Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

$1.3Billion Approved in 201617 Is First Step in Administrations Larger Strategy. In adopting the 201617 budget package, the Legislature established the State Project Infrastructure Fund (SPIF), which is continuously appropriated for state projects. The Legislature further provided $1.3billion to the SPIF over two years for three specific state office building construction projects in Sacramento. These projects reflect the first step of the administrations larger regional strategy to construct or renovate a total of 11state office buildings in the Sacramento area over the next ten years. We expect that in the coming years the administration will come forward with more than $1billion in additional funding requests to continue to carry out this strategy.

Administrations Approach to Strategy Raises Some Specific Concerns.Assessing the condition of the states office buildings and taking a regional approach to maintaining these assets makes sense and is consistent with legislative direction. However, we identify some specific areas of concern for the Legislature as it faces decisions about (1)whether to move forward with additional state building projects and (2)how best to oversee the projects funded with the $1.3billion provided in 201617. Specifically, we find the following:

Recommend Legislature Provide Clear Direction to Administration on Strategy.We recommend that the Legislature take the following actions to address the above concerns:

We believe these recommendations would help ensure that the state has the information it needs to move forward with the best available strategy for addressing its buildings in the Sacramento area and that any funds provided are spent with adequate legislative oversight and accountability.

In adopting the 201617 budget package, the Legislature established the State Project Infrastructure Fund(SPIF) and provided $1.3billion over two years for three specific state office building projects in the Sacramento area. These projects reflect the first step of the administrations larger regional strategy to expand and improve state office buildings in the Sacramento area over the next ten years. In the coming years, the Legislature will be presented with important decisions related to this strategy. Specifically, the Legislature will have to determine whether to proceed with the additional projects envisioned in the administrations regional strategy. Additionally, the Legislature will have to decide how to best oversee the projects funded with the $1.3billion provided in 201617.

This report is intended to help guide the Legislature as it makes these decisions. We begin by providing background information on Sacramento state office buildings and summarizing the actions taken in the 201617 budget process. Next, we assess the administrations regional strategy for state office buildings in the Sacramento area. Finally, we provide recommendations to assist the Legislature as it faces key decision points related to the administrations strategy.

The state, through the Department of General Services (DGS), owns and maintains 58general purpose office buildings across the state. Thirtyfour of these buildingstotaling over 8million square feetare in the Sacramento area. These Sacramento area buildings are valued at over $4billion and house 35 state departments and agencies, such as the Department of Water Resources and the Franchise Tax Board. The state also leases about 8million square feet of general purpose office space in the Sacramento area. (We note that some state departments other than DGS operate office space for more specific purposes. For example, the Department of Motor Vehicles operates field offices.)

DGS Directed to Perform Sacramento Office Planning Effort. As part of the 201415 budget, the administration proposed and the Legislature approved a total of $2.5million for DGS to complete a longrange planning study (LongRange Study) of stateowned general purpose office space in the Sacramento area. The LongRange Study was to include (1)an update of an earlier planning study identifying potential office space development opportunities in Sacramento (Office Planning Study); (2)condition assessments of all state office buildings in the Sacramento area (Sacramento Assessment Report); (3)a plan for sequencing the renovation or replacement of state office buildings in Sacramento (Sequencing Plan); and (4)a funding plan for undertaking these projects, including project cost estimates and an economic analysis (Funding Plan).

Chapter451 of 2014 (AB 1656, Dickinson) required that DGS complete this LongRange Study by July 1, 2015, as well as provided direction on the contents of the study and how it was to be used by DGS. First, the legislation specified that the study should guide the states actions on state buildings over the next 25 years. Second, it required that DGS use the information in the LongRange Study as the basis for developing detailed cost and scope information to be considered in future budget proposals. Finally, it directed DGS to issue requests for proposals to address the renovation and replacement needs of Sacramento office buildings, starting with the three buildings with the most significant and immediate facility needs.

Office Planning Study Identified Potential Office Development Sites. In 2015, DGS completed the Office Planning Study component of the LongRange Study, which identified and ranked 41 potential sites in Sacramento for future development over the next 40 years based on an evaluation of the feasibility of developing the sites. Using criteria such as size, ownership (stateowned versus privately owned), and access to transportation, the evaluation rated the seven best sites as superior and nine additional sites as good. As shown in Figure1, some of these sites are stateowned and some are privately owned. Additionally, the development time frames for these sites vary, with some potentially ready for development within five yearssuch as Downtown Block 204 (currently occupied by a parking lot and the historic Heilbron House)and others available for development within six to ten yearssuch as the State Printing Plant site. Many of these sites contain existing buildings that would have to be demolished or moved to accommodate new development.

