Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Macys Herald Square (NYSE:M), New York Citys most iconic department store, is undergoing a monumental makeover with the ground-breaking for the Worlds Largest Shoe Floor beginning today. With the first phase of a four-year renovation project of the famous flagship now underway, 300,000 pairs of shoes will step into a brand-new 63,000 square foot space (retail and stock) in the Broadway building, making the shoe floor on 2 the must-shop destination of the fall 2012 season. Taking the shopping experience to a new level, the second floor space will feature brand-new luxury shoe shops, a designer shoe salon, and curated shoe closets inspired by New York Citys trendiest neighborhoods. While shopping for shoes, customers can indulge their senses with the best champagne from around the world at the stores new, stylish coffee, champagne and chocolate bar within the space.

With the construction of the shoe floor, Macys Herald Square enters the first phase of a renovation project that will continue through November 2012 bringing dramatic changes to the Main Floor, Mezzanine and Second Levels, and all Broadway entrances. Announced in November 2011, the renovation will be one of the biggest retail remodels ever with the Manhattan flagship ultimately undergoing a total top-to-bottom transformation. The multi-year, multi-million dollar ($400 million) renovation project will reconfigure the legendary landmark through architectural and technological enhancements adding an extra 100,000 square feet of selling space. Increasing its retail space to 1.2 million square feet, the store will bring in new departments, dining destinations and multi-level shops offering the worlds leading luxury brands, as well as establishing the Worlds Largest Shoe Floor for a unique shopping experience found only at the Worlds Largest Store.

Main Floor construction is scheduled to begin the following week (week of March 19) with the Main Broadway entrance to the store expected to close on March 19. Both 34th and 35th Street entrances will also close in the coming weeks and will re-open to the public before the holiday season. An exciting and visually spectacular shopping environment will be created when the Main Floor unveils a street of shops that will frame the world-famous Broadway entrance by early fall. During construction the store will remain open to service customers.

Macys Herald Square District Vice President, Patti Lee notes that, Macys Herald Square is one of the most visited and shopped department stores in New York City with 20 million visitors each year. Our customers have started to see their favorite departments move to new locations so that we can begin the actual construction of the extensive renovation project. Well work to minimize the disruption to our customers by adding a team of information ambassadors at our entrances to help them navigate the store. She adds, We ask for our customers patience during the renovation process as we create a more dynamic shopping experience for them with the introduction of new brands, shops and restaurants.

For construction to begin, the planning and physical moves of high-traffic departments have been months in the making. Main Floor departments such as Fragrances, Handbags, Watches and Menswear will be relocated to new locations. To make way for the Worlds Largest Shoe Floor, the second floor, which currently houses the stores Impulse department, will relocate collections and shops to Floors 3, 4, and 5. Fashion favorites including Bar III, Denim & Supply, INC International Concepts, Rachel Rachel Roy, Tommy Hilfiger, among others will all move to 3, while active wear and contemporary denim will set up shop on Floors 4 and 5.

Womens Shoes, currently located on two separate floors (4 and 5) in the Seventh Avenue building and totaling approximately 54,000 square feet, will be housed in one architecturally grand space that will increase by 9,000 square feet following the renovation. The new second floor space will feature 39,000 square feet of continuous selling space and approximately 24,000 square feet devoted solely to stockrooms housing the seasons best fall footwear. Setting the stage for the ultimate shoe shopping experience, the shoe floor on 2 will continue to feature an incomparable selection of Macys most popular designer brands, while offering shoe shops from Calvin Klein, Coach and Michael Kors, among others. Luxury brands will also move into the brand new space to offer an unparalleled assortment for customers.

About Macys

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances.

For Macys media materials, images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at http://www.macys.com/pressroom.

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Monumental Makeover in Store for Famous Flagship as Construction of the World’s Largest Shoe Floor Begins March 12

UPDATE: Construction is now planned to start this summer on two new city parking ramps in the downtown.

Work on a 500-space ramp, across First Avenue East from the citys Convention Complex and hotel, is expected to start first, with work on a second, 550-plus-space ramp, on Second Street SE between Sixth and Seventh avenues SE near the new federal courthouse, slated to start by late summer.

