Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

SALT LAKE CITY — The clock is ticking toward the highly
anticipated opening of Utah's top retail development.

Fewer than 60 days remain until the scheduled March 22 grand
opening of City
Creek^[1] Center, a
$1.5 billion downtown project that is expected to revitalize
Salt Lake City's central business district.

Upon completion, City Creek will feature approximately 700,000
square feet of shopping and dining space, along with 536 new
condominiums or apartments. Among the unique features of the
23-acre development are a 30,000-square-foot fully retractable
glass roof, a sky bridge over Main Street and a re-creation of
City Creek, the snow-fed stream that once meandered through the
city.

City Creek general manager Linda Wardell of Taubman Centers
Inc. said the project is on schedule for its planned March
opening.

"The construction of the core (retail) building is really
already complete," she said. "We've been (testing) all of our
systems and know how they are going to operate."

She noted that the individual retail stores are in their
"crunch time" as they work to meet their own deadlines for the
impending opening.

"Usually, everything is simultaneously constructed," she said.
"With City Creek, because of its mixed-used nature, the core
part of our building was built first and then the stores were
built in."

Taubman will operate the retail portion of the project, which
will contain approximately 80 stores and restaurants. Wardell
said one-third of the stores at City Creek will be unique to
Utah, which will "keep bringing people back over and over
again."

Headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., the company currently
operates 26 retail shopping centers across the country, with
six others in development — including properties in Asia and
Puerto Rico.

To date, Taubman has invested about $76 million into the
project.

The International Council of Shopping Centers has said that
City Creek Center will be the only retail center opening in the
U.S. in 2012, meaning the opening will likely garner national
and even global attention, Wardell said.

Inquiries have come from media worldwide to attend the grand
opening as well as other retail developers from around the
globe. One local industry analyst said the new development
would likely help bolster the overall strength of the entire
downtown retail sector, including The Gateway.

"Retail growth will be slower at the beginning, but overall
both projects will in time become thriving destination projects
in the downtown area," said J.R. Moore, vice president of
retail properties with commercial real estate firm CB Richard
Ellis in Salt Lake City. "They'll fuel each other and make
downtown an even more attractive place for shoppers and
retailers."

References

1. ^{^} City Creek
   (www.deseretnews.com)

AURORA, Ky. - Kentucky's governor on Friday promised speedy
work to begin replacing a bridge that partially collapsed when
it was struck by a cargo ship hauling parts for a space rocket.

Two spans (about 20 feet) of the Eggner Ferry Bridge at US 68
and Kentucky 80 were destroyed Thursday night by the Delta
Mariner, which was too tall to pass beneath the structure. No
injuries were reported on the bridge or in the boat, which was
carrying rocket components from Decatur, Ala., to Cape
Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

The ship was traveling on the Tennessee River on its typical
route to Florida's Atlantic coast when it hit the aging steel
bridge, which was built in the 1930s and handles about 2,800
vehicles a day.

Ship crash brings
down part of Ky. bridge^[1]

Inspections by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet have said
that besides the sections that are missing, there is some
damage on other spans andto the superstructure of the bridge,
according to CBS affiliate WLKY
in Louisville, Ky.^[2]

The U.S. Coast Guard is investigating the collision. And it's
too early to speculate on exactly what caused the wreck until
that probe is done, said Sam Sacco, a spokesman for ship owner
and operator Foss Marine.

Sacco said the boat was not severely damaged, and some of the
crew remained on the ship Friday afternoon to make sure the
cargo is safe.

Gov. Steve Beshear on Friday said an immediate review of
options to restore the bridge would take place.

"We'll turn our attention to a full inspection of the bridge
and determine what steps we can take next to speed up the
replacement of that important artery," Beshear said.

The 312-foot Delta Mariner hauls rocket parts for the Delta and
Atlas systems to launch stations in Florida and California,
according to a statement from United Launch Alliance, which
builds the rocket parts in Alabama. The cargo was not damaged
in the collision with the bridge, the company said.