Figure 1

Potential Superior and Good Development Sites Identified in Sacramento Office Planning Study

Site

Ownership

Development Time Frame (Years)

Location

Superior

Bonderson Building site

State

05

Downtown Sacramento

CalPERS site

State

05

Downtown Sacramento

Downtown Block 275

State

05

Downtown Sacramento

Downtown Blocks 203 and 204

State

05

Downtown Sacramento

Food and Agriculture Annex site

State

05

Downtown Sacramento

Franchise Tax Board site

State

05

County (near Rancho Cordova)

Richards Boulevard area

Private

05

Railyards area/River District

Good

Resources Building site

State

610

Downtown Sacramento

State Printing Plant site

State

610

Railyards area/River District

Downtown Core

Private

05

Downtown Sacramento

Bradshaw Landing

Private

05

County (near Rancho Cordova)

Granite Park

Private

05

Granite Regional Park area (near Tahoe Park)

Railyards area

Private

05

Railyards area/River District

Southport Business Park

Private

05

West Sacramento

West Capitol Downtown

Private

05

West Sacramento

Pioneer Bluff area

Private

610

West Sacramento

Sacramento Assessment Report Identified Buildings With Highest Needs. In July 2015, DGS released the Sacramento Assessment Report portion of the LongRange Study. The report evaluated 29stateowned office buildings in Sacramento. (The report excluded a few buildings that were vacant or that DGS did not consider to be typical office space, such as the State Capitol Annex.)

Overall, the Sacramento Assessment Report noted that all of the buildings that were evaluated were in a safe, serviceable, and functioning condition. The report developed a Facility Condition Index (FCI) score for each building, which compared the estimated costs of repairing versus replacing the building. (A high FCI score means that a buildings repair costs are relatively high compared to cost of replacement.) Based on this analysis, the report ranked the 29buildings, identifying 9 in poor condition, 4 in fair condition, and 16 in good condition, as shown in Figure2. The report ranked the Resources Building, Personnel Building, and Bonderson Building as those in most critical need of renovation or replacement and recommended prioritizing the needs of these buildings over other buildings, consistent with the direction provided in Chapter451. The report also found that all of the buildings that were evaluated had FCIs well below 65, which is the industry standard for replacement. This suggests that all of the buildings that were evaluated are better candidates for repair rather than replacement. (As we discuss later, in September 2016 the administration completed assessments of the condition of general purpose office buildings in other parts of the state besides Sacramento.)

201617 Budget Package Included $1.3Billion Over Two Years. The 201617 budget package provided $1billion from the General Fund in 201617 and $300million in 201718 to be deposited into a new fund, the SPIF. This funding is to be used for three buildings in the Sacramento area: a new building at the current Food and Agriculture Annex site on O Street (O Street Building), a new Resources Building at a different site, and either replacement or renovation of the State Capitol Annex. (Throughout this report, we refer to these three projects as the three initial projects.)

SPIF Funds Are Continuously Appropriated. In adopting the 201617 budget package, the Legislature passed Chapter31 of 2016 (SB836, Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review), which governs the use of the SPIF. Chapter31 specifies that monies in the SPIF are continuously appropriated. It also authorizes the administration to establish and move forward with projects without having to receive legislative approval through the traditional state budget process, as is typically required for capital outlay projects. (Please see the nearby box, for a detailed description of the traditional state budget process for capital outlay projects.)

Under the traditional state budget process, the administration proposes individual capital outlay projects as part of the Governors proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. These capital outlay budget change proposals generally include important details on the proposed projectssuch as the project scope, construction timeline, costs by project phase, funding sources, delivery method, and a narrative justification. They also include an analysis of alternatives and an explanation of why the alternatives were rejected in favor of the proposed project.

Typically, the administration submits proposals prior to being able to initiate certain design and construction phases of a project. As part of its review of these proposals, the Legislature assesses if projects are consistent with its funding priorities and the longterm programmatic needs of the relevant department.

After an individual capital outlay project is approved, the Legislature maintains oversight of certain changes related to the project. Specifically, if the scope of a project changes substantively or if the projects costs increase by more than 20percent, the administration is generally required to seek legislative approval through the traditional budget process before being able to proceed. (If the projects scope changes minimally or its costs increase by between 10percent and 20percent, the typical process requires the administration to notify the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.) If the Legislature has concerns about the administrations proposed changes, the Legislature has the opportunity to reject them or to direct the administration to make changes to address the concerns.

