Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Major Connecticut commercial landlord Griffin Industrial Realty Inc. said Wednesday it plans to convert to a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) and shed two of its suburban office buildings in Windsor and Bloomfield as part of a larger strategy to focus on managing and leasing industrial/warehouse space.

The New York-based landlord-developer said it plans to convert to a REIT for federal tax purposes to maximize shareholder value and generate growth opportunities as it continues to expand its industrial/warehouse property portfolio in select markets.

It also intends to sell its two, three-story office buildings at the 600-acre Griffin Center office park. The buildings at 5 and 7 Waterside Crossing total about 161,000 square feet.

The sprawling suburban office campus is comprised of several multi-story office buildings straddling the Windsor and Bloomfield town line.

Griffins two buildings on-site have similar designs, each spanning over about 80,500 square feet, according to Tim Lescalleet, Griffins senior vice president.

Photo | Griffin Industrial Realty Inc.

The Griffin Center office park on Waterside Crossing features green spaces and ponds.

The two buildings owned by Griffin, both built in the mid-1980s, house tenants including The Hanover Insurance Group Inc., Lincoln Waste Solutions, Vertafore and Great American Insurance Co., among others.

After selling the Class A office buildings, Griffin said its remaining office portfolio would include 10, single-story properties in Greater Hartford totaling 272,000 square feet. Griffin may seek to sell those properties over time, it said.

In total, Griffin said it owns 41 buildings totaling 4.6 million square feet, including 4.1 million square feet of industrial/warehouse space, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Florida. It also owns more than 3,400 acres of undeveloped land.

Joe Cooperis HBJs web editor and real estate writer. He pens The Real Deal column about commercial real estate.

The rest is here:
Landlord Griffin to convert to REIT, shed two Greater Hartford office buildings - Hartford Business

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wants to remind shed hunters and everyone who enjoys the outdoors that collection and possession of shed antlers or horns on all public lands west of I-25 is prohibited between January 1 and April 30 of each year.

The annual closure has been in place since 2018 and is intended to protect animals that are on their winter range from unnecessary human disturbances. It's at this time of year that ungulates (hoofed mammals, deer, elk, etc.) are in their worst condition.

The closure has been very successful in protecting wildlife during the late winter, however, there are still some who have ignored the closures, said wildlife officer Garrett Smith. The driving force for shed collection is money, and when you put a price tag on something, you will have people who will go to great lengths to exploit that.

The restriction is for public land only. Antler and horn collection is still permitted on private lands. Permission to be on private lands is of course required, regardless of the time of year.

According to CPW, a recently approved increase in wildlife-related fines means the possession of a single antler or horn will cost you $137 and five license suspension points. If you accumulate 20 or more points, your hunting and fishing privileges in Colorado and 48 other states could be suspended.

CPW encourages anyone with information about illegal shed collection to call their local office or the Operation Game Thief hotline at 1-877-265-6648.

Original post:
Covering Colorado CPW issues reminder of shed hunting restrictions on public lands west of I-25 - KOAA.com Colorado Springs and Pueblo News

HVAC replacement costs can potentially range from $3,250 to $12,586 for the average sized 2,000 sq. ft home in a moderate climate zone. The cost of installation will depend on home size, if you are installing either a central AC unit, furnace, or heat pump, and if ductwork will need to be replaced.

Get Local Costs

Installation costs will change depending on a few factors that are specific to your home and location. Here are the main things that your air conditioning contractor will assess in order to give you a total price quote for your replacement HVAC system:

Depending on where in the US your home is located, the local regions climate can change dramatically. A home located in the South would need an AC unit with a size capable of cooling your home due to high temperature Summers. A home in the Northern part of the US would need a much larger heating capacity as well which will affect costs. See the chart below for the average costs of a central AC unit only by TONS.

Get Local Costs

If you are replacing your current air conditioning system, its safe to assume that you already have ductwork installed. Ductwork delivers the conditioned air from your HVAC system throughout your home through vents often found in your homes attic and However, with time ductwork can lose its efficiency or may need to be altered to work with your new AC system. New ductwork installation can tack on an additional cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,200 depending on the level of complexity to install or alter. Plan to add a few days of labor to your HVAC replacement project if you do need ductwork replacement.

The ability to cool and heat your home at maximum efficiency will depend a lot on how well insulated your home is currently and the size of your home. A 2500 square foot home will need a much larger AC unit than a smaller home, which will impact installation costs. Also a house with energy efficient windows that are well insulated and sealed well with no cracks for air flow will require far less AC capacity to keep temperatures comfortable. Other factors that can affect this could be the insulation elsewhere such as the foundation, roof, attics, basements, flooring, and more.

