Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

06-03-2012 21:12 Westminster, singing a Jay Giallombardo, composition of "Sure On This Shining Night" in the Petrikirche, a Protestant church (start of construction 1322) in Dortmund, Germany. The church is famous for the huge carved altar (known as "Golden Miracle of Dortmund"), from 1521. It consists of 633 gilt carved oak figures depicting 30 scenes about Easter. JOIN WESTMINSTER!!! If you live in Southern California, are in college, a college graduate, or even high school, and are interested in singing Barbershop, Choral, and A Cappella music at the highest level possible, we'd love to meet you! Contact us at: join@Westminsterchorus.org

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Westminster Chorus - Sure On This Shining Night - Video

March 7, 2012|1:01 pm

The Rev. Makarious Bolous of the Mar Gerges Church in Aswan was sentenced on Sunday (March 4), but neither the imams who called for the attack nor the Muslim villagers who destroyed the church building last September have been charged with any crime.

Bolous said the ruling, coupled with the absence of prosecution against those who burned down the church building, is clear evidence of persecution and a legal double standard between Christians and Muslims.

"I feel it is unjust," Bolous said. "It's not fair."

The lower court that made the ruling also fined Bolous 300 Egyptian pounds (US$50). Bolous remained free Tuesday (March 6) awaiting appeal.

Local government officials said the building was 2.5 meters taller than what they had approved on a series of architectural drawings. Bolous said the citation was issued days after the fire.

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The priest said the charges surprised him. A significant percentage of construction projects in Egypt are done without permits, he said, and even when permits are issued, adherence to their stipulations is casual and enforcement is lax. The village where the church building once stood is surrounded by homes that have two or three extra floors built outside of permitted specifications and by others that were built with no permit at all, according to Bolous.

"The whole village is full of people who are building against their licenses," Bolous said. "So the whole thing is, 'Why did they only cite the church and pick on the extra bit of building?'"

Bolous' attorney, Osama Refaat, said the citation was unusual because by law contractors, not property owners, are responsible for permit violations.

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Court Sentences Priest From Attacked Church Building

By Beth Healy, Globe Staff

A Dorchester construction firm has filed an amended lawsuit in Suffolk Superior Court against the Charles Street African Methodist Episcopal Church and its lender, OneUnited Bank, over $629,000 in work it says it did on the churchs community center but has gone unpaid.

Thomas Construction Co. alleges that it completed 91 percent of the work at the churchs Roxbury Renaissance Center, but that it has not been fully paid due to a dispute between the church and the bank. Thomas said it has been paid $2.6 million, but that the rest has gone unpaid since October 2009. The loan had come due, and although the church received extensions, it could not get the bank to extend or refinance the loan.

That loan dispute has continued, and now the bank is trying to foreclose on a separate loan and auction off the main church building, which is near the community center. There has been a massive community and political outcry to save the historic church.

The halt to the project has put a huge drain on our firm, said Paul Hogan, vice president of operations at Thomas Construction. He said the group was hopeful that a resolution might come about now that there was broader pressure on the bank to negotiate.

Ross Martin, a lawyer for the church, said, Were in regular contact with the contractor. We understand that they had to bring a lawsuit and were working with them to resolve the situation.

OneUnited, the nations largest black-owned bank, has filed a motion to dismiss the case. The Boston institution has loaned over $500 million to families and nonprofits, including churches, in low- to moderate-income communities in Boston, Los Angeles and Miami.

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Thomas Construction amends lawsuit against Charles Street AME church

Anti-smoking laws and cultural changes have pushed tobacco use lower. (Denver Post file photo )

Citizens and public health advocates want to impose new, airtight smoking restrictions at doorways, restaurant patios and open park space, bolstered by studies showing remarkable heart attack reductions in cities with strict laws.

They face increasing resistance from businesses and smoking-rights supporters who say freedom has already eroded too far.

"The anti-smoking people will not be satisfied until no one smokes," said Pete Meersman of the Colorado Restaurant Association, who lobbies against more restrictions.

And their unapologetic response is: Get over it. The laws save more and more lives. Might as well quit now.

Other states and local communities, they add, are getting even tougher, including California laws that protect apartment dwellers from the smoker next door, and kids riding in their smoking parents' cars.

"We should be as aggressive as possible in reducing smoking, quite honestly in as many ways as we can," said John Hokanson, a public health researcher at the Colorado School of Public Health at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus.