Certain Notifications Required for Funded Projects. Chapter31 requires the administration to provide the Legislature with quarterly reports and notifications in order to establish and move forward with SPIFfunded projects. Figure3 summarizes the required notifications. For example, at least 20 days before spending SPIF funds on project planning activities, the administration must provide the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) with a notice identifying the purpose of the planning activity and its estimated costs. In September 2016, the administration provided the Legislature with the first notification through this processa 20day notification regarding its intent to spend $4.9million on the development of the cost, scope, and delivery method for the O Street Building and the new Resources Building. The notification review periods for the Legislature range from 20to 60 days depending on the project and activity. We note that, because of its unique characteristics, Chapter31 created a separate process for the State Capitol Annex as described in the nearby box. As such, when we discuss state office buildings in this report, we do not include the State Capitol Annex unless otherwise specified.

Figure 3

Required Notifications for State Projects Funded Through the State Project Infrastructure Funda

Activity

Contents of Required Notice

Minimum Number of Days of Advanced Notification

Expenditure of funds on planning activities

Purpose of planning activity and estimates of costs

20

Establishment of scope, cost, and delivery method

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The Administrations Sacramento Office Building ...

NEENAH, Wis. (WBAY-TV) Neenah is clearing the way for parking as the Gateway Office Building nears its opening.

The city owns, bought or is buying 15 properties that encompasses homes and businesses near Gateway to make them parking surfaces.

The properties and the under-construction gateway office building are all on the west side of downtown Neenah.

The four story Gateway Office Building is almost complete.

The goal is for it to be complete by June 1st.

Then 275-300 Plexus employees will settle in as the engineering firm is moving its design center into the building.

"It's going to work out well and it's going to bring a lot of people downtown, on the flip side, it puts pressures on the city to provide more parking," said Neenah Mayor Dean Kaufert.

That's why the city of Neenah asked business and home owners around the building if they wanted to sell.

So far, the city has bought around 12 properties that will become parking lots.

It's budgeted $900,000 to acquire property around the Gateway Building.

The owner of Cranked Bike Studio across the street from Gateway, Stephen Pratt, says the building he rents hasn't been sold but he thinks the new development will help business in the area.

"I think it's going to bring more dollars to the downtown between lunches dinners and the parking is progress, I understand, as much as I like things old," said Pratt

Neenah believes the parking lots can lead to more development in the future.

"This is the entrance to our downtown, as you come over the Main Street overpass this is the first thing you see this site so we really see this at some point in the future as future redevelopment for office, commercial, residential, as really that welcome to downtown Neenah," said Brad Schmidt, Neenah Community Development Deputy Director.

The rest is here:
Neenah buying properties to make parking lots near Gateway Office Buidling - WBAY

Atlantic Countys efforts to build an aviation industry and create high-paying technology jobs got the boost of a decade this month.

The Atlantic County Improvement Authority last week approved a $17.2 million contract for construction of the first building at the Stockton Aviation Research and Technology Park, a concept that struggled to get off the ground since plans were first announced in 2005.

The work, which could begin next month, is hailed by officials and politicians as a way to diversify a largely casino-dependent economy that has struggled as casinos closed and gambling spread to neighboring states.

Im absolutely thrilled, said U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, praising county officials, the Federal Aviation Administration, Stockton University and everyone involved with the project. Unfortunately, the initial stages of this got tangled up with legal battles and bumps in the road, but this is now a reality.

LoBiondo helped secure more than $3 million in federal grants related to the project. He also helped convince officials from the FAA to lease 55 acres of land adjacent to the William J. Hughes Technical Center as a site for the park.

Originally called the NextGen Aviation Research & Technology Park, the project was plagued by legal issues and alleged fiscal mismanagement.

The effort to build the park was rekindled in the past few years by Stockton University and the county.

Construction of the first building, which is expected to be complete by next spring, is one phase of the project.

But the next phase will be critical finding tenants.

Joe Sheairs, executive director of SARTP, said there has been a lot of interest for years from multibillion-dollar companies because of the parks unique relationship with the FAA.

The problem, however, was the county had nothing but an idea to sell.

We didnt have a building until Friday, Sheairs said. People on the industry side of this who were interested kept saying, show me.

Now, Sheairs is talking to four major companies that are inquiring about leasing space in the building, he said. Potential tenants must use the space for aviation research.

He declined to name the companies because nothing has been signed, he said.

When completed, the three-story building will feature 60,000 square feet of office space, a Federal Aviation Administration laboratory, classrooms, member laboratories and a rooftop lounge.

The building can be modified by any tenant that leases space there. All tenants will have to be approved by the FAA because the building is on FAA land.