A local and trusted HVAC service installer will be able to tell you best what features you may need or want for your homes system. Higher priced AC unit costs will come with higher energy efficiency levels known as the SEER rating. The size of the unit will also make a different in AC unit prices. The HVAC brand you choose will also impact total installation costs. Higher end central AC units will cost more upfront. However, better brands usually come with a longer lifespan, better warranties, and smarter technology built in to fully control your homes temperature.

There may also be some AC installation costs that are not included in the initial HVAC estimate but you will want to factor in just in case. These are the things you should ask the air conditioning contractor if the following costs are included in the initial quote theyre providing. Be sure to always ask these questions.

Get Free Quotes

There are a quite a few factors to consider when determining what could affect the cost of a new HVAC system installation price quote. Some factors may cause your initial cost estimate to be higher or lower. It is advised to get at least four local price quotes from different qualified HVAC contractors. Let Modernize help connect you to reliable local contractors.

Get Free Quotes

For any bid you receive you should always double check your final HVAC installation quotes for possible pricing errors. Errors can happen when trying to determine your full HVAC system installation costs. Communicate any and all questions and concerns with your air conditioning installer before you sign off on any contracts.

For a full list of price evaluation tips see ourhomeowners guide to evaluating your HVAC cost estimates.

How much does it cost to install different heating and cooling systems?

You can use our HVAC Installation Cost Calculator to get an average price for installation in your area and then talk to reliable local contractors about your specific project afterwards if you'd like.

What are the top factors that affect the cost of your HVAC installation?

Read in depth about the details here on each of these cost factors and get an estimate on how much each HVAC system will cost to install in your area.

Can you negotiate HVAC Installation costs with contractors?

HVAC installation costs typically range from $3,500 to $7,525, but homeowners can reduce those costs by negotiating the contract price and terms with their contractor by getting multiple quotes from local contractors or using our cost calculator to get average local prices as a negotiating basepoint.

What are the top brands of HVAC systems?

Some brands offer extensive warranties, boast incredible customer support teams, and offer smart home technology for your new air conditioner. It really depends on your budget and what you value the most in a new home heating or cooling unit and the brand of it. Like most things, you get what you pay for and should plan your budget accordingly when looking to install a new HVAC system in your home. See our review list of the the best air conditioner brands and top furnace brands.

How do you find a local reliable cooling and heating installer?

It is then smart to vet the recommended contractors by doing research and using a service like Modernize to instantly compare multiple quotes from the top HVAC contractors. We provide information on local service professionals along with their current Google business ratings, Better Business Bureau ratings, and even recent reviews from homeowners in your neighborhood who also completed HVAC projects with those same heating and cooling contractors.

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HVAC System Costs - 2020 Replacement ... - Modernize

By The Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS Some lawmakers and advocates are concerned about the process of relocating two schools for blind and deaf students, arguing that it's being rushed because the schools sit on valuable Indianapolis real estate desirable for development.

The Indiana School for the Deaf and the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired are in dire need of updates and maintenance, including major repairs for new roofs, better drainage and upgraded mechanical systems.

An assessment found that both schools combined would need about $96 million for maintenance. Recently, the schools requested more than $8.3 million for projects, ranging from HVAC replacements to roof repairs, which led to the consideration of moving them to new buildings that require less upkeep, according to Republican state Sen. Liz Brown from Fort Wayne.

Are we as a state spending money on a building, when it could be going to a student? That concerns me, Brown told the Indianapolis Business Journal. I would much rather see us focus the dollars on the student.

The schools serve a total of about 500 students from preschool to high school annually, providing deaf and blind students with an education advocates say they can't obtain in traditional public schools.

Last year, the General Assembly formed a task force to focus on the schools future, which concluded that building new, separate schools on a shared campus would enable the schools to serve students better. The group is still working on more detailed evaluations about what new schools might offer and where they could be located.

But some officials say moving the schools is being rushed because their land is a valuable real estate asset.

Weve always known this was very valuable property, said Democratic state Rep. Greg Porter from Indianapolis, whose district includes the blind school. Im quite sure its a development play.

Melissa Keyes, executive director of Indiana Disability Rights, who served as an advisory member of the task force, said the value of the two properties and whether they could be redeveloped was not discussed during meetings. But its obvious thats whats playing into it, she said.

Sixty acres (near) Meridian-Kessler? Its kind of hard to not recognize that that would be a prime piece of property if there wasnt a school on it, Keyes said.

