Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Researchers from the West Pomeranian University of Technology (ZUT) in Poland have produced a study on the automation of 3D printing construction, while also investigating methods of improving the process in regards to the rheological properties of the concrete mix.

Specifically, the study details the application of additive manufacturing technology in the fabrication of a building wall model, in which the door opening was finished with an automated lintel installation.A lintel is a beam placed across openings in buildings like doors, windows etc. to support the load from the structure above.

The objective of the study was to improve the low capacity of 3D printed concrete mixes to transfer loads, which can be particularly troublesome in cases of external components that need to be placed on top such as precast lintels or floor beams during 3D printing construction processes.

Such an investigation, according to the researchers, can prove beneficial in designing larger civil structures using concrete 3D printing technology.

The advantages of construction 3D printing

The study sets out by explaining that developments in construction technology have been focused on speeding up the construction of buildings and structures through automation. A technology at the forefront of this development is additive manufacturing using concrete mixes, which allows the building up of a structure by extruding a concrete mix layer by layer.

Considering that the formwork can constitute to 3554% of total costs of raising concrete structure. The application of additive manufacturing brings measurable profits. Not only does it allow production of structures without the formwork, but it also reduces total production time, costs and labor. The technology also increases the safety of workers on the construction site, produces less waste and uses raw materials with low embodied energy, explain the authors of the study.

Indeed, recently the field of construction 3D printing has seen a number of initiatives and projects unfold which enabled the building of large structures in a short amount of time compared to traditional construction processes. For example SQ4D, an offshoot of the New York-based S-Squared 3D Printers (SQ3D), recently completed construction of a new building, in what it claims is the largest permitted 3D printed home in the world. Spanning 1900 square feet, construction of the 3D printed home reportedly took place over an eight-day period, with a total of 48 hours in print time.

New Story, a non-profit organization fighting homelessness and ICON, a Texas-based construction technologies company, have also begun an initiative seeking to create the worlds first 3D printed community of concrete homes. First announced in 2018, the 3D printed homes are intended to provide low-cost housing for low-income communities in Latin America that adapt to their day-to-day lives. Thus far two houses have now been 3D printed by ICON and New Story in Tabasco; each was completed in around 24 hours of print time and measures 500 sq ft. 3D printing was identified by New Story as a way to provide homes for these families at a faster pace.

Rheological properties of concrete in construction 3D printing

Discussing the additive manufacturing of structures, the ZUT researchers explain in their research the importance of ensuring a correlation between the increase of the load caused by additional printed layers, and the growth of the strength of layers already placed during the process of curing. Explaining further, the authors write: From this point of view, it is important to determine the appropriate extrusion speed, which makes it possible to obtain sufficient strength for each layer by the time the printing head returns to its home position, the layer needs to withstand the load imposed by layer deposited on top. As such, a central challenge in 3D printing is to obtain a mix with desired rheological properties, in order to ensure a proper printing process.

The purpose of the study is to therefore present the additive manufacturing of a scaled down wall model with a door opening, including the automated installation of a lintel. Specifically, the research adjusts the wall design and printing process to account for the rheological and mechanical properties of the fresh concrete, as well as the process of the automated lintel installation.

3D printing set-up. Photo via Materials 2020.The researchers aim to demonstrate that the automated process can be designed with high accuracy, as confirmed by simulation. They constructed the wall at a specially designed site, consisting of a 3D robot connected to a pumping module. The 3D printer and printing head motions were controlled by a G-code, whereas the mix was prepared in a laboratory mixer and transferred to the pump unit, from where it was delivered to the printing head hopper through a hose.

As part of the experiment, a special gripper was built in order to automatically transfer the lintel and install it on the wall in the determined position. The lintel placement via the gripper took place as the 3D printing robot was running, with the printing process recommencing as soon as they were completed. The concrete mix used in the experiments was designed on the basis of ensuring its optimal rheological properties for the 3D printing process. It had a 0.23 water-cement ratio and a density of 2168 kg/m.

After successfully 3D printing the scale model wall, the researchers were able to confirm the possibility of automating the wall construction process in additive manufacturing with the installation of a lintel with a special gripper. It was also proven that the printer can be used for placing precast elements during the whole process of printing. Significantly, the researchers also confirmed that the rheological properties of fresh concrete are of higher significance in 3D printing construction, than in the case of conventional concrete construction, due to the specific process characteristics involved.