The First Avenue East ramp should be ready in the spring of 2013, in time for the completion of the hotel renovation and the completion of the Convention Complex project, which includes a new convention center and the renovation of the arena connected to the hotel.

The Second Street SE ramp should be complete in the summer of 2013, city engineering manager Rob Davis said Monday.

Davis said the estimated cost of the Convention Complex ramp is $13 million, which includes the cost of design, construction and some property acquisition. The city owns most of the property and currently uses it for a surface parking lot. The Second Street SE ramp, which will go up on city-owned land, is expected to cost $11 million, he said.

The ramps are expected to include some commercial retail space on their first floors, with the Convention Complex ramp connected to the citys skywalk system. The Second Street SE ramp one day may be connected to the system, Doug Neumann, executive vice president at the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, said Monday.

The Alliance manages the citys downtown parking operation, and Neumann said those parking in the two new ramps will pay higher rates than those parking in other city ramps.

The expectation is that the parking fees in the new ramps will cover more than 90 percent of the cost of the debt taken on to build the new ramps, Neumann said.

At its meeting Tuesday, the City Council will vacate a piece of city-owned right of way needed for the Convention Complex ramp project.

On Tuesday, the council also will approve its annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1. The councils proposed budget calls for selling bond debt to provide funds to build the Second Street SE ramp.

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Construction on new Cedar Rapids parking ramps to start this summer

Garrick Brown

NORTH BAY Shopping centers in Marin and Napa counties have very little available space overall, moving rents higher. Larger-population Sonoma and Solano counties have vacancy rates two to four times as high, but the markets are expected to stabilize.

Marin County center vacancy was just 3.1 percent at year-end. Thats down from 4.0 percent in the third quarter and late 2010,reflecting net occupancy gains of 59,000 square feet in the fourth quarter and 52,000 all year.

Marin vacancy is so low it threatens growth. Larger tenants havefew premium options. By now, developers would have been back in action. A number of planned projects are set to start construction in months ahead, but no major new retail centers were under construction in the Bay Area last year. So in 2012, expect vacancy to tighten further and rents to climb quickly.

In the Bay Area, grocers and discounters were among the most active lessees in 2011. That didnt play out in Marin, thanks to few options for these larger users. Health clubs, banks and salons have been active, but the most active smaller space users, by far, have been restaurant chains particularly fast-food and fast-casual concepts.

Neighborhood and community center vacancy in Marin fell 34,000 square feet in 2011 to 5.1 percent. The recent average triple-net annual asking rent of $22.66 per square foot masks a range from $12 to $36, with first-tier centers at the top.

Vacancy at unanchored strip centers, stillthe most challenged property type, decreased 19,000 square feet to 2.3 percent. Theres still little demand from mom-and-pop retailers, a bread-and-butter tenant for such centers.

Regional and power center vacancy was a scant 0.8 percent last year, with just about 17,000 square feet available. Vacancy and space absorption didnt change in 2011, but asking rent increased 5 percent to $37.05 per square foot.

Pricing for even Marins weakest offerings will stabilize in 2012, and rent growth will accelerate in the face of such low vacancy rates.

Napa Valley center vacancy decreased over six consecutive quarters to an extremely low2.8 percent in the third quarter then up to3.1 percent at year-end. Occupancy grew by nearly 56,000 square feet last year, besting the 51,000 square feet absorbed in 2010 and much improved from 100,000 net square feet vacated in 2008 and 2009.

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Marin, Napa shopping space tightens; Sonoma, Solano retail stabilizes

AUSTIN, Texas, March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Rosendin Electric (www.rosendin.com), one of the nation's largest private electrical contractors and a 100% employee-owned company, has named Jonas McBride to the newly created role of Director, Central U.S. Engineering, to help oversee multi-office engineering projects and expand Rosendin Electric's operations in the central United States. McBride will be based in Austin, Texas at the offices of KST Electric, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Rosendin Electric.

In his new role, McBride will be responsible for overseeing Rosendin Electric's engineering practice throughout the central United States, including managing engineering teams, supporting business development and new contract bids, managing design/build services, and establishing engineering best practices. McBride will report to Ron Wilson, Director of Engineering at Rosendin Electric headquarters in San Jose, California.

