Cherry also shares a common thinking with local businesses of making a connection to The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

"A lot of downtown property owners have reached out to The Smith Center to try to package services. ... Someone might want to do dinner, a cocktail and dessert after the show. ... A downtown hotel could provide shuttle service," said Bill Arent, director of economic and urban development for the city of Las Vegas.

"At Lady Sylvia, we need to do a good job of giving that person a great experience before going to the show or after," Cherry added.

Links to downtown

With businesses wanting to link on the marketing front, there also is a quest for a physical link from Symphony Park to amenities downtown. Newland Development, which oversees the build-out of the 61-acre Symphony Park, doesn't have a lot of big vertical construction announcements on the near horizon. But some of the smaller stuff is important, too.

A pedestrian bridge soon will break ground from the south end of Symphony Park near The Smith Center, crossing the railroad tracks along Symphony Park's eastern border to a parking garage being built for the recently opened City Hall. This link, for which Newland is pursuing federal funds to build, will help Smith Center patrons gain access to Fremont Street.

Excerpt from:
Children's Museum And Center's Links To Downtown Planned

When an architect appeared before the Allentown Planning Commission on Tuesday to seek approval for the hoped-for hotel and office building in the downtown hockey arena complex, she spoke of luxury.

Guests could rent a hotel room whose balcony opens onto the action of a hockey game or concert after enjoying dinner at a high-end restaurant above the arena's main entrance. They could cap off the evening with a drink from a bar or caf downstairs without ever going outside.

Who's going to make this happen?

The commission on Tuesday endorsed new plans for the 8,500-seat hockey arena that now include a 180-room hotel, a seven-story office building and 125-space underground parking garage.

Two members abstained from voting because of stated conflicts of interest. Four others approved the plan, as well as several waivers requested by the arena authority's attorney.

The approval allows Allentown and the arena authority to continue "confidential" discussions with private developers, a city spokesman said.

"The Planning Commission's approval was an important initial step in the public side of the process that enables the private developers to move forward with the assurance that they have approved project use," Mayor Ed Pawlowski said in a statement.

Tim Siegfried, an attorney with Tallman Hudders & Sorrentino, told the commission that the additions weren't initially included in the plans because the arena authority did not know if they were feasible or if a developer would sign on.

There's still no developer, Siegfried said, but architects say the additions are viable.

The Morning Call reported last week that four sources have said the 200,000-square-foot office building will be owned by downtown investor City Center Investment Corp. and occupied by Lehigh Valley Health Network.

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Planning Commission approves hotel, office for hockey arena

Construction projects are currently in progress in the Webster City school district. Future projects have been planned and outlined for the summer months.

High school

Terrazzo flooring: Superintendent Mike Sherwood said that the terrazzo flooring is almost complete in the complex addition. It has been laid, poured, ground, sealed and waxed.

Heating and cooling system: Continued work is being done on the system, it has to be finished before the gym floor can be installed. Sherwood said that it should hopefully be finished in the next couple weeks.

Gym floor prep has been completed. The concrete must have a certain variance, and only three or four areas of the floor needed to be ground and filled.

Gym floor installation will start in late March. Sherwood said it will take between 6 and 8 weeks to complete - that includes laying the floor, staining and painting it.

Bleachers are due to arrive in mid-May. Installation will take 4 to 6 weeks, finishing in approximately mid-June.

Tile installation is mostly complete in the bathrooms. The main bathrooms located near the main west entrance have been completed and ceilings are in the process of being installed. Tile work on the bathrooms by the auditorium is nearly completed. Tile work in the connecting hallways by the old locker rooms that connect the new addition is finished.

Ceiling installation in the showers is currently taking place in the locker rooms. The ceilings are hard not drop ceilings.

Work on the parking lots by the high school office, south and main west entrance connecting to Bank Street will start soon. The design for the circle drive near the auditorium entrance has also been approved by the city.