Concluding the paper, the researchers state There are currently several experimental projects being carried out at different research centers, investigating the desired mechanical and rheological properties of concrete mixes and their behavior during the printing process. Further research concerning mix properties and 3D printing strategies will result in the development of design and construction procedures, which will ensure the required level of printed construction structural safety.

The paper, Automation in the Construction of a 3D-Printed Concrete Wall with the Use of a Lintel Gripper, is written by Marcin Hoffmann, Szymon Skibicki, Pawe Pankratow, Adam Zieliski, Mirosaw Pajor and Mateusz Techman. It is published in the journal Materials.

The nominations for the 2020 3D Printing Industry Awards are now open. Who do you think should make the shortlists for this years show? Have your say now.

Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter for the latest news in additive manufacturing. You can also stay connected by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.

Looking for a career in additive manufacturing? Visit 3D Printing Jobs for a selection of roles in the industry.

Featured image shows the steps for printing a wall with a lintel. Photo via Materials 2020.

Read more:
Polish researchers explore automation for 3D printed building - 3D Printing Industry

First came the I-74 bridge construction. Then came the coronavirus pandemic.

MOLINE, Ill. Fans of Bass Street Chop House only have a few days left to get their favorite dishes. The restaurant is closing at the end of the day Saturday, April 18.

"I don't think there's a single business in downtown Moline that's gonna tell you they're not hurting," managing partner Jeff Harrop says.

The Chop House announced Friday on Facebook that they'd be closing after 14 years on River Drive.

"The hardest part of the decision were the employees," Harrop says. "We've worked here together a long time and the employees here made the restaurant."

But the years have taken their toll on the restaurant. Harrop says construction in downtown Moline, then work on the new I-74 bridge kept traffic and people away.

Bass Street was hit again in the past few months having to close the dining room because of the coronavirus. They're still completing carry-out orders until Saturday.

"The coronavirus is not helping anyone," Harrop says. "We're all in the same boat and we certainly had the opportunity to do the PPP loans, but again at the end of that, we still don't have the market we had a few years back."

Looking forward, Harrop says he and his partners will focus on their new restaurant in East Moline: the Combine by the Bend Hotel. That restaurant has been shut down because of the virus but will soon reopen for carry-out in the coming weeks.

Harrop hopes all 31 employees of Bass Stree can move to work at the Combine.

"It's been rewarding for making such a hard decision and having such a positive response from the people in Quad Cities," he says. "It was very nice. They've been very, very positive of the experiences they've had with us and disappointed we'll be leaving."

Harrop says someday he'd reopen a restaurant like the Chop House if the opportunity and market presented itself.

See the original post here:
Bass Street Chop House closing while owner looks to the future - WQAD.com

Tim McLoone, who owns eleven NJ restaurants talks about the impact of Coronavirus ordered closings Asbury Park Press

The circumstances surrounding coronavirus including recent restrictions placed on construction projects are affecting the anticipated spring openings of several restaurants in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Here are updates on five.

The Toms River coffee shop, one of several planned as an extension of an online coffee business with a previous location on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, is under construction in the new Shoppes at Hooper on Hooper Avenue.

Co-owner Drew Adelman originally planned for a mid-April opening but saidwork on the building, as well as at his forthcoming Newark location,is delayed"hopefully not for long." 1922 Hooper Ave.;badabeancawfee.com.

Supporting local: Gannett launches new website to help areasmall businesses hit hard by coronavirus crisis

More: Open a restaurant during a pandemic? These owners did it

Locals were thrilled to hear that this burger spot was relocating to a bigger space, but Burger 25 fans will need to wait a little longer.

Steve Vetter, who owns the restaurant with his wife, Denise, initially planned a May opening for their new location, but Vetter said June is now more likely.

The Frisky Whiskey from Burger 25 is an Angus patty topped with Jack Daniels sauce, caramelized onions, provolone, crispy onions and bacon.(Photo: COURTESY OF BURGER 25)

The current restaurant, which is open for takeout and delivery,is at1611 Route 37.The new location is 199 Route 37; burger25.com.