McBride brings 17 years of experience in design and construction of large, complex, multi-phased facilities to Rosendin Electric. He has managed engineering projects across a diverse range of industries, including mission-critical, healthcare, biotech/pharmaceutical, commercial, retail, education, and government facilities. McBride will also be responsible for managing the Texas-based engineering team and working with the company's contracting partners.

"Adding Jonas to our team will help us expand our engineering and design/build capabilities across the central states," said Wilson. "We have especially seen a need to support growth in the Texas market with a number of new data center, healthcare, and commercial construction projects. The creation of this new role of Director of Central U.S. Engineering will help us consolidate our engineering expertise, deliver better client service, and work more efficiently with our contractor partners."

Before joining Rosendin Electric, McBride was a consultant specializing in mission-critical data center design. He also has worked for Smith Seckman Reid, Inc., NSPOF Communications, and Day Brown Rice, Inc. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Engineering from Kansas State University.

About Rosendin ElectricRosendin Electric, Inc., headquartered in San Jose, California, is a 100% employee-owned electrical engineering, power and communications provider and is one of the largest privately held electrical contractors in the United States. With over 2,500 employees, Rosendin Electric has offices and experience nationwide and has built upon a 90-year reputation for quality design and installations. For additional information, visit http://www.rosendin.com.

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Rosendin Electric Names Jonas McBride to New Role as Director, Central U.S. Engineering

Banking

Sharon Bryant of First Citizens has been promoted to South Carolina banking executive responsible for all of the company's retail and commercial banking operations in the state. She has 27 years of industry experience. She will continue as director of the bank's wealth advisory group.

Catering

Sarah Coffey has been named director of Newton Farms Catering for Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. She has more than 12 years of restaurant and event planning experience. Most recently, she was sales director for New Dream Catering in Charleston. She has a bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston.

Engineering

Gary Jensen has joined ADC Engineering Inc.'s Charleston office as a project designer. Previously, he was with HGBD Engineering Inc. He has 19 years of civil engineering experience. He an associate degree in architectural and construction engineering technology from the State University of New York's Alfred State College.

Health care

Cindy Helling has been named executive director of Select Health of South Carolina. Previously she was vice president and chief operating officer. She has more than 20 years of health care industry experience. She has a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College and a master's degree in business administration from The Citadel.

Law

Matthew S. Byzet joined Keaveny Law Firm LLC of Charleston as an associate. He practices in the areas of construction, insurance, personal injury, premises liability, products liability and professional malpractice. He has a bachelor's degree in communications and business administration from Butler University and a law degree from the Charleston School of Law.

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EXECUTIVE ITEMS: News of banking, catering, engineering and more ...

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is still drafting the replacement of the two new security laws of the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA), said the Home Ministry.

I have not seen the final draft as it is still with the Attorney-General. It will be brought to the Cabinet first before it is tabled in Parliament, said its minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in Parliament on Monday.

He also noted that the new laws will amendments in the length of detention, rights and treatment of detainees, rights of family members and the appeal process.

This will all be included in the new security laws, he said.

It had been reported that the Government would table two Bills to replace the ISA in this parliament sitting.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had given the assurance that the two new acts would provide a balance between promoting individual rights and civil liberties, as well as safeguarding public order.

The move, Najib had said, would allow Malaysia to practice a more progressive system of democracy and be respected by other countries.

He had added that the new laws would be drafted under the spirit and umbrella of Article 149 of the Federal Constitution to prevent subversive acts, planned violence and crime.

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Replacement laws for ISA won’t be tabled in this parliament session: Hisham

12-03-2012 09:56 DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Bakersfield, CA shares the details of a bathroom, kitchen and living room remodel. Meet the designer and the client in this video interview.

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DreamMaker Bath

12-03-2012 13:34 Straightforward ad about your skills at helping customers remodel or refurbish their home, whether for a single room or several. New housing costs have you overwhelmed? Why not spruce up your existing home with help from the experts? With the proper skills, tools and experience, we specialize in a wide range of remodeling and renovation services. We work with you to create an exciting design, then our experienced and knowledgeable crews work quickly to complete the job to your satisfaction, while maintaining a high standard of excellence. Whether you want to remodel a single room or your entire home, call us today.