The FAA also will be a tenant and occupy 5,000 square feet of laboratory space and 2,000 square feet of office space at the building.

Right now, the first lab is being designed generically with typical lab features such as raised floors, upgraded electrical panels, space for computers and racks that hold them, said Rick Breitenfeldt, a spokesman at the tech center. Since the ground has yet to be broken, modifications can still be made depending on what (or) who exactly occupies that space.

The building will be one of seven, multi-story buildings with more than 400,000 total square feet of research and development space at the park.

All the buildings will include high-speed connectivity to FAA laboratories, data and systems. The campus-like setting is designed to promote collaboration among business, academia and all major research arms of the federal government, according to a statement from the county.

There are no renderings or projected completion dates for the other six buildings.

The first building will be constructed by Hessert Construction Group LLC, of Marlton, Burlington County.

Hessert has completed projects at Stockton, Rutgers University, the Philadelphia Zoo and the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, among others.

As soon as we saw this, we knew it was a project we wanted, said Vic Lombardi, director of operations at Hessert. Were really excited to get started.

See the article here:
Construction on tech park could begin next month, officials looking for tenants - Press of Atlantic City

Photo: Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News

Tom Frost speaks on Wednesday in front of an image of the new Frost Tower.

Tom Frost speaks on Wednesday in front of an image of the new Frost Tower.

Local tech magnate Graham Weston speaks on Wednesday. He co-founded Weston Urban, which is building the new Frost Tower.

Local tech magnate Graham Weston speaks on Wednesday. He co-founded Weston Urban, which is building the new Frost Tower.

City manager Sheryl Sculley speaks during the new Frost Tower groundbreaking. The new tower will be the first high rise office building to be built in downtown San Antonio since 1989.

City manager Sheryl Sculley speaks during the new Frost Tower groundbreaking. The new tower will be the first high rise office building to be built in downtown San Antonio since 1989.

The new Frost Tower will include roughly 440,000 square feet of upscale office space.

The new Frost Tower will include roughly 440,000 square feet of upscale office space.

Construction of the new tower is expected to take about two years.

Construction of the new tower is expected to take about two years.

Click ahead to see if you can name the fundamental buildings of San Antonio's skyline.

Click ahead to see if you can name the fundamental buildings of San Antonio's skyline.

1. Southwestern Bell Building

1. Southwestern Bell Building

The Southwestern Bell building is a 14-story, brick-clad Chicago school skyscraper designed by Irving R. Timlin in 1929-30.

The Southwestern Bell building is a 14-story, brick-clad Chicago school skyscraper designed by Irving R. Timlin in 1929-30.

2. Central Library

2. Central Library

The Central Library, which opened in 1995, features the bold colors and "Mexican Modernist" design characteristic of its architect Ricardo Legorreta of Mexico City.

The Central Library, which opened in 1995, features the bold colors and "Mexican Modernist" design characteristic of its architect Ricardo Legorreta of Mexico City.

3. The Bank of America Plaza

3. The Bank of America Plaza

At 28 stories high, the Bank of America Plaza is the city's sixth tallest building.

At 28 stories high, the Bank of America Plaza is the city's sixth tallest building.

4. Grand Hyatt

4. Grand Hyatt

The Grand Hyatt is the city's second tallest hotel. It's 34 stories high with 1,000 rooms.

The Grand Hyatt is the city's second tallest hotel. It's 34 stories high with 1,000 rooms.

5. Tower of Americas

5. Tower of Americas

6. Nix Medical Center

6. Nix Medical Center

A fixture in downtown San Antonio since the 1930s, the 23-story hospital was the largest and tallest hospital in the country when it was completed.

A fixture in downtown San Antonio since the 1930s, the 23-story hospital was the largest and tallest hospital in the country when it was completed.

7. Weston Centre

7. Weston Centre

San Antonios tallest office building, the Weston Centre is the third tallest skyscraper in the city.

San Antonios tallest office building, the Weston Centre is the third tallest skyscraper in the city.

8. Crowne Plaza

8. Crowne Plaza

Today, the 21-story hotel is the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk, the ninth tallest building in San Antonio.

Today, the 21-story hotel is the Wyndham San Antonio Riverwalk, the ninth tallest building in San Antonio.

9. Milam Building

9. Milam Building

10. Drury Plaza Hotel Riverwalk

10. Drury Plaza Hotel Riverwalk

The Art Deco skyscraper was built in 1929 as the Alamo National Bank building.

The Art Deco skyscraper was built in 1929 as the Alamo National Bank building.