Restaurant delivery, takeout in Monmouth County:Your guide to what's open, closed and more

Early last week,construction on this restaurant, which is being completely renovated, was "going well and moving in the right direction," said Phil Villapiano, who owns Deal Lake Bar + Co. with Andrea Pappas and Greg Bartz.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

But the governor's construction order, which was announced April 8, put a stop to the work. "Unfortunately, we will not be able to continue past (April 10)," Villapiano said, adding that work will resume as soon asallowed.601 Main St.; deallakebarco.com.

Last July, Joe Brignoni announced he was opening a sister location to his Roselle Park restaurant in Monmouth County. Since then, he has completely renovated a former nail salon on Asbury Park's Main Street, turning the 3,500-square-foot space into a two-story restaurant.

As of press time, construction was complete and Brignoni was waiting on the installation of equipment. He hopes to open in early May.504 Main St.;joes-rotisseria.com.

Looking for the trusted place to find the best home service providers? Find local pros.

Shortly after the start of the new year, Omer Basatemur announced he would be opening a second location of his Belmar restaurant, a longtime favorite for vegan food, in Asbury Park. Work began in mid-January, and he was planning to open in late February or early March.

More: Ocean County: A guide to restaurants offering pickup and delivery

In early April, he announced via social media that the opening had been delayed:"We couldnt get our doors open before all of the madness began. The city had been closed, and we couldnt obtain our mercantile license.

A dish of fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes and lentil loaf topped with brown gravy at Kaya's Kitchen in Belmar.(Photo: FILE PHOTO)

We hope everyone is well, and we cant wait to start serving up our vegan menus at both locations once this has passed."

The Belmar restaurant,1000 Main St., is open for takeout and delivery. The Asbury Park cafe will open in the Lakehouse Music Academy Building, 619 Lake Ave.; kayaskitchenbelmar.com.

A lifelong Jersey girl, Sarah Griesemer joined the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey more than 15 years ago. Send restaurant tips tosgriesemer@gannettnj.com and follow @jersey.shore.eats.

Read or Share this story: https://www.app.com/story/entertainment/dining/2020/04/13/coronavirus-nj-restaurants-opening-spring-2020-delayed/2982021001/

Read the rest here:
Coronavirus NJ: Anticipated Monmouth, Ocean spring restaurant openings that will be delayed - Asbury Park Press

BY ASSEMBLYMAN RYAN PETERS

If theres a real-time lesson we can learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and response, its thatone-size-fits-all approaches dont work.

It would be either arrogant or political opportunism to attack leaders who are making decisionson the fly aimed at protecting people against a once-in-a-lifetime viral outbreak. I believe ourpresident and countrys governors are doing the best they can to save lives while trying to avoida recession that will affect millions for years to come.

This cant be an easy tightrope to walk. Thats why I commend Governor Murphys balancing actin seeing New Jersey through our current situation. Credit has to be given where it is due. Thegovernor has faced the media every day, has consistently implemented new strategies and hasmade many hard-but-fair decisions through executive orders.

Although I agree with many of the social distancing guidelines hes put in place, lockdownsarent a zero-sum game. Not every lockdown leads to a loss in economics balanced out by anequal win for the health of citizens.

That brings me to one of the governors more recent lockdowns putting an end to most privateconstruction. I would never criticize Governor Murphy on doing what he thinks will save lives,but as legislators, we must speak out when we feel one of these lockdowns could have a veryminimal or flat positive impact compared to its great negative impact.

A construction site isnt a restaurant where new people are coming in and out of every day. Itsnot a warehouse where hundreds of people work in close quarters. It is not even a regular smalloffice, which would most likely lack the type of PPE needed to be at work in the vicinity of otherpeople. Construction generally involves the same bubble of people working mostly outdoors,making social distancing possible in most circumstances.

Weve spent years regulating the construction industry in New Jersey to protect workers fromvarious airborne substances that could cause damage to them. OSHA and other workplaceregulations in place have led to the existence of PPE at construction sites before PPE was anationally known term.

As a country and a state, we have fought this pandemic from home. It has been a necessaryretreat based on science and the adherence to medical professionals, but at some point wemust advance forward and fight the pandemic head on. Now is not the time to return to normal,but I believe controlled fields like construction are the appropriate places where an offensivestrategy can be implemented.