The rocket parts are used by the Air Force, NASA and private
companies to send satellites into space, said Jessica Frye, a
spokeswoman with United Launch Alliance.

Sacco said the ship's typical route to Florida takes it along
the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers, then onto the Mississippi River
to the Gulf of Mexico and on to Florida's east coast.

According to CBS Radio, four vehicles were on the bridge at the
time of the collision.

Robert Parker was on the bridge Thursday night and said he had
to slam on his brakes when he saw a section missing ahead of
him. He says two cars behind him did the same, one almost
hitting his bumper.

"All of a sudden I see the road's gone and I hit the brakes,"
said Parker, who lives in Cadiz. "It got close."

Parker said he stopped his pickup within five feet of the
missing section. He said he didn't feel the vessel strike the
bridge but "felt the bridge was kind of weak."

Lt. Gov. Jerry Abramson and Transportation Cabinet Secretary
Mike Hancock were visiting the crash area Friday, officials
said.

Transportation Cabinet spokesman Keith Todd told The Paducah
Sun he believes most of the navigational lights were
functioning on the bridge at the time of the impact. However,
WLKY reported that a Coast Guard inspection revealed a few
lights were out on Tuesday, and were only set to be replaced on
Friday.

The bridge opened in 1932, connecting Trigg County and Marshall
County at the western entrance to Land Between the Lakes
National Recreation Area. According to CBS affiliate WKYT
in Lexington, Kentucky^[3], about
3,000 commuters use the bridge every day.

The transportation cabinet said the bridge was in the process
of being replaced, and preconstruction work began months ago.

References

1. ^{^} Ship crash brings down part of
   Ky. bridge (www.cbsnews.com)
2. ^{^} CBS affiliate WLKY in Louisville,
   Ky. (www.wlky.com)
3. ^{^} CBS affiliate WKYT in Lexington,
   Kentucky (www.wkyt.com)

Governor Steve Beshear today announced the immediate review of
options for restoring the US 68/KY 80 bridge over Kentucky Lake
after a large vessel struck the span last night and destroyed a
main truss.

Lieutenant Governor Jerry Abramson and Kentucky Transportation
Cabinet Secretary Mike Hancock will visit the bridge today and
talk with local officials about the investigation, alternate
routing, and impact on nearby communities.

"We are grateful that this wreck caused no injuries or loss of
life. Since that bridge carries 2,800 cars every day, we were
very fortunate that no one was on the span at that time," said
Gov. Beshear. "We'll turn our attention to a full inspection of
the bridge and determine what steps we can take next to speed
up the replacement of that important artery."

A cargo ship hit the bridge deck Thursday night, which
collapsed across the bow of the cargo ship. The bridge was
designed so that if it were struck, only portions of the
structure would fail, not the entire bridge. Inspectors
estimate the gap in the bridge to be approximately 300 feet
wide.

Search teams in boats from the Aurora Fire Department and
Marshall County Rescue Squad found no indication that vehicles
fell from the bridge when the vessel struck. The U.S. Coast
Guard said the ship did not contain hazardous cargo.

Inspectors and emergency responders from the Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) rushed to the scene. KYTC
engineers made a preliminary inspection and began an in-depth
inspection this morning. They are evaluating the stability of
the remaining parts of the bridge as well as assessing the
damage.

"We had already committed in our new six-year highway plan to
replace this bridge, because we know what an important route it
is for our citizens in western Kentucky," said Lt. Gov.
Abramson. "We will shift our focus to determining how to
restore that route as quickly and safely as we can."

"At this moment, we're assessing the situation to see whether
repair is feasible. We also will be exploring whether
construction of the new bridge can be accelerated," said Sec.
Hancock.

The two-lane bridge - formally the Eggner's Ferry Bridge - is
at the western entrance to Land Between the Lakes National
Recreation Area. It opened to traffic in 1932. Its elevation
was raised in 1943 when the Tennessee River was impounded to
create Kentucky Lake.