11. Tower Life Building

11. Tower Life Building

Originally called the Smith-Young Tower after its builders, the building was downtowns crown jewel when it opened in 1929.

Originally called the Smith-Young Tower after its builders, the building was downtowns crown jewel when it opened in 1929.

12. Frost Bank Tower

12. Frost Bank Tower

At 300 feet and 22 stories, Frost Bank Tower is the citys 11th tallest building.

At 300 feet and 22 stories, Frost Bank Tower is the citys 11th tallest building.

13. San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter

13. San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter

Hidden behind the Bank of America Plaza in this view, the Marriott Rivercenter, S.A.'s tallest hotel, rises 546 feet. Next to the Tower of the Americas, it's the tallest building in the city.

Hidden behind the Bank of America Plaza in this view, the Marriott Rivercenter, S.A.'s tallest hotel, rises 546 feet. Next to the Tower of the Americas, it's the tallest building in the city.

$142M Frost Tower breaks ground, raising expectations downtown

City and county officials gathered downtown Wednesday to celebrate the official kick off of construction for the new Frost Tower, a $142 million state-of-the-art office building described as a pivotal project in the long effort to revitalize downtown.

The 460,000 square-foot office building, which will serve as a new headquarters for Frost Bank, is the first new office tower to go up downtown since the Weston Centre in 1989. Its being built by local developer Weston Urban as part of an intricate deal with the city and Frost Bank thats designed to rejuvenate west downtown, an area burdened with too many run-down buildings and parking lots. Construction is expected to take about two years, said Weston Urban President Randy Smith.

Mayor Ivy Taylor said the 23-story tower is a significant step forward for downtown. It was designed by renowned international architecture firm Pelli Clarke Pelli and local firm Alamo Architects, and it will boost downtowns supply of upscale office space by 31 percent, from its current level of 1.4 million square feet, according to data from Transwestern, a commercial real estate firm.

RELATED: Big changes coming to San Antonio

You all have heard me talk about my vision of San Antonio being a globally competitive city with opportunity for everyone, Taylor said. That means we have to support growing businesses, expand job opportunities and make our urban core a strong and attractive destination. This project does all of that.

Construction crews are already laying the groundwork for the tower, which is at the southwest corner of Travis and Flores streets, in downtowns growing tech district. It was approved by the citys Historic and Design Review Commission earlier this month. Frost Bank will occupy 280,000 square feet of the tower, with the rest open to other businesses.

The tower has been in the works since 2013, when former Mayor Julin Castro who attended Wednesdays ceremony was encouraging downtown development with his Decade of Downtown initiative. In 2015, City Council cleared the way for the towers construction when it approved a complicated public-private partnership with Weston Urban and Frost Bank.

As part of the deal, Frost Bank has sold its current headquarters at 100 W. Houston St. to the city, which plans to consolidate its administrative offices there. The city and Frost are selling the site of the tower and another 6.3 acres in west downtown to Weston Urban, giving the developer a broad canvas to remake the area. The properties include the Municipal Plaza Building, where City Council meetings are held.

At Wednesdays ceremony, City Manager Sheryl Sculley said the partnership was a win-win for the city, Frost Bank and Weston Urban, which was co-founded by Graham Weston, who also co-created Geekdom and Rackspace.

RELATED: San Antonio's new River Walk underway

There are no new net costs to the city, and in fact we anticipate savings over time, Sculley said. The transaction will allow the city to reengineer our office needs and create more efficiency within the city government.

The city and county have both provided incentives for the towers construction. Weston Urban is expected to get about $1 million from the city, documents show. The county is contributing about $3.5 million worth of incentives, County Judge Nelson Wolff said on Wednesday.

The county is also leading a $175 million project to revitalize San Pedro Creek, which runs alongside the Frost Tower site, turning it into a decorated walking path similar to the River Walk.

In his remarks on Wednesday, Graham Weston said he was surprised that he has invested so much in downtown real estate. He said he had no interest in buying more land downtown when Castro was encouraging development in the area around 2010.

But Weston said he soon realized that investing in downtown was a good way to achieve his dream of creating a tech community in San Antonio.

How do we do to San Antonio what Dell did to Austin? he said, referring to the computer company that helped jump-start Austins tech scene. How do we put out an invitation to other developers to do the same, other tech companies to do the same? With that idea I really changed my perspective 180 degrees and said, Lets go all-in on downtown.

rwebner@express-news.net

@rwebner

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$142M Frost Tower breaks ground, raising expectations downtown - mySanAntonio.com

How much does it cost to replace siding?