With that being said, here are some suggestions on how to keep construction open in a safeand responsible way.

Temperature checks: All workers must adhere to temperature checks before startingtheir days. Anything above 99 degrees and that worker is sent home. This is somethingmany countries that are reopening are doing.

Mandatory PPE: all workers must wear masks and gloves throughout their shift something most all construction sites already implement.

Mandatory social distancing: a construction site must change its worker schedules tofollow social distancing rules. If a job cant get done under social distancing guidelines,then it should be shut down.

No congregating during lunch breaks. Workers must eat alone.

Construction is a giant locomotive. Once it slows too much, it is notoriously difficult to get it backand moving in the right direction. I believe these steps are a clear way to keep the train movingin a safe manner that is currently unique to only certain industries.

The game plan is that every non-essential activity should be shut down. But paying the bills isessential. Large engines of the economy are essential. We must only place lockdowns onindustries where the lockdown will have an effect on saving lives. If we can develop offensivestrategies to save lives and keep things chugging along, we shouldnt shy away from it becauseit goes against the current headwinds of the news media.

Construction is uniquely suited for an offensive strategy.

Assemblyman Ryan Peters represents LD8.

(Visited 124 times, 124 visits today)

Read more:
Assemblyman Peters: Construction Should Remain Open. Here's How. - InsiderNJ

The executive chef of Otto Enoteca stands in front of the closed restaurant caused by the coronavirus pandemic. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

Editors Note: Introducing TRD Insights, our answer to the industrys unspoken data deficit. With clear and concise analysis, our insights will provide a closer look at the real estate market on a macro and micro level. Stay tuned for whats to come, and in the meantime, please enjoy our first post below!

The job losses across the hospitality and food service world are spilling over into the real estate and construction industries.

A 50 percent drop in accommodation and food services jobs nationwide in the second quarter of 2020 could translate to 3.1 million job losses in those industries and an additional 1.2 million job losses in the broader economy, according to a new report from the St. Louis Federal Reserve. That could lead to the loss of 33,972 and 22,314 jobs in the real estate and construction industries, respectively.

The study, released April 2, used data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to estimate the spillover the impact that events in one sector or industry have on a seemingly unrelated sector or industry. The report did not break down the types of jobs in the real estate and construction sectors that could be impacted.

However, the real estate industry isnt immune to direct job losses stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. This month, some of New York Citys biggest brokerages began laying off and furloughing large chunks of their workforce. Redfin, an outlier in the industry for employing salaried brokers, laid off 41 percent of its agents.

Last weeks jobs report from the BLS showed that the real estate rental and leasing workforce shrank by 3.8 percent in March 2020. Overall, the number of coronavirus-related business shutdowns has sent jobless claims skyrocketing, totaling almost 17 million over the past three weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Read more:
How hospitality job losses will spill over into real estate, construction - The Real Deal

Construction is one activity that COVID-19 hasnt stopped on Redstone Arsenal.

We are full steam ahead, said Glen Strobach of Directorate of Public Works. In fact were pushing to get more road work completed while our traffic flow is light and the weather stays good.

In addition to ongoing work at the new Redstone Gateway project, Strobach said crews have been working to complete new road construction leading to Gate 3, which is currently closed because of COVID-19. On Monday, April 6, he said paving was completed on the new intersection of the Haysland Road extension and Hobbs Road, which will offer another option for entering and exiting Gate 3 on Redstone Road north toward Grissom High School.

Strobach said road striping and a new traffic signal are scheduled for completion the week of April 20, weather permitting. That means commuters can expect a slight traffic change as they approach and exit Gate 3 when the workforce returns to the arsenal. The biggest change will be for those exiting Gate 3. He said traffic will be limited to the right lane, unless motorists are turning onto Haysland Road. The left traffic lane will be dedicated to left turns only. Strobach said the change is anticipated to occur when the road re-opens, likely before the workforce returns to the arsenal.

Construction workers are practicing all recommended safety and social distancing measures and additional guidelines from the CDC, Army, Department of Defense, and state and local governments, he said.

Over near Gate 9, the same safety practices are being observed at the Redstone Gateway construction site on Rideout Road, said James Lomax, director of asset management for Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT). The 468-acre office park is being developed by COPT and Wilson & Associates.