On average, the bridge carries approximately 2,800 vehicles
across the lake per day. The Transportation Cabinet is in the
initial phases of replacing the bridge, along with the nearby
bridge over Lake Barkley on the eastern side of Land Between
the Lakes. Preconstruction work, including geotechnical
drilling, began months ago.

"I appreciate the quick response by the Governor and Kentucky
Transportation Cabinet to help this situation in western
Kentucky," said Sen. Bob Leeper, of Paducah. "I look forward to
working with them to explore all the available possibilities
for a solution for the transportation needs of this area."

"I encourage our citizens to remain calm and patient as our
state transportation officials investigate the structure and
determine next steps," said Sen. Ken Winters, of Murray. "I
thank the Governor and Transportation Secretary for their
immediate attention to this matter, and I hope that they will
fully explore many alternatives, even temporary bridges, to
best serve the people of western Kentucky."

"I think Governor Beshear's plan for an immediate review of our
available options is an excellent first step in getting this
bridge back open," said Rep. Will Coursey, of Symsonia. "I have
been working with House leaders to see what more we can do
while we are in legislative session, and want the people to
know that the General Assembly stands ready to act."

With loss of the bridge, motorists will be advised to take
alternate routes, such as Interstate 24 around the northern end
of Land Between the Lakes.

In reaction to the collapse of the Eggner Ferry Bridge in
Western Kentucky Thursday, Sen. Rand Paul offered the following
statement.

"I am relieved that it appears no one was hurt in the accident.
I have used the bridge many times and know how big of an
inconvenience it will be for people to take the long way around
the lakes. I will visit the bridge today to meet with local
officials and find out what happened and what must happen to
get the road reopened, and I will do what I can to help with
this situation" Sen. Paul said.

Sen. Paul will be traveling to the bridge site today.

To: ENVIRONMENTAL AND STATE EDITORS

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A
long-awaited construction project that will see trails, parking
areas and bridges installed at Swatara State Park in Lebanon and
Schuylkill counties is now underway, the Department of Conservation
and Natural Resources said today.

"Long identified as 'undeveloped,' this gem of a state park
comprised of woodlands and meadows straddling Swatara Creek is
targeted for the type of improvements its visitors have
requested," said DCNR Secretary Richard Allan. "Planned facility and
infrastructure improvements will support and enhance day-use
recreation that already includes canoeing, fishing, hiking,
picnicking and bicycling."

Work will include installation of 10 miles of crushed stone
trails along an existing railway bed and a portion of abandoned
Old State Road. A new trail and bridge near Sand Siding Road
will connect the former rail bed and roadway. Another bridge
will span Mill Creek on the rail trail.

Four new trailheads, or parking areas, also are planned,
affording easy access to the trails and launch areas for
canoeing and kayaking.

Financed through state capital budget funds, the $4.67 million
project undertaken by Kinsley Construction of York County is
expected to be completed by mid-July.

State acquisition of lands that were to become Swatara State
Park began in 1971 and was completed in 1987. Totaling 3,520
acres, the state
park was subject of numerous surveys, environmental
assessments, Bureau of State Parks research efforts, and
governmental and user-group committee studies. The input shaped
the park's future and best utilizes its recreational potential.

"With its increased network of trails and access to Swatara
Creek launching areas, we see park visitation growing
significantly," Allan said. "We know more than 84,000 visitors
came last year to float and fish its waters and hike and bike
its scenic woodlands."

Park visitors are advised construction work may affect access
to certain areas. Closings may be required along Old State
Road/Bear Hole Trail, Rail Trail, the Lickdale Spur, and the
boat launch near Swopes Valley Road. Mountain bike trails, the
Appalachian Trail, and Waterville Bridge will remain open, as
will sections of the rail trail. The Swatara Water Trail will
require portage around bridge construction.