But Brown, chair of the task force, said the group wasnt focused on the real estate, but rather on how to best serve the schools students while being mindful of how taxes dollars are spent.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb said through a spokeswoman that he's open to the task force's recommendations. The task force has until end of year to make final recommendations to the State Budget Committee.

Read more:
State mulls moving schools over fixing old properties - The Herald

Homeowners maintain their HVAC systems to keep their properties at a comfortable temperature year-round. Proper maintenance and inspections prevent homeowners from facing sudden shutdowns and failures. Service providers offer a wide array of services to keep the systems maintained and operating at high-performance levels. Homeowners who want to learn more about maintaining the systems read why it's vital to have the HVAC systems inspected each year. Property owners who want to learn more can click here for more info.

Improving Air Quality

Improving the air quality in the home helps homeowners lower the risk of respiratory illnesses and the accumulation of allergens in the air. The inspection includes an assessment of the ventilation system and replacements for all filters. The services determine if dust, debris, or pathogens have built up in the systems and preventing proper airflow throughout the home. Seasonal cleaning is highly recommended for HVAC systems and improves the air quality dramatically.

Prevent Electrical Fires and Hazards

Preventing electrical fires and hazards lowers the risk of detrimental circumstances for the property owner. The inspections include a review of all electrical wiring and the installation itself. If the technicians discover any irregularities and installation errors, the technicians repair the issues quickly. Loose or damaged electrical wiring is a common cause of electrocution and fires in the home. Correcting the conditions quickly prevents the homeowner and their family from facing any serious risks because of the HVAC systems.

Identify Component Failures Faster

The technicians present repair estimates for any components that aren't performing correctly. Typically, when a component fails, the surrounding components work overtime to compensate for the loss. This means the HVAC system draws more energy and increases energy costs for the property owner. Replacing a failing component eliminates the suddenly high expenses and restores the system to its proper working order. After the repairs, the homeowner generates amazing savings and can afford to run their HVAC systems.

Finding Gas Leaks and Repairing Them Quickly

Heating systems that operate on natural gas or propane draw gas from underground pipes, and the gas flows through the heating system. Any leaks increase the risk of a fire, explosion, and the inhalation of poisonous gases by the owner or their family. Finding the leaks prevents catastrophic results for the homeowner. Homeowners who schedule HVAC inspections get better air quality, and the technicians find the source of air quality issues quickly. Inspections also help the owner find electrical hazards and wiring damage that could cause a house fire. Component failures are corrected quickly after the technicians discover the problem, and homeowners save incredibly on the heating and cooling costs. Inspections also prevent gas-related issues and keep the home safer.

Where to Get Your HVAC Systems Inspected

Allen Kelly & Company, Inc. has been providing reliable and high-quality HVAC services for about thirty years. The service providers offer comprehensive HVAC inspections, cleaning services, and repairs. The business offers emergency HVAC services and guarantees the quality of all repairs and installations.

Homeowners who want to learn more about the business and its services visit https://allenkelly.com/ for more information.

Media ContactCompany Name: Allen Kelly & Company, Inc.Contact Person: Robbie D. SturgisEmail: Send EmailPhone: (919) 779-4197Address:220 Tryon Rd A City: RaleighState: NCCountry: United StatesWebsite: allenkelly.com

Excerpt from:
Homeowners Know Its Vital to Have Their HVAC Systems Inspected - Press Release - Digital Journal

Serveway Heating and Air Conditioning announces that the optimal time for an AC replacement in Dallas, TX, and the surrounding areas is right now, due to unforeseen demand spikes in the coming weeks.

The time to invest in a replacement is here. Serveway Heating and Air Conditioning offers its services for all customers looking for a new system, and financing opportunities are available for those who want a payment plan. We got a new AC last year right at the end of winter, says Lucy, resident of Dallas, TX. When summer finally hit, we had a brand new system ready that worked perfectly all summer long. Anyone looking for a replacement is advised to start the process as soon as possible in order to have everything set up when winter concludes.

Serveway Heating and Air Conditioning is based in Dallas, Texas, and they are proud to be a one-stop-shop for all HVAC services. As an industry leader, they offer installations, replacements, repairs, service, maintenance, and tune-ups for all heating and cooling systems. Their team is comprised of qualified professionals, and each technician has at least six years of experience working in the industry. You can learn more about their offerings by calling (469) 231-9379 or visiting https://www.servewayhvac.com/.