It is a mass construction site, Lomax said. In rough square footage weve got approximately 800,000 square feet of space under development right now.

Among sites under construction include:

A multi-building campus for defense contractor Yulista, which will include 366,000 square feet of space on the site.

A 100,000 square-foot, four-story office building at 8000 Rideout Road.

A single-story, 40,000 square-foot office space at 6000 Redstone Gateway.

A 20,000 square-foot building, which will be home to Ardent Pre-school & Daycare.

Seven office buildings, totaling 669,000 square feet have already been completed at the site including: The Shops at Redstone Gateway, which houses three restaurants and a conference center; and a TownePlace Suites by Marriott.

The biggest impact COVID-19 is having on the Redstone Gateway complex is the delayed grand opening of a new coffee shop and a change in restaurant traffic.

Lomax said the Offbeat Coffee Studio opening has been delayed because of COVID-19. The coffee shop currently has one location in Campus 805.

It was supposed to open this month but it will be pushed out, Lomax said. It exciting that well have a new drive-thru and walk up coffee shop when this is over.

He said all three Redstone Gateway restaurants, Rocket City Tavern, Fiero and DipWich, are providing take out orders to help weather the COVID-19 pandemic.

Otherwise, Lomax said COVID-19 isnt creating a negative impact on Redstone Gateway tenants, since most are government contractors and still producing income and have employees who are still getting paid.

COPT is taking extra steps related to cleaning and sanitizing its Redstone Gateway office spaces.

Since this happened, we took it upon ourselves to let our tenants know we are doing everything we can to ensure they have a safe working environment if they are using their office, Lomax said. Weve asked them to view us as a partner in the fight against the coronavirus and asked them to contact us first if they have someone in their building who has tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19 so we can lock it down and give it a deep cleaning.

He said a day porter cleaning service is on site daily spraying and wiping down high touch points like elevators, door knobs and handles.

Were worried about our construction workers as well, he said. So far, they are out there using masks and staying away from each other and weve had not problems with them at all.

That means that all projects are on schedule, he said, adding that this month another two buildings are scheduled to start construction.

Continue reading here:
Gateway construction booming despite pandemic | News - Theredstonerocket

While the coronavirus pandemic has put manythings on hold in Turlock, construction crews remain busy with plenty of newdevelopments in the works around town.

Following a successful 2019 that broughtplenty of commercial, retail and residential development to Turlock, even morewas planned for the city in 2020 prior to the spread of COVID-19. Luckily,construction sites across town are abuzz with activity and plans remain intactfor new restaurants, stores and one highly-anticipated coffee shop despite coronavirusshutdowns.

Construction companies and the worksites wherethey operate have been deemed essential by Gov. Gavin Newsom during thestatewide stay at home orders, which are meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.The decision has given the states economy at least one leg to stand on duringthese trying times, Turlocks Assistant to the City Manager for Housing andEconomic Development Maryn Pitt said.

The construction trades are exempt, so yousee the build outs and some other things around town continue to move forward,Pitt said. The construction industry is one of the lifebloods of Californiaseconomic development.

One restaurant in the early stages of movinginto the Turlock Town Center is Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, which will moveforward with interior improvements to the existing building at 775 N. GoldenState Blvd. as soon as a conditional use permit for the drive throughrestaurant is approved by the Planning Commission. Plans for the drive throughhave already been submitted to the City. A new McDonalds is also planned inthe center at 693 N. Golden State Blvd.

One restaurant in the early stages of moving into the Turlock Town Center is Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, which will move forward with interior improvements to the existing building at 775 N. Golden State Blvd. (FRANKIE TOVAR/The Journal).

According to Tim Moody, a real estate agentrepresenting the Turlock Town Center, some projects in the shopping center arein flux as future and current tenants work on plans.

In addition to the fast food restaurants, aBBQ-style buffet called Kaitlyn and Ashlees Kitchen is planning to open inJune, and aproject that began last year will come to fruition in the coming months withthe opening of Smart & Final Extra.

Across the street, API Architecture has submitted plans tothe City to demolish the former home of Souzas Furniture at 199 W. Canal Driveand build two drive-through restaurants one of which will be a Starbucks. Ifapproved, the submitted plans say construction on the Starbucks will begin inJuly 2020 and be completed by May 2021. Plans for the second building will besubmitted at a future date.