Updated information can be obtained by contacting Memorial Lake
State Park Office, 717-865-6470; or by email at memorialsp@pa.gov^[1].

Most of Swatara State Park is located along Interstate 81
between Second and Blue mountains. An 8-mile stretch of the
Swatara Creek Water Trail winds through the park, and two miles
of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to
Maine, cross its southern sector.

Part of the Memorial Lake State Park Complex, Swatara Creek is
a popular destination for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing
enthusiasts, especially in the spring. Designated launches in
the northern and southern ends of the park provide access to
the creek for boaters.

For more information on Swatara and Pennsylvania's other 119
state parks, visit http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us^[2]
(select "Find a Park").

Media contact: Terry Brady, 717-772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources

-0-

References

1. ^{^} memorialsp@pa.gov
   (news.yahoo.com)
2. ^{^} http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us
   (us.lrd.yahoo.com)

The MARY BRYANT HOME FOR
THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED^[1] has
kicked off a three-year campaign to raise $250,000 for updates
at the home, 2960 Stanton St.

Among plans are to install a more energy-efficient heating and
cooling system. New library materials and dining room furniture
also are planned.

The fundraising campaign officially kicked off with an Elvis
Himselvis show sponsored by the home Jan. 7 at the Hoogland
Center for the Arts. The show raised about $7,000.

A total of $38,500 has been raised for the campaign so far,
through the show, a chili supper and a Christmas appeal.

The first of about three phases is under way to replace the
home’s pneumatically controlled heating and air conditioning
system with an electronic system.

The home’s current system is original to the building, which
was constructed in 1983.

“The boilers are 2 million BTU boilers that they’re telling us
are between 60 and 65 percent efficient. The new ones that
we’re looking at are 92 to 93 percent efficient,” said JERRY
CURRY, executive director. “The fuel savings alone there will
be cost-effective.”

With the pneumatic system, because each apartment at the home
has separate thermostats for heating and cooling, there is a
potential for mistakes to be made in climate adjustment. The
heating and cooling could battle each other.

“So, you have the air conditioner blowing air into their room
trying to cool it down to 65 at the same time you’ve got the
boiler trying to pump in 85-degree air to heat it up,” Curry
said.

New chairs and tables also are needed for the dining room, and
new library materials are needed.

“Some, not all, the Braille books that we have are 30- to
40-year-old Braille books, and the bumps are starting to
flatten out. We’ve been getting donations for new, large-print
books and Braille books,” Curry said.

The Mary Bryant Home has 38 residents. The home, which has a
yearly budget of about $1.1 million, receives funds from
residents’ rent payments and donations.

“We’ve operated 65 years without state or federal funding,”
Curry said.

Donations can be mailed to Mary Bryant Home, 2960 Stanton St.,
Springfield, IL 62703-4385 (make a note for the boiler fund or
capital campaign fund). Credit card donations may be made by
calling 529-1611.

The SPRINGFIELD LOW VISION AWARENESS DAY will be held from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 at the home. Demonstration of
products will be available. It’s open to the public.

The home’s Low Vision Store is open to the public from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. It offers items like
large-print calendars, talking watches, talking kitchen items
and canes.

Charity Honor Roll

FLIRTING FOR DISASTER, a benefit for the ILLINOIS CAPITAL
AREA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS,^[2] will
be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at Erin’s Pavilion
at Southwind Park, 4965 S. Second St.

The event will be a cocktail party atmosphere with
entertainment by the country band STILL
KICK’N^[3].

A raffle and silent auction will be held.

Tickets are $30 per person or $35 at the door. For tickets,
visit il-redcross.org or visit the chapter office at 1045 Outer
Park Drive.

Tamara Browning is a columnist and feature writer for The
State Journal-Register. She can be reached at 788-1534 or at
tamara.browning@sj-r.com.
 