House siding is crucial to curb appeal,necessary to close the exterior surface of the building envelope, and offers an opportunity to choose enhancements in appearance as well as insulating properties. Therefore, a good-quality siding can have a major impact on the resale value of a home.

The typical cost of installed average house siding will vary by siding material, its finish quality, the house size, the number of windows and doors, the insulation, climate, the amount of decorative detail,the labor rate and whether or not the material in question needs to be painted or primed by the installer.

The Material choices and typical costs for installed house siding include:

Lowest cost

Wood finish

Economy appearance

Surface maintenance

Lowest cost

No painting

Economy appearance

Easily dented

Not insulating

It might fade over time

It can corrode in some climates

Low cost

No painting

Insulating

Economy appearance

Easily dented

It might fade over time

It can corrode in some climates

Low cost

No painting

Insulating

Economy appearance

Cracking

It might melt in hot climates

Visible seams3

No painting

Better appearance

Insulating

More costly

Easily dented

Wood finish

Good appearance

No painting

Good appearance

Insulating

No maintenance

Stylish

Durable

Costly

Long construction

No maintenance

Stylish

Durable

More costly

Long construction

No maintenance

StylishDurable

Very costly

Long construction

Durability

Low maintenance

Highest return on investment

Costly

Durability

Low maintenance

Insulating

Nicer appearance

An example of a house siding project requires 1,500 square feet of siding not including the window and door areas. The project is to install the house siding and trim around doors and windows. Removal costs (not included) for old siding are shown in the following tables.

In the following tables the Material Cost figures are what the alert DIY persons should expect to pay for all material necessary to complete the installation.

Fir Faced Plywood1 Siding

Standard Grade Non-insulating Aluminum

Standard Grade Insulating Aluminum

Standard Grade Insulating Vinyl2

Deluxe Grade Insulating Aluminum

Redwood4 Faced Plywood1 Siding

Deluxe Grade Insulating Vinyl2

Fiber cement6

Fiber cement6 insulating

Cultured Stone Smooth Veneer5

Cultured Stone Terrazzo Veneer5

Granite Stone Smooth Veneer5

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Cost to Replace Siding - Estimates and Prices at Fixr

FITCHBURG -- At first, Andrea Gendron didn't believe her daughter when she called Monday evening with the news the room right above their first-floor apartment had erupted into flames.

She hopped into her car and rushed home from work to 433 Princeton Road, where she saw thick black smoke billowing up from the newly-renovated multi-unit home she shared with her children, grandchildren and others.

"That's when I knew it was my house," said Gendron, who on Tuesday afternoon packed her car with clothes and what other of her belongings that fit.

Gendron and 10 other residents including Roger Caron and his three children, ages 1, 2, and 16, must find a place to live until their home is repaired, a process expected to take up to six months.

"It was amazing, no loss of life," said Gendron. "But three to six months is a long time to sleep on a couch."

Landlord and owner Yesenia Gil said the fire began in her second-floor unit, which she shares with her 26-year-old son.

Fitchburg Fire Chief Kevin Roy said Tuesday the fire was started by careless disposal of smoking materials and caused approximately $70,000 in damages to the two-story wooden-framed structure.

Gil, her hands covered in black soot, said her son was home when flames broke out after 5 p.m. Firefighters managed to contain the flames within two of the home's four units, said Roy.

One of those units had just been installed with new cabinets, one of the many projects Gil undertook before the fire cut short progress on her $40,000 renovation plan, which included the installation of a new boiler, roof and siding.

Caron, a contractor whose job it is to clean up fire-damaged buildings, said he wasn't prepared emotionally with the extent of the heavy fire and water damage.

"To come home to being a victim of something I help people with on a daily basis, it's a weird feeling," Caron said.

After a fire at this multi-family home on Fitchburg s Princeton Road on Monday afternoon, residents were cleaning out their things until it is repaired. Fire Chief Kevin Roy said the fire was caused by careless disposal of smoking materials. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/FILE PHOTO

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11 displaced by Fitchburg fire - Sentinel & Enterprise

The annual Erie Home & Garden Expo takes place Friday through Sunday.

A nearly 1,400-square-footmanufactured homearrived in two piecesMonday at the Bayfront Convention Center.

Then crews got down to work, that is, once the pieces just narrowly made it through theConvention Center's large bay doorsearly Tuesday morning.

Three days of drywall, siding, painting, electrical work, interior decorating, landscaping and hardscaping left the home ready for visitation as the centerpiece attraction of the annual Erie Home & Garden Expo, whichbegins Friday and runs through Sunday.

Hawk Manufactured Homes, ofYoungsville, is showcasing the1,387-square-foot home, which is priced at $88,900.The home's 27-foot-by-52-foot floor planfeatures three bedrooms, two full baths, a kitchen, dining nook, utility room and many other amenities.