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Construction continues at WC schools

CHESTER, Pa., March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Continuing uncertainty in the real estate market has homeowners asking a major question as the market warms this spring is it smarter to move or to improve? Cost is the driving factor behind home improvement projects again this year, and it's important to choose projects that will provide the biggest return on investment. Power Home Remodeling Group, the nation's fourth largest home remodeling company, empowers homeowners to get the biggest bang for their home-improvement buck this spring, whether updating a home to increase it's resale value or infusing the place with some personality to create your dream home.

"Giving your home some added curb appeal with an exterior makeover will automatically boost the resale value of your property," said Jeff Kaliner, Power's Founding Partner. "If you plan to stay put, focus on cost effective renovations that make your home more comfortable, functional and low maintenance for your family. Either way, enhancing your home this spring will help protect your greatest investment."

Power shares the following tips to stay on trend with home improvements this spring:

About Power Home Remodeling Group Family-owned since 1992, Power Home Remodeling Group is the nation's fourth largest home remodeling company with more than 1,100 employees and $135 million in sales. Headquartered in Chester, Pa., Power provides energy-saving and environmentally friendly exterior remodeling solutions to residents on the East Coast, including Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC. An Inc. 5000 company, Power has served more than 50,000 homeowners and is recognized as a home improvement leader by its "Dealer of the Year" award from Window and Door Magazine and the 2011 "Top Workplace" from The Philadelphia Inquirer. For more information please visit PowerHRG.com, or follow the company on Twitter @PowerHRG and Facebook at facebook.com/PowerHRG.

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Home Improvement Trends for Homeowners Looking to Spring Forward

Art Chennai gets an intriguing twist with installations and cartoons

On the fourth day of Art Chennai, the sessions get intriguing. At Expresss Avenue, the entrance and atrium are crowded with curious passersby and art lovers. There are dubbas hanging from metal bars, microphones stacked on a red table, and a large screen that showcases a lovely mustard field. Of course, this is just at first glance. Meanwhile, at Burgundy's, everyone is having a hearty laugh at Biswajit's witty cartoons.

Biswajit Balasubramanian

At Burgundy's, everyone is having a light evening, wine glasses in hand and wide smiles on their faces. The reason? Biswajit's witty cartoons of everyday situations. There are a few from his Malini series for The Hindu's Retail Plus, some from the music season, and others from a film magazine he contributed to.

In Biswajit's cartoons, it's often not the main character that delivers the punch. Three dancers at a performance hold out boards of their sponsors, standing in various dance poses. The sponsors vary from banks to cellphone service providers. At one corner of the stage, a Natraja statue (the main sponsor being Lord Shiva Dance University!) laments: I say, don't you think they are carrying this sponsorship thing a bit too far? In a few others, the accompanying artistes are bored and the lead performer is too busy posing for cameras to concentrate on the performance. The art gallery series shows a family munching on the food rather than being interested in the art, while other art lovers look on scornfully.

Sometimes it's nice to have a character on the periphery saying things, says the artiste. It's often these people who see the joke while the actual performers don't. He also has a few strips for a technology series. Sample this a newborn, lifted out of his mother's stomach comes with a USB cord rather than an umbilical cord. Inspiration can come from anywhere or anyone. Wherever you go and whatever you observe can be an idea for a cartoon. I visit art galleries a lot, and make cartoons out of what I see. There is a cartoon on how art lovers decipher a work, coming up with ideas that even the artist wouldn't have thought of. These are just observations, he says.

(Biswajit's cartoons are on display till March 18)

Bose Krishnamachari and Sheba Chhachhi

I peep across the escalator near Express Avenue's atrium, and notice the fringes of a red carpet, with a large, red table in the centre. Move a little ahead, and you're blown away. Thirteen regal white chairs whose top half end in geometric post-modern buildings surround the table on three sides. And the table itself is covered by microphones as if the purpose is to call for a conference of world leaders, their chairs patiently awaiting them.

Bose Krishnamachari's minimalistic design on a larger-than-life installation creates quite an impact. In the installation White Builders and the Red Carpets', there are allusions to the media's role in the global economy is everything news? Or, are we just pawns in a bigger plan? The 13 chairs also talk of religion's influence in the world; alluding to The Last Supper. Wires from the 100-odd microphones end in a pile on the carpet, reminiscent of the chaos in this world.