References

1. ^{^} MARY BRYANT HOME FOR THE BLIND
   AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED
   (www.marybryanthome.org)
2. ^{^} ILLINOIS CAPITAL AREA CHAPTER OF
   THE AMERICAN RED CROSS,
   (www.il-redcross.org)
3. ^{^} STILL KICK’N
   (www.stillkickn.com)

Amazon.com^[1] is
completing the last building in its 1.7-million-square-foot
headquarters complex.

Spear Street Capital of San Francisco recently broke ground on
a 130,000-square-foot office/retail building, and Seattle
developers Touchstone and Vulcan Real Estate are seeking
permits for office projects totaling another 1 million square
feet.

UW Medicine is expanding its South Lake Union research center,
and another 100,000-square-foot biotech building recently won
city approval.

Nearly 400 apartments are under construction in South Lake
Union, and another 1,300 are in the pipeline.

Eric Pryne: 206-464-2231 or epryne@seattletimes.com^[2]

References

1. ^{^} Amazon.com
   (amazon.com)
2. ^{^} epryne@seattletimes.com
   (seattletimes.nwsource.com)

NEW BEDFORD — Beautiful even in winter, the Home of the
Week must be a sight to behold in warmer weather. The arts and
crafts-style home has well-maintained gardens surrounding it.
In the spring and summer, perennials fill the yard with color,
complementing the shrubs and mature trees.

"This is really nice in the summertime," said Patti
Conway, the listing agent for the home with Anne Whiting Real
Estate. "The gardens are gorgeous."

The house has natural wood shingles and a new roof. In
addition to the lawn, there is outdoor space in the form of a
deck and two patios. The home is made all the more charming by
its proximity to Buttonwood Park, which can be seen from the
eastern side of the house and is only about 200 feet away. The
house is also close to several highways, including Routes 6,
140 and I-195. Past the yard, there is a detached oversized
one-car garage.

Inside, modern updates have been tastefully paired with
some of the home's older features, such as the exposed
whitewashed radiators and high baseboards. Add to this the
current owner's simple, elegant d?cor, and the home takes on
the cottage feel it exudes from the outside.

The front door opens into a small hardwood floor foyer
area, with stairs to the left and the rest of the home to the
right. An open living room and dining room area lets in plenty
of light with two sets of mullioned windows and a sunroom,
which is positioned off the living area. From the sunroom, you
can see the lilies that are out on the deck each spring, and
the pond at Buttonwood Park is visible.

Off of the dining area is the house's first bedroom. It
has hardwood floors as well as built-ins and a closet for
plenty of storage. A ceiling fan is another attractive feature.
At the back of the house is a den which could also count as a
bedroom, as it has a closet.

Currently, the closet has the doors removed and is acting
as an alcove for a television, which is another creative use
for the space.

Positioned next to the kitchen, this room could also be a
dining room.

A full bath with a corner cabinet and a window over the
tub is a charming and relaxing spot.

The kitchen has been updated to include some stainless
appliances, modern cherry cabinets and plenty of counter space.
It is large enough to be an eat-in kitchen if desired. A
microwave is built in, and the stove is electric. Off the
kitchen is a set of steps. Take a few steps down to access the
side door and the deck. After this landing, continue down the
stairs to the unfinished basement.

"You can live on one level," Conway said.

Two first-floor bedrooms will appeal to many potential
buyers, though the second floor master suite is a major draw as
well.

The stairs near the front door lead to a private second
floor master suite, which includes skylights and two closets,
one of which is a walk-in. Across from the walk-in closet,
there is an alcove that fits a sofa. The space measures about
19 feet by 18 feet. It also includes a private bath with a
walk-in shower, double sinks and a small octagonal window that
adds light and style to the room. The bathroom closet holds the
washer and dryer, although there are additional hookups in the
basement.

A winning location that is close to both peaceful
recreation and major highways is the icing on the cake for this
delightful home.

"It's a charming house," Conway said.

References

1. ^{^} Community Rules
   (www.southcoasttoday.com)
2. ^{^} Here's how
   (www.southcoasttoday.com)