Manufactured homes are popular with young couples juststarting out and with retirees who are looking to downsize, Hawk Manufactured HomesManagerShawn Finefrock said.

About 8,000 to 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the three-day show, which will feature more than 160 exhibitors,according toshow organizer Mark Concilla, of Erie Promotions & Expos.

The show marks the ninth year Concilla has showcased a manufactured home at the Erie Home & Garden Expo.

"It has been a success for this show and the show we do in Buffalo,'' Concilla said.

The home was deliveredto the Convention Centeron Monday. Tuesday morning, crewsstarted bringingit inside the facility.

"It just barely squeaked past the doors inside here,'' Concilla said. "Watching them pull the two pieces together is quite an art because they have a lot of very sophisticated trucks and they can kind of shift it together.''

After the housewas put together, crews worked on the inside handling drywall,and installation of carpetingand flooring. Exterior work included installation of siding and roof shingles, ramps, steps and landscaping.

Crews from Johnston's Evergreen Nursery and Afton Landscape Supply set up the exterior landscaping, Frontier Lumber crews built an exterior wooden ramp, and staff from Ergo Audio Unlimited outfitted the house with electronic devices.

Painting crews from Elk Creek Painting took over on Wednesday and painted the interior in about five hours.

Arthur F. Schultz Co. furnished the home's interior.

Early Thursday morning, a truck containing all of the home's furniture, art, lamps, window treatments and accessoriesarrived at the Convention Center, andinterior designer Randall Farabaugh, of Arthur F. Schultz Co.,got busyoverseeing the project's interior decor.

A crew of six furnished the home in about four hours.

"The theme is rustic lodge,'' Farabaugh said. "We have a lot of dark browns and leathers and animal heads. It's just a very rustic look. We love doing this project. The majority of the people who walk through that door say, 'I could live here.' We get that all the time. We want it to look like you can actually move in. We don't want it to look unfinished, we want it to feel like somebody actually lives here.''

Ron Leonardi can be reached at 870-1680 or by email. Follow him on twitter at twitter.com/ETNleonardi.

Continued here:
How a home is assembled in 3 days inside Erie's convention center - GoErie.com

This press release was orginally distributed by SBWire

Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/29/2017 -- Union Roofing is preparing homes and businesses throughout Philadelphia and New Jersey for spring and the warmer weather ahead. This company provides featured services such as brick pointing, gutter work, siding, window installation and repair and, most of all, roofing in Burlington, NJ and the surrounding areas.

For the past 36 years, Union Roofing has been installing and repairing roofs for residential and commercial clients. Their roofers understand that each project is unique and will work on a variety of different types of roofs including shingle, slate, tile, asphalt, rubber, flat, TPO, metal, EPDM and much more.

Union Roofing performs seasonal maintenance that helps keep their clients' roofs in prime condition. This includes gutter cleaning, inspections, debris removal and shingle repair.

Their contractors are committed to providing exceptional work at an affordable price. They guarantee that their roof installation service will last for over a decade. These professionals also ensure safe practices on every single job as they take measures such as using safety harnesses on every site.

Union Roofing's main priority is customer satisfaction. They use their experience to provide real results and excellent customer service. They will deliver a fast response and are available around the clock for emergencies as well.

Property owners who are interested in finding out more information about Union Roofing and their roofing contractors in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City, NJ region are encouraged to call 215-550-1014 or fill out a contact form on their website at https://www.unionroofing.net/.

About Union Roofing For over 36 years, Union Roofing has provided the Philadelphia and New Jersey region with quality roofing services. They supply homes and businesses with excellence on every single project. This reliable company strives to satisfy their customers and ensure that every project is held to a high standard.

For more information, visit http://www.unionroofing.net/.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.sbwire.com/press-releases/union-roofing-prepares-homes-and-businesses-for-spring-788011.htm

Read the original:
Union Roofing Prepares Homes and Businesses for Spring - Digital Journal

The Terrys Discount Windows & More showroom may sit behind the Harley-Davidson of Valparaiso dealership, but their team is on the forefront of the minds of customers looking for quality services.

The company is founded on principles of integrity, honesty, experience, and friendliness. They provide 100 percent customer satisfaction, from the initial phone call to the final installation touches. More specifically, their showroom is located at 1153 Marsh St, Suite A, and is designed to your home remodel shopping a one-stop, easy process.