"There is still more to be done because secondhand smoke is dangerous. There is so much data," said Jenny Merriman, a former public health nurse in Lakewood who is in a group advising the city to further shrink smoking areas. "All we can do is keep plugging away."

A vote on tighter rules

The Lakewood City Council will vote in April on tighter rules that have split politicians, business owners and nonsmokers. The proposals under consideration include 25 feet of smoke-free clearance at doorways instead of 15 feet, and no-smoking protections in the "gathering places" of parks.

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Health researchers push for even tougher anti-smoking rules

By Catherine Kavanaugh cathy.kavanaugh@dailytribune.com; @catherinekav

Regenia Paige, a massage therapist with Health Source, works on Paul Anderson of Royal Oak during Wednesdays South Oakland Business Expo. David Dalton/Daily Tribune

ROYAL OAK Dry ice isnt just for storing cold food and making faux fog on Halloween.

The solid form of carbon dioxide packs a punch as a cleaning agent for everything from greasy machines to mold in attics, soot in fire-damaged homes and tartar build-up in hardwood barrels, which explains why Dry Ice Works counts Traverse City-area wineries among its clients.

Gordon Mahrle, co-owner of the Southfield-based business, introduced his services to more potential customers Wednesday at the South Oakland Business Expo at Club Venetian.

The cleaning process blasts dry ice pellets through a nozzle at dirt and grime. As the pellets strike the surface, they instantaneously turn to gas in an explosive state of charge that lifts away the contaminants and leaves behind no residue.

Dry ice blasting is green, fast and doesnt create any secondary waste, Mahrle said. Its relatively new and the equipment is expensive. Its not like you can go to Home Depot, spend $500 on a power washer and be in business.

Thats how some competitors on the power-washing side of his cleaning business started. In response, Mahrle diversified into dry ice blasting about a year ago. He joined the seventh annual expo for his first time to spread the word.

I can see the day coming when were doing as much if not more dry ice blasting than power washing, Mahrle said.

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South Oakland Business Expo a good introduction to businesses VIDEO

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Created with the exterior roller shade market in mind, Phifer's new SunTex 90 Design brings decorator touches to outdoor living spaces.

SunTex 90 Design combines a rich, design-oriented look with the same weave and performance characteristics of traditional SunTex 90 fabric. Made of strong vinyl-coated polyester, this high performance fabric provides protection from the sun's heat and glare while also offering exceptional visibility and airflow. Stylish and practically priced, this new fabric broadens Phifer's line of outdoor shade fabrics.

All SunTex fabrics are now infused with Microban antimicrobial product protection. Microban protection works 24/7 for an added level of defense against microbes such as mold and mildew that can damage your shades. Added during the manufacturing process, Microban protection works continuously for the lifetime of the shade to inhibit the growth of stain-causing bacteria, mold and mildew.

SunTex 90 Design is also GREENGUARD certified for superior indoor air quality performance as well as certified as meeting the more stringent GREENGUARD Children & Schools standards for commercial use. The GREENGUARD Certification Program is an internationally-recognized product emissions certification and labeling program for manufacturers of low-emitting indoor materials.

SunTex 90 Design is ideal for use on windows, doors and porches in exterior roller shade applications. These fabrics are available in seven neutral patterns and come in 72- and 96-inch widths.

For more information on SunTex 90 Design fabrics, call 205-345-2120 or e-mail inquiries through the Web site at http://www.phifer.com.

A master weaver with 60 years of experience and a forward-thinking mentality, Phifer is the world leader in the production of interior and exterior sun control fabrics, cutting-edge, specialty screen products for windows and doors, stock/custom engineered mesh and textile products and high performance outdoor designer fabrics.

Machining Centers. Lathes. Automatics. Hobbers. Grinders. Visit IMTS 2012! Whatever manufacturing equipment can make your processes more effective, efficient and competitive, youll find at IMTS 2012. From machines nearly as big as a house, to the finest measuring instruments, youll see them all at IMTS. Be There!

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Remcom provides electromagnetic simulation and wireless propagation software and services. Our products are used for antenna design, photonics and optics, MRI, microwave circuits, RFID, military and defense applications, and more.