Across town, construction on another coffee shop, DutchBros Coffee, is underway next to Stanislaus State on the corner of Crowell Roadand Monte Vista Avenue. Work has also begun on an accompanying dual retail pad,which has already secured Dominos Pizza as a tenant and will fill the otherspace in the months to come. Pitt anticipates the project to be completesometime before the end of the year.

I thought they would be a littlefurther along than they are, Pitt said. I know everyone is patiently waiting,so Im hoping they're open by Christmas...maybe even before school startsagain.

Housing projects also continue, with thesecond phase of the Avena Bella affordable housing project well underway, anapartment complex on Pedras Road in the works and the construction of homes onTuolumne Road near Denair moving along.

Construction on Harbor Freight, a homeimprovement store near Pedretti Park, will be complete soon, and Ross Dress forLess will open a second location in Geer Gardens North this year, taking overthe 27,000 square foot space at 2405 Geer Road which formerly housed FallasDiscount Store.

Ross, and countless other retail storesthroughout Turlock, recently laid off its staff due to the pandemic, Pitt said,but the stores future second location shows that businesses believe theeconomy will rebound quickly. The spaces proximity to the university made it atop choice for the retail chain, she added.

Theyve been poking around, looking foranother location...not a lot of retailers are looking for that size of space,so I was a little surprised that happened, Pitt said. Theyve made it clearthat their layoffs are temporary.

Read the original:
More fast food, retail on the way - The Turlock Journal

While construction zones sit empty across the Walt Disney World resort, progress still attempts to move ahead for one project: the 900-room Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge.

According to the Orlando Business Journal,

Six new notice of commencement filings, which signal the start of construction work, have been submitted to Orange County for work at addresses near and around the future 900-room Reflections: A Disney Lakeside Lodge project. The contractor on the permits is Balfour Beatty Construction LLC, which has been the speculate builder for the new resort on the former River Country water park land.

According to the filings, the intended construction includes work on the table service restaurant, a transportation dock, covered walkway, a lakefront transportation dock, a bus stop, a pool restroom building, and outdoor structure and a security kiosk.

And this all hints at what future guests have been told to expect from the new resort, particularly access to the Magic Kingdom Park by watercraft across Bay Lake, and Tianas Restaurant themed off of the animated Disney classic, Princess and the Frog. It will also include beautiful villas for Disney Vacation Club members.

The limited construction is meant to abide by the precautionary measures set forth by state and local governments as well as those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while also attempting to make some progress on the immense amount of work that lies ahead of them.

In a statement, Balfour Beatty stated the following:

As an essential business, we have a responsibility to keep our projects operating while we modify the way we deliver work to allow for the new and necessary health and safety measures that are now required as a result of this pandemic. The practicalities of how to implement social distancing in the field are complex and our workforce is committed to meeting these needs, knowing that each decision has an impact on not only the teams ability to deliver and our production flow, but the health and wellbeing of everyone.

Reflections is only one of a plethora of projects underway scattered across the Walt Disney World, including the TRON Lightcycle roller coaster at the Magic Kingdom, a Star Wars hotel, and EPCOTs park-wide revamp that includes new attraction like Remys Ratatouille Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. But any progress made is better than no progress at all.

View post:
Construction to Soon Continue on New Disney World Resort Hotel - Inside the Magic

MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) - Bass Street Chop House will close its doors.

The restaurant's managing partner Jeff Harrop made the announcement Friday. He writes, "With the changes we are all facing and the combination of the I-74 bridge construction and the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus, it is not feasible to re-open the Bass Street Chop House."

The restaurant has been open for 14 years.

Harrop says his family is staying in the restaurant business in the Quad Cities and invites people to their current restaurant, Combine, at the Bend in East Moline.

According to the press release, Bass Street Chop House will continue offering carry-out and delivery until April 18, 2020 at 8:00 P.M. Likewise, anyone with an unused gift card will be able to use it at any other Bass Street restaurant, like Combine.

You can read his announcement in full below.

Here is the original post:
Bass Street Chop House to close citing COVID-19 and I-74 construction - KWQC-TV6

David Lee, owner of Blue Moon Construction, LLC, in Tampa, Florida.