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Serveway Heating and Air Conditioning Expects Demand for AC Replacement in Dallas, TX to Rise - PR.com

HUNTINGTON Five elementary schools in Cabell County could be replaced on or off site over the next 10 years at an estimated cost of about $80 million, as outlined in the Comprehensive Educational Facilities Plan revealed Tuesday evening to the county Board of Education at its regularly scheduled meeting.

The finalized draft of the plan is a result of multiple community dialogue meetings in collaboration with the CEFP Steering Committee and information planning firm Cooperative Strategies, which worked to identify options that would best benefit the districts schools for generations to come.

Costs of the recommendations are based on numbers provided by the West Virginia School Building Authority, and projects that require land acquisition or extensive site preparation have additional funds allocated in the approximate amounts.

Davis Creek Elementary School in Barboursville, built in 1958, is recommended for a total replacement on a new site for an estimated cost of $16.1 million over other options like consolidation with Hite-Saunders or Altizer elementary schools.

Although the location is to be determined, committee members and stakeholders suggested constructing a larger facility to relieve overcrowding at Village of Barboursville Elementary through redistricting.

The school is the only facility outlined in the plan recommended to relocate.

Cox Landing Elementary in Lesage, Meadows Elementary in Huntington, Milton Elementary and Ona Elementary are all recommended for replacements on site with some stipulations.

Cox Landing lacks ADA compliance, and committee members suggested considering renovation of the existing building should the issues be able to be addressed.

If Meadows Elementary were to be replaced on site, committee members suggested the school be built back farther from its existing location at the intersection of Washington Boulevard and Hal Greer Boulevard.

In total, the estimated cost of the on-site replacements comes to about $64 million, although not all replacements were deemed high priority in the plan.

The option to construct a long-awaited shared football field for Huntington Middle School and Huntington East Middle School received positive feedback from the community during the stakeholder meetings, and in response the recommendation to acquire land for the facility was included in the CEFP.

Although the location is yet to be chosen, the estimated cost of the project is about $4.5 million and ranked at moderate priority.

The Cabell County Career Technology Center, which is expected to see program growth in the coming years, is also recommended to receive renovations or additions to the facility. The project is outlined as high priority and would cost an estimated $35.4 million to complete.

There are more than 30 suggested projects currently acknowledged in the CEFP, which will be available in full at http://www.cabellschools.com on Wednesday, March 4.

There will also be a feedback option available on the website, and Superintendent Ryan Saxe said he encourages the community to once again share their opinion on the recommendations.

From the very beginning, we have tried to engage the community and all of our stakeholders in this process, Saxe said. Whatever we do over the next 10 years is going to have to last in those facilities for the next 40-50 years, and we want to be able to be planning for the future.

In total, over 1,500 online questionnaires were collected as a result of the community dialogue meetings that took place prior to the finalization of the plan.

Of those, common themes emerged, like the opposition of school consolidation, student safety and addressing HVAC issues, restroom facility improvements and having athletic fields be equitable across the district.

Although board members did not take action on the CEFP, a work session is scheduled to discuss the options prior to the next regular BOE meeting.

Should no major changes or issues arise, the board is expected to vote on the plan March 17.

Saxe said his team will be switching gears as the board finalizes that plan to begin developing a funding strategy in order to pursue as many of the projects as possible.

The Cabell County Board of Education meets regularly on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the districts central office at 2850 5th Ave. in Huntington. Meetings are open to the public.

Follow reporter Hanna Pennington via Twitter @hpennHD.

See the original post:
Five elementary schools face replacement in unveiled facilities plan - Huntington Herald Dispatch

EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating is now offering financing options for all customers seeking AC repair in The Woodlands, TX, and the surrounding areas.

EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating has been working with customers to find the different pain points they experience when dealing with an HVAC provider. They have spoken to different people in order to isolate major problems and offer solutions. One of the problems with repairs, especially emergency repairs, is that no one is ever ready for them, says Jonathan, resident of The Woodlands, TX. Because of this, no one can guarantee that they will have the cash to pay for repairs right when they need them, but the repairs still have to be done. Financing options are something that can definitely make this easier for some of us. EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating takes all feedback to heart, and they have launched this initiative with the hopes of making repairs more accessible to customers all around the local community.

EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating understands that repairs are things that no one truly plans for. In a perfect world, there would be no need for AC repair in The Woodlands, TX, and the surrounding areas because systems would never break down. But accidents happen, and customers need ways to cope when they do. Working with Wells Fargo Financial National Bank is a great way to keep services affordable and open to everyone looking for them. The team at EZ Comfort can work with any customer looking for financing to find the best short or long term payment plan for their specific needs.

EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating is a certified HVAC organization that has been working with customers in greater Houston for over 12 years. They provide HVAC services such as installations, replacements, repairs, service, maintenance, and tune-ups for all heating and cooling systems, and they are known to be one of the best companies in the local area. Their technicians are all trained and certified to diagnose and solve issues, and they have a reputation for being punctual and thorough with all of their work. For any questions about this announcement or their services, EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating can be reached at (832) 777-0136.

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EZ Comfort Air Conditioning & Heating Announces Financing Options for AC Repair in The Woodlands, TX - PR.com

The Canby School Board on Feb. 26 moved unanimously to refer a 20-year, $75 million bond issue to Canby School District voters in the May 2020 primary election.

The bond proposal is designed to maintain 2019 tax rates by replacing the current bond payments that built Baker Prairie Middle School 15 years ago. Those payments are set to expire at the end of this year.

If the bond proposal is approved in May, it would also bring an additional $4.7 million from the states Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching Program in the form of a grant that was awarded to Canby School District.

Heres what the money would go toward, according to the final package that was presented to the board by members of the Bond Development Committee.

$27.16million would go toward high-priority facility upgrades and safety improvements (what the district calls its Warm, Safe and Dry initiative), including addressing roof repairs and replacements, HVAC systems, MEP systems and other interior and exterior projects.

$22.75million would go toward replacing theexisting 200 Wing science classrooms and labspaces at Canby High School, including design, demolition and new construction.

$10.22million would go toward instructional technology improvements, including wireless access points, projectors and voice amplification systems in classrooms; security cameras and installation; projection, sound and other technology in school gyms, cafeterias, libraries and computer labs for events; communications technology such as new phone, intercom, clock and bell systems; a student technology refresh that would replace devices and increase student-to-device ratios; and MDF/IDF technology distributionclosets (including school site technology/network connection points and terminals).

$4million would go toward upgrades of existinglight fixtures to more efficient and longer-lastingLED light fixtures and controls.

2.5 million would go toward CTE improvements K-12th grade, including promoting hands-on, experiential learning opportunities across the district with spaces and technology to support these activities, creating infrastructure to support more specialized operations and equipment in the high schools CTE spaces, and adding Maker/STEAM spaces at the elementary and middle school spaces.

$2.28 million would go toward districtwide ADA improvements, including the addition of oneADA unisex restroom at each school (except Baker Prairie) and one ADA changing room atKnight Elementary; ADA push buttons at entry doors; an elevator and corridor to provide access to locker rooms at the Ackerman Center; and districtwide playground accessibility improvements (includes surfacing, ramps and equipment).

$2.17 million would go toward district athletic improvements, including new turf infields for CHS softball and baseball, a new multipurpose turf athletic field at the high school, drainage improvements to existing athletic fields at Baker Prairie Middle School and resurfacing of the existing track at the Ackerman Center.

$650,000 would go toward a robust master planning process, including an elementary school replacement study and planning, middle school visioning and planning, comprehensive visioning and master planning for the high school and a maintenance building replacement study.

$90,700 would go toward fire safety improvements, including two fire suppression doors at Knight Elementary, and the wiring of an existing set of fire suppression doors at Lee Elementary to the main offices lock-down system.

$7.5 million (10 percent) would be retained for contingency, issuance and management of the funds and projects.

For more information, see the following presentation that was made to the Canby School Board on Feb. 20:

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Continued here:
You Decide: Here's What Canby School District's $75 Million Bond Proposal Would Go Toward - Canby Now Podcast

By Tom Tolen/News@whmi.com

At its meeting Monday night, the Brighton Board of Education approved two bonding resolutions - one, which will refinance the $48 million balance it owes to the Michigan School Loan Revolving Fund - and the other, authorizing the issuance of $59 million in bonds to implement the bond issue passed by voters last November.

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Michael Engelter says the district wants to take advantage of the excellent interest rates right now to refinance its outstanding debt with interest on school bonds now hovering around the 2% mark. Engelter says the bond sale on the $59 million bond issue will likely take place in May, and he expects an excellent interest rate which could save the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Theres more good news.Engelter says the Brighton Area Schools bond rating has improved by two points, to A-3, over the previous B-double-A-2. He says that this, combined with the lower interest rates, bodes well for Brighton when the bond sale comes around. Among improvements to be made to district schools are a new STEAM, or Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math building at the high school, plus STEAM classroom renovations throughout district schools, a new multi-purpose facility, parking lot and roof replacements, new HVAC units at the high school and many other upgrades.

Read more:
Brighton School Board Approves Bond Resolutions - WHMI