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Phifer's New SunTex 90 Design Brings Style to Outdoor Shades

Illuminating Engineering Society Selects 10 Acuity BrandsLighting Products for Annual Progress Report ATLANTA - Acuity Brands, Inc. (NYSE:AYI; "Company"), a market leader in innovative energy-efficient lighting solutions, announced today a total of 10 lighting products, including new LED lamps, luminaires and lighting control software, have been selected by the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) to be included in its annual Progress Report. The Progress Report documents significant worldwide developments and achievements in the lighting industry, including new products, applications and design tools. The innovative and significant new Acuity Brands products selected by IES include: Acculamp S-Series LED lamp, Lithonia Lighting RTLED indoor ambient LED series luminaire, Gotham Downlighting DLWLED lensed wall wash luminaire, Lithonia Lighting Archway(TM) Passage(TM) LED luminaire, Hydrel 8100/8200 Series LED floodlight luminaire, Healthcare Lighting Surg5(TM) surgical T8 troffer luminaire, Winona Lighting Winline(TM) Submersible 607 LED luminaire, Winona Lighting Revel(TM) OLED surface mounted general illumination luminaire, Winona Lighting Kindred(TM) OLED linear general illumination luminaire, and SensorSwitch nLight lighting control system. "Acceptance in the IES Progress Report is acknowledgement from representatives from leading lighting industry manufacturers and design firms that many of our new products and lighting solutions continue to achieve an advanced level of uniqueness and innovation," said Rick Earlywine, Acuity Brands Lighting Senior Vice President, Innovation & Technology. "We are proud to be recognized as a leader making significant advancements in lighting." 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.

Pro-face compact HMI offers extensive machine control connectivity, free programming software, and operator visualization. The perfect solution for small machines!

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Alloys easily magnetized/demagnetized for specialized applications requiring high permeability, low losses, low residual magnetism - electro-magnetic shielding, transformer laminations/cores, transducers, chokes, relays, solenoids/oscillators, etc.

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Remcoms Wireless InSite is site-specific radio propagation software for the analysis and design of wireless communication systems. It provides predictions of propagation and communication channel characteristics in complex urban, indoor, rural and mixed path environments.

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Divelbiss Corporation provides nearly 40 years experience in the design and manufacture of OEM controls for mobile, industrial, rail, and electro-hydraulic applications demanding reliable, long lasting operation.

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Oxley, Inc. Design & manufacturer of a range of LED lighting for a wide range of aerospace, defense & ... more

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IES Recognizes Acuity Brands Lighting Products

Fox Point, an affordable and supportive housing project designed by OCV Architects, was awarded with LEED Gold, one of the first for supportive housing in New York City.

New York, NY (PRWEB) March 07, 2012

Fox Point integrates green systems and materials into the buildings design and operation to ensure its long-term viability, reducing the need for future repair and prohibitive operational costs, and thereby protecting the building as an investment in affordable housing. Among the sustainability features that helped Fox Point earn LEED Gold are:

Sustainable Sites: By developing the site to include two green roofs and a vegetated yard, Fox Point maximizes open space, reduces the urban heat island effect, and decreases storm-water runoff, which has been identified as a regional priority for NYC.

OCV Architects provided Palladia with the full range of architectural services from design through construction. As LEED consultant on the project, OCV provided green design and all Design and Construction credit documentation.

At the buildings ribbon-cutting in late 2009, vice president and New York City office director for Enterprise, Abby Jo Sigal, called Fox Point a shining example of the green affordable housing Enterprise will make possible.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the nations preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings as defined by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition to achieving LEED Gold, Fox Point is an Enterprise Green Communities project and received incentives under the New York State Energy Research and Development Agencys (NYSERDAs) New Construction Program.

About OCV Architects

Oaklander, Coogan and Vitto, P.C. is a versatile, award-winning architectural firm serving the New York Metropolitan area for over 30 years. OCVs body of work ranges from affordable and special needs housing to high-end private residences, from gut rehabs and historic preservation to innovative new construction. Having produced over 1,000 units of residential housing, the firm regularly partners with urban housing authorities and development groups to create sustainable, attractive residences within restrictive budgets. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, OCV strives to bring to each design respect for a projects site, setting, history and culture, while making every effort to build responsibly and sustainably. For more on OCV please visit http://www.ocvarch.com.