It was started by Terry Keelen and his wife, Julie, back in 2003. The two co-own the company with the help of their two sons, Caleb and Tyler, who work as the sales manager and sales specialist, respectively. Other staff members include Kyle Eichelberg, office/services manager, Kim Niloff, executive assistant, Mark Hutson, general manager, Ron Casteel, sales specialist, and all the Terrys Discount Windows installation crews!

Terry got into the industry in 1991, saw the good and the bad of how the large companies conducted business, and decided he wanted to do it his own way.

Half of our business is based on referrals and previous customers, Terry said. I really feel like if you have a good product, good price, good service, good warranty, and good installation, then the rest takes off.

Julie added that it was also a way to bring her family together while doing business in the way they were not seeing in the community.

This is more than just a place to shop for windows: Terrys window and siding crews work with the highest quality of American-made and green products, specializing in replacement windows, siding, roofing, doors, gutters, attic insulation, and much more! The Energy-Star rated window products provided are hand-selected from the most successful manufacturers in the country. The siding options are also chosen from top-notch manufacturers, so that Terrys can offer insulated-backed products in a variety of grades, colors, and styles and also come in different materials.

Our whole concept is trying to get the best product for the best price, he said. The windows, our bread and butter, are by far the best bang for your buck out there. There is not a better made window in America.

The company installs seamless aluminum gutters and downspouts with gutter protection. Doors from Terrys are offered in fiber-glass and steel systems, and come equipped with a 10-year warranty on their paint and stain coats. Roof shingles are also offered with warranties and are delivered from a handful of top roofing manufacturers from throughout the country. Finally, for attic insulation, Terrys has partnered with Owens Corning - known as the insulation and energy-efficiency experts - to once again provide the best possible product.

They offer all of their products and services at discounted rates to the end customer after buying in quantity directly from the factory, eliminating all middle men in the process. The savings are endless and the exclusive warranties make this company the go-to when it comes to building and remodeling. The salesmen will even come out to your home for a free in-home estimate. Terrys also offers senior and military discounts and always have specials going on to use throughout the year.

Right now, their busy season has just begun, and its starting off with a bang!

We recently had the best week of all time, in our 14 year history, and yesterday marked our best month ever and we still have a week and a half to grow on that!, Terry said.

With the start of the spring cleaning season, remodeling homes is on many peoples to-do list, along with the full-time hiring of Caleb Keelen; those were the two main factors contributing to the records set.

During the installation process, the crew working are hand-selected and are known as master certified installers, each with more than 20 years of service. The crew focuses on quality workmanship, neatness, and efficiency and above all, guaranteeing the customers happiness by willing to go above and beyond in their work.

All installers work exclusively for us, which is unique because we can give a warranty on our work, Terry said.

Terrys is a member of the Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce, Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana, and has achieved the highest rating, an A+ rating, from the Better Business Bureau, a grade the staff, family and friends all take pride in.

The team offers products and services that are being used to improve a persons home. Their low prices and quality workmanship assure homeowners their home will look good, as well as be cozy in the winter and breezy through the summer, while conserving energy and reducing those pesky bills.

Overall, what makes Terrys different is their personable approach toward customers, current and future since, as Julie explains, Youre selling yourself. To be personable means youre letting your customer know that you are someone who can be trusted, both individually and as a company, to come into your home.

You are not just another number, Terry said. Youre a person we want to build a relationship with because if we do your windows, we know in a few years, youre going to call us when you need your siding done, he explained. We dont want you to think, Well, who should I call? Absolutely, we want you to say, Were calling Terrys Discount Windows again!

Terrys Discount Windows & More invites you to stop in to see the showroom during the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Also, browse the photo gallery and learn more about their products and services by clicking here.

Read more from the original source:
Terry's Discount Windows & More Offers the Best Products with the Lowest Cost - ValpoLife.com

Kentucky fans who felt their Wildcats didnt get a fair shake in Sundays loss to North Carolina because of the officiating aired their grievances in a very strange way.

SportsLine

After the game, some burned televisions and couches in the streets . But some went a step further and tracked down one referee, John Higgins, on Facebook. Big Blue Nation apparently discovered Higgins owns a roofing business called Rooferees. They destroyed its Facebook page with hundreds of vulgar comments and poor reviews. Heres a sampling of some.

With a quick Facebook search, the company page has apparently been deleted although the website for the business appears to be fully functional.

Higgins may not have a Facebook page, but hes surely gotten a lot of free exposure from the whole thing. He likely wont be getting any business in the Lexington, Kentucky, area, but the business appears to be operated out of Omaha, Nebraska, anyway.

Excerpt from:
Kentucky fans trash referee's roofing business on its own Facebook page - CBSSports.com