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Atlanta Home Completion - Video

CALDWELL - As the Noble County Health Department's clerical supervisor walked through the facility Monday pointing out all the changes that have been made there in recent months, she noted how completely different it looks.

"It's the same programs, but it seems like we're in a new place because of the fresh look," said Chris Wise.

Both the employees and patients of the health department in Caldwell are reacting positively to the end results of a renovation project that was in progress there from May to December.

Health commissioner Shawn Ray said the project was made possible with a $389,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant, earmarked by Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

"What prompted the whole project is we had been repairing the roof for four years prior to that and trying to come up with the money to fix it. It was the driving force to begin everything else," Ray said.

The building got a painted metal standing seam roof with new gutters and downspouts, and R-21 insulation was added under the roof.

"While we were up there, we have two heating and air conditioning units, and we replaced one of them," Ray said.

Also on the outside of the facility, a brick stairway was repaired and part of the driveway was widened to two lanes.

"When we came inside, we replaced 100 percent of the flooring," Ray added. "We still had some of the original carpet from 1978 and the vinyl flooring had some rips."

There were also several other changes made inside the building, he said.

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Remodeling project finished

Donald J. Clark Home Improvements, with 33 years experience specializing in room additions and kitchen remodels, sees rise in demand for in-law apartments.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) March 13, 2012

Builders and remodelers are seeing an increasing number of requests for in-law suites, granny flats, or accessory dwellings, says Donald J. Clark, a remodeler based in Boothwyn, Pennsylvania and owner of Donald J. Clark Home Improvements. Many grown children with elderly parents are coming to the same conclusion their home is the best place for an elderly parent. Some add an entry-level bedroom. Others have self-sufficient parents who want to remain independent and build an apartment with a kitchen and a bathroom with wheelchair-accessible features.

According to the National Association of Home builders, 62 percent of builders surveyed were working on a home modification related to aging in 2010. Donald and his wife, Trina, are certainly familiar with this growing trend. They have been caring for Trinas 92-year-old mother in their home, which was modified to accommodate her, for over two decades. Although it isnt for everyone, for some families, this is ultimately a lower-cost option than assisted-living, nursing home care, or retirement communities. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when building an addition for an aging parent.

Choose a contractor carefully, Donald cautions. Make certain they have experience in designing and modifying buildings for the elderly and are aware of local municipal codes regarding accessory dwellings, he says. Be especially wary of out-of-town contractors who come knocking on a door unsolicited.

Donald J. Clark Home Improvements has 33 years of experience that has included many in-law suites over the years, including the one pictured here. Completed in 2009, an in-law suite was added to a 21-year-old house adjoining the garage for more privacy and independence. The beauty of our work is that youll never know the room addition is an add-on to the house, Donald says. Im a perfectionist. If the home has 21-year-old siding, I will find siding to match it.

Licensed and insured, his business offers a wide range of services that includes kitchen and bath remodels, new construction, renovations, flooring, roofing, siding, porches, decks, painting, windows, doors, custom carpentry and much more. In addition, Donald J. Clark Home Improvements works with insurance companies specializing in wind, hail, fire and water damage and restoration.

For more information about this trustworthy, locally-owned and operated company, please call (610) 497-3429 or check them out on the Web.

About Donald J. Clark Home Improvements

With 33 years experience, Donald J. Clark Home Improvements has completed countless kitchen, bath, remodels and room additions that add value and function to everyday living spaces. With a passion for excellence, they have replaced windows and doors improving aesthetics and energy efficiency, built decks transforming an outdoor area to a relaxing oasis, and provided restoration services for homes damaged from wind, hail, fire, and water. Owner Donald Clark works with customers from the first visit to give an estimate to the completion of a project, assuring their vision, ideas, budget and timeline expectations are met. Donald J. Clark Home Improvements serves Delaware and New Castle Counties, including Chadds Ford, Marcus Hook, Trainer, Linwood, Boothwyn, Concordville, West Chester, Kennett Square, Wilmington, Ridley, Swarthmore, Media, and Aston.

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Top Boothwyn Remodeling Contractor Donald J. Clark Home Improvements Announces New Trends in Mother-in-Law Suites