Bibi Sipra

A loan program meant to pump fast cash into small businesses has failed on almost all accounts, according to business owners.

The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is among the core financial-relief measures the federal government has pushed to entrepreneurs hobbled by the coronavirus pandemic. The program, overseen by the Small Business Administration, offers low-interest loans to cover operating expenses after a declared disaster.

But money that was supposed to arrive within days has, weeks later, not yet shown up, and entrepreneurs are getting substantially less capital than originally envisioned.

"We feel shortchanged," said David Lee, the owner of Blue Moon Construction, LLC, a two-employee shop based in Tampa, Florida. "This was our only access to the stimulus."

"Now they're pulling the rug out from under us," said Lee, 40. "It feels like the government is overlooking America's smallest companies."

The program is the lesser-known cousin of the Paycheck Protection Program, a $349 billion forgivable loan program created by the $2 trillion coronavirus relief package signed March 27.

The relief law beefed up the disaster loans, overseen by the SBA, by giving emergency grants of up to $10,000 to businesses within three days of the agency receiving their application.

The enhancement was meant as a quick infusion of capital for businesses with 500 or fewer employees. The grants don't have to be repaid even if a disaster-loan application is ultimately denied.

But that three-day window turned out to be a pipe dream.

Lee applied for a loan on March 29. Two weeks have passed, and he hasn't received any funds or a communication about his application status.

Meanwhile, his revenues are down 90%. Lee aimed to use the loan and grant to fund operations through the summer.

Robert Miller, who owns three restaurants in the Pittsburgh area, has waited even longer.He first applied for a disaster loan on March 19.

His restaurants Sidelines Bar and Grill, Sidelines Beer House and The Fire Side Public House are losing $50,000 a week and revenues are down 80%.

"It's a nightmare," Miller said of the program. "If they don't fix it, a lot of businesses will have trouble reopening or surviving."

Many business owners are trying to leverage both disaster loans and the Paycheck Protection Program.

Funds from the latter are meant primarily for payroll costs to keep workers employed. That leaves many, especially those with few employees and low payroll costs, in the lurch and in need of capital to fund other business operations.

But disaster loans are much more meager than originally anticipated due to high demand and insufficient federal funding.

While the SBA website says business owners can get a disaster loan for up to $2 million, the agency is capping its loans at $15,000.

Yet business owners are requesting an average $200,000, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., said in a speech April 9.

The coronavirus relief law, known as the CARES Act, said applicants get an emergency grant in the sum requested by applicants, up to $10,000. However, the SBA isn't allowing business owners to choose the size of their grant they are instead limited to $1,000 per employee, up to $10,000.

All together, disaster-loan funding is about 99% less than originally advertised.

More from Personal Finance7.5 million small businesses are at risk of closingHow to pin down your finances as tight as possibleCreditors can snatch your coronavirus stimulus check

Around 3.8 million business owners have requested disaster loans, for a total $372 billion but Congress only authorized $7.3 billion for the program, Cardin said.

Just 4% of those who applied for a disaster loan have been approved and 1% haven't, according to a National Federation of Independent Business survey of 884 small-business owners conducted from April 6-7.

The SBA didn't respond to a request for comment.

For Toby Rice, a sole proprietor based in Macedonia, Ohio, the new contours of the loan program are a huge blow.

His recruitment marketing firm, Total Online Recruitment Advisors, has lost more than 90% of revenue. Rice, a sole proprietor, expected to qualify for a $100,000 disaster loan and planned to use the $10,000 grant to cover three months of fixed business costs.

Now, he qualifies for a $15,000 loan and $1,000 grant.

"$1,000 isn't enough to make a difference for anything," Rice, 33, said. "If you're in a boat that's sinking and you have 10 holes, you can plug one but you still have nine leaking.

"It's not going to save you."

Rice applied for a loan March 31. He hasn't received any money or word on when it will be available.

Miller, the restaurant owner, originally expected to get between $150,000 and $200,000 per restaurant from the program. He also applied for a $200,000 Paycheck Protection loan, which, if approved, would allow him to rehire laid-off employees and fund two months of payroll for his 60 workers.

Given the current restrictions, though, Miller will likely have to lay off half his staff in two months' time if nothing changes, he said.

Original post:
Their loan money was supposed to arrive in days. They've waited weeks - CNBC