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Of wit and wisdom

ATLANTA, March 14, 2011 - Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE: AYI - News) will host a conference call on Wednesday, April 4, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. ET to discuss the Company`s performance for the second quarter of fiscal 2012, following the announcement of those results earlier that day. Vernon J. Nagel, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Acuity Brands, will lead the call. A live Webcast of the discussion will be accessible at the Company`s Web site: http://www.acuitybrands.com. A replay of the call will also be posted to that site within two hours of the completion of the conference call and will be archived on the site.

About Acuity Brands

Acuity Brands, Inc. is a North American market leader and one of the world`s leading providers of lighting solutions for both indoor and outdoor applications. With fiscal year 2011 net sales of $1.8 billion, Acuity Brands employs approximately 6,000 associates and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia with operations throughout North America, and in Europe and Asia. The company`s lighting solutions are sold under various brands, including Lithonia Lighting, Holophane, Peerless, Gotham, Mark Architectural Lighting(TM), Winona Lighting, Healthcare Lighting, Hydrel, American Electric Lighting, Carandini, Antique Street Lamps(TM), Tersen, Sunoptics, Sensor Switch, Lighting Control & Design(TM), Synergy Lighting Controls, Pathway Connectivity(TM), Dark to Light, ROAM, RELOC Wiring Solutions, and acculamp.

# # #

Contact(s):

Dan Smith dan.smith@acuitybrands.com (404) 853-1423

The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Acuity Brands, Inc via Thomson Reuters ONE HUG#1594143

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Acuity Brands To Discuss Fiscal 2012 Second Quarter Results

Las Vegas - Continuing to expand its line of energy efficient lighting for today's interiors, MaxLite will introduce many new LED products at Lightfair International (LFI) 2012, which will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center from May 9 through May 12. MaxLite, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of MaxLED, an award-winning line of innovative LED luminaires and lamps using state-of-the-art LED technology, will exhibit the MaxLED line and other energy efficient lighting products at Booth #2914.

"Over this past year, we have significantly expanded our LED interior product portfolio," said Thomas Rhee, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Product for MaxLite. "We look forward to sharing these exciting energy efficient 'total room' lighting solutions with architects, designers and other industry professionals at Lightfair."

New additions to the MaxLED indoor line will include: An upgraded version of the LED Lightbars; LED Retrofit Downlights; LED Flat Panels; Pancake and Eclipse LED Lamps; LED PAR Lamps; LED Faux-Cans; and T8 LED Linear Lamps.

o In its second generation, the self-driven "Plug-and-Play" LED Lightbar, is available in 6- and 12-inch lengths, and used in display cases, under cabinet, cove lighting and toe kick applications. Twice as bright as their predecessors, the fixture was re-engineered with almost three times the lumen output, and features a new diffuser cover to minimize glare and deliver even light distribution.

o The LED Flat Panel collection is expanded to include round, pendant and wall mount models. The architectural shapes are direct replacements for fluorescent fixtures that fit into T-bar grid ("drop") ceilings.

o Joining the TV and cell phone trend toward increasingly compact size and energy efficiency, are the non-typical shaped "Pancake" dimmable low profile 17-watt LED lamp producing 1300 lumens, while using over two inches less maximum overall length (MOL) than traditional PAR shapes; and the "Eclipse" Dimmable Low Profile 17-watt LED lamp with a 45-degree beam angle for spot lighting achieves more than 1100 lumens in several color temperatures.

o A new and complete "Performance Series" of LED Lamps complements MaxLite's existing ENERGY STAR LED lamps series.

o An ENERGY STAR-listed LED 14-watt Recessed Retrofit Downlight for 6-inch fixtures is available in several color temperatures and trim combinations.

o The LED Faux-Can surface mounted luminaires simulate the appearance of installed recessed downlights while actually being flushed mounted to the ceiling.

o The new MaxLED T8 Linear LED lamps, at 24 watts with more than 1800 lumen outputs, are energy efficient replacements for T8 fluorescent lamps that deliver quality lighting and offer a longer life.