For further information on this release, Fox Point or similar projects, please contact:

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OCV Architects' Supportive Housing Project Fox Point Earns LEED® Gold

Unconventional Thinking Helps Architects and Engineers 'Find the Forest Through the Trees'

VANCOUVER, March 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Guests at the Wood WORKS! BC Wood Design Awards last night were not only witness to an inspirational evening of innovative wood design, but also the first to hear an announcement made by Michael Giroux, President of the Canadian Wood Council (CWC), regarding the release of the highly-anticipated feasibility study, The Case for Tall Wood Buildings. Revolutionizing the way the building community designs and implements structures, the more than 200 page document delves into society's shifting thought process, recognizing that issues such as climate change and increased housing demands as part of urban intensification are no longer notions but, represent new realities that need to be addressed. The study encourages architects, engineers and designers to push the envelope of conventional thinking about wood construction and inspires them to expand this discussion so that wood is positioned as the driving force behind a systematic change for the building industry - one with environmental, economic and common sense benefits.

The Case for Tall Wood Buildings was commissioned by CWC on behalf of the Wood Enterprise Coalition (a partnership of Wood WORKS! BC, FPInnovations, and BC Wood Specialties), with support from Forestry Innovation Investment, and prepared by mgb ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN, Equilibrium Consulting, LMDG Ltd, and BTY Group. The report represents the views of the many interviewed developers/marketing groups/contractors/fire chiefs/ building authorities, and introduces a new construction model for tall buildings which utilizes mass timber panels - the concept is referred to as 'Finding the Forest Through the Trees' (FFTT). "We selected the name to acknowledge the scale of the challenge facing the world today," explains Michael Green, Principal at Michael Green Architecture, formerly Principal at mgb ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN and co-author of the report. "To slow and contain greenhouse gas emissions and find truly sustainable solutions to building, we must look at the fundamentals of the way we build - from the bones of large urban building structures to the details of energy performance. We need to search for the big picture solutions of today's vast climate, environmental, economic and world housing needs."

The FFTT model represents the first significant challenge to the predominant use of concrete and steel in tall building design since their adoption into daily use more than a century ago. Looking to refresh our current way of thinking about wood in tall building design and construction, The Case for Tall Wood Buildings is driven by the desire to find safe, carbon-neutral and sustainable alternatives to the current structural materials used in urban society.

While The Case for Tall Wood Buildings is positioned as a feasibility study, it's hoped that FFTT represents a new way of thinking that will inspire significant shifts in the way buildings and construction are approached. "In North America, and more specifically, in Canada, we harvest a small portion of our renewable forest potential each year," suggests J. Eric Karsh, Principal at Equilibrium Consulting and co-author of the report. "As architects and engineers, we have the ability to shape the future of our built environment through innovation, and it is now our joint responsibility to ensure that change is directed towards solutions with lighter climate impact. We hope that this report demonstrates that wood is a viable material for tall and large buildings alike - causing us to abandon false misconceptions surrounding its performance and embrace the realities of its many benefits."

To read a copy of the report please visit: http://wecbc.smallboxcms.com/database/rte/files/Tall%20Wood.pdf

The Canadian Wood Council CWC is the national association representing manufacturers of Canadian wood products used in construction - enabling the selling of Canadian wood products through programs and services focused on creating market access and demand. Wood WORKS! BC is a national industry-led initiative of the Canadian Wood Council, with a goal to support innovation and provide leadership on the use of wood and wood products.

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Release of the 'Case for Tall Wood Buildings'

Keegan P: I think you should look closer at the neighborhood. It is nothing like the gang infested wasteland of decades past. I live in the neighborhood and walk/bike it frequently. The number of owner occupied residences has skyrocketed and the population has become a vibrant mix of incomes and ethnicity. The promenade is already part of the redevelopment of the DHA properties (Lincoln Park South) from exclusively section 8 to mixed income and mixed use properties. The new idea would just extend it from Mariposa to Santa-Fe.

I would prefer Santa Fe and Kalamath go two-way, but I admit owning a house on Kalamath makes me a bit biased. Either way the reworking of the pedestrian domain on Santa Fe is way overdue. I know the merchants are loath to lose on street parking but I think the ideas proposed should be able to keep it. I think a parking structure in the arts district would be great but I don't know that the everyday demand would justify it.

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Comment on Architects push to make Denver's Santa Fe Arts District more pedestrian friendly