Original post:
MaxLite Will Expand LED Indoor Lighting Line at Lightfair International 2012

GAASH, Israel, March 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Gaash Lighting is currently in talks with agents, OEMs, distributors, wholesalers and private label manufacturers in France, Germany and the UK to jointly distribute the company's advancedoutdoor and indoor lighting solutions.

Gaash Lighting, an innovative manufacturer and developer of high-quality lighting, is expanding its presence in the Western European market.

Gaash is in advanced negotiations with potential business partners in France, Germany and the United Kingdom to jointly distribute the company's innovative outdoor and indoor lighting solutions. Gaash is holding talks with, among others, potential agents, OEMs, distributors, wholesalers and private label manufacturers.

"The decision to focus on the lucrative Western European market is part of our overall strategy to expand our global presence," said Asaf Cikman, Gaash Lighting's general manager. "Gaash's advanced LED lighting provides an excellent opportunity for business partners who are looking for tailor-made, high-quality lighting solutions at reasonable prices."

Gaash products are known for their reliability, ease of installation and maintenance. The company specializes in providing end solutions covering all aspects of the production process from the planning stage, design and concept to manufacturing.

The company strives to provide the highest level of service in all areas. As part of this service, Gaash has qualified lighting engineers who provide optimal lighting solutions for complex projects and work with its customers to redesign its products to tailor them to their specific needs.

Gaash will present advanced outdoor and indoor lighting solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors at the Light+Building 2012 trade fair for lighting and intelligent buildings, which will take place from April 15-20, 2012 in Frankfurt, Germany.

About Gaash Lighting

Gaash Lighting is an innovative developer and manufacturer of high-quality lighting solutions for the commercial and industrial sectors. All Gaash's products are designed and manufactured in-house at the company's extensive state-of-the-art facilities, which include an on-site photometric laboratory.

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Gaash Lighting Expands Presence in Western Europe

WARROAD, MN--(Marketwire -03/13/12)- Architects from around the world have a chance to inspire and be inspired by the myMarvin Architect's Challenge, which is accepting entries for its fourth annual competition.

The Architect's Challenge is fast becoming one of the premier showcases in the architectural world. Winning projects in previous years have displayed the remarkable inspiration of designers in styles both traditional and contemporary, in both the residential and commercial arenas.

Among the projects that impressed the judging panel were a San Francisco townhouse, a Minnesota hunting lodge, a Mediterranean villa and a Catholic church in Wisconsin. There are no limits to the creations you can enter; all that's required is that they use Marvin windows or doors.

"Marvin is the preferred window and door of architects because we provide tailored solutions to a project to help achieve design objectives," said Christine Marvin, director of marketing for Marvin Windows and Doors. "In that spirit, we're proud to showcase the work of architects who have been inspired by Marvin to create some of their best work."

Entries will be judged on solution-driven design, classical beauty, innovative use of windows and sustainability. William J. Devereaux Jr., Mark Scheurer, AIA, and David Furman, FAIA, will judge this year's challenge.

Winners will be promoted through traditional and social media and will be featured in our permanent Winners Gallery. We invite architects to submit their best designs featuring Marvin windows and doors by May 31, 2012. Find complete entry information and contest rules at:

http://www.marvin.com/window-door-ideas/mymarvin-project/architects-challenge

ABOUT MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORSMarvin Windows and Doors brings its "Built around you" philosophy to life with every customer and every solution. A premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors, Marvin offers the industry's most extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options to fit the diverse needs of builders and match the personalities of homeowners.

Marvin's tradition of delivering the finest craftsmanship in windows and doors began in Warroad, Minn., a small town just six miles from the Canadian border, where the privately-held, family-owned and operated company is still headquartered today. Learn more at http://www.marvin.com.

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Marvin Windows and Doors Now Accepting Entries for Prestigious Fourth-Annual myMarvin Architect's Challenge