Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Loyola Marymount has signed a 12-year lease at the Brickyard office building in Playa Vista.

Playa Vistas newest office building recently wrapped up construction, and now it has snagged its first tenant.

Loyola Marymount University is taking a 12-year lease for more than 50,000 square feet at the Brickyard with plans for a June move-in, according to a statement from the buildings owner, Tishman Speyer. The space will house LMUs School of Film and Television graduate programs.

LMUs monthly rate is roughly $5.50 a square foot, according to a source familiar with the transaction. Tishman declined to disclose lease terms.

Average monthly rents in Playa Vista were about $4.91 a square foot in the fourth quarter of 2016, according to data from Jones Lang LaSalle.

LMUs main campus sits on the hills overlooking Playa Vista. It also runs Loyola Law School downtown. The new site, at 12105 W. Waterfront Drive, is intended to help students connect with companies based in the Silicon Beach area of Playa Vista, Venice, and Santa Monica.

Silicon Beach is one of the world's fastest-growing startup ecosystems, an ideal counterpart for LMU as the definitive center for global imagination and its impacts, Timothy Law Snyder, LMUs president, said in a statement.

The Film and Television buildings official opening is slated for fall 2018, the university said.

Designed by Los Feliz-based architect Michael Maltzan, the Brickyard encompasses 400,000 square feet across two buildings.

In addition to being the latest major construction project in Playa Vista, it may also be among the last, since development space is nearly gone. The one major plot of land that remains is a 12-acre parcel owned by Google, near the historic Spruce Goose hangar that the tech company is leasing and converting into office space.

Tishman, a mega-landlord based in New York that owns Rockefeller Center, also owns the Collective in Playa Vista, a 204,000-square-foot complex of five office buildings that it built in 2015.

The creative office environment that has unfolded in Playa Vista has been incredible to witness over the past 10 years, John Miller, Tishman Speyers senior managing director, said in a statement.

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Loyola Marymount Takes First Lease at Playa Vista's Brickyard Offices - Los Angeles Business Journal

The Halifax Central Library has unveiled a new space on the fifth floor.

The Sunroom is a new art exhibit area that will be free for the public to enjoy exhibitions throughout the year.

sa Kachan, chief librarian and CEO of Halifax Public Libraries, says the Sunroom will help bring art to the public, including the inaugural exhibition on now, which is showing paintings by artist Shelley Mitchell.

Connecting with art is an experience that should be accessible to everyone. Free public spaces, like the Sunroom within Halifax Central Library, are gathering spaces that allow individuals to both reflect and connect, Kachan said in a release.

Mitchell says the bright space is a welcome addition to the city.

Halifax draws excitement from its new buildings with their clean, simple lines and this is nowhere better illustrated than in the new Halifax Central Library and its ever-present ideal of form following function through the use of structural elements and light, Mitchell said in a release.

The opening event took place on Feb. 8, where Mitchells exhibition, As Time Goes By, was open for viewers.

Future exhibitions will be posted on the Halifax Central Librarys Art Exhibit page on their website, located under the program heading.

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Sunny new space at Halifax Central Library - TheChronicleHerald.ca

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Homes in Phoenix, AZ could be losing up to 50% of their total conditioned air through leaks in the ducting. Heating and cooling your home can account for over 40% of your total monthly energy bills, and so leaking ducts could account for a significant waste of energy each month!

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#1 Heating, Cooling & Plumbing Service Company in Phoenix ...

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) proposed a $15 million program on February 7 to accelerate the use of renewable heating and cooling technologies statewide.

Renewable heating and cooling technologies not only provide environmental benefits, but they can achieve energy bill savings, increase customer comfort levels, and offer health benefits, compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies, the Cuomo Administration said.

The new policy framework released by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) would provide rebates $6,000 for a typical residential consumer, intended for the installation of ground-source heat pumps.

New York has made great strides to combat climate change by supporting the use of new technologies and growing our clean energy economy, Governor Cuomo commented in an official statement. We will continue to make green investments that will encourage the use of clean, affordable energy to reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable communities throughout the state.

Currently, fossil-fuel-based thermal energy primarily natural gas, propane, and oil is the main energy source for space heating, space cooling and domestic hot water in the residential and commercial sectors. It is responsible for approximately 32 percent of New Yorks energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing emissions is integral to the Governors.

The NYSERDA framework, the Renewable Heating and Cooling Policy Framework: Options to Advance Industry Growth and Markets in New York, sets out policy options and market-based solutions for the next few years, and identifies approaches for longer- term action.

Several barriers currently stand in the way of widespread market adoption of renewable heating and cooling technologies, the Office of the Governor noted: These include higher upfront costs than conventional technologies, cost-effectiveness challenges, inadequate access to low-cost investment capital, limited customer awareness and confidence in the technologies, and a range of supply chain barriers to growth

In addition to the rebate, the framework identifies a range of options for the next few years to lower costs, reduce barriers, and grow the market for this technology, including:

The framework also explores methods to implement renewable heating and cooling mandates for public buildings, new construction, and renovation.

The expanded use of renewable heating and cooling technologies is critical to helping New York reduce greenhouse gas emissions, commented Richard Kauffman, chairman, Energy and Finance, for New York State. The policy framework outlines several opportunities that we can explore for the best path forward in our efforts to expand the reach of clean energy throughout our state and curb climate-changing emissions.

NYSERDA, which developed the framework, will work with stakeholders and launch renewable heating and cooling programs in 2017 upon approval by the Department of Public Service, as part of the Clean Energy Fund.

Once approved, NYSERDA expects to offer the rebate program in this spring. NYSERDA, DPS, and the New York Power Authority will be collaborating to advance the framework.

This proposal will help to streamline the implementation of renewable energy technology all across New York State, said NYYPA CEO Gil Quinines, adding, By undertaking screenings and feasibility assessments for geothermal heat pump projects, we will accelerate their installation and expedite achieving a clean energy economy for all New Yorkers.

Roger Downs, Conservation director, Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter, commented, The Sierra Club applauds Governor Cuomos leadership in energy efficient technologies such as geothermal. Geothermal heating and cooling represents one of New Yorks best and most cost-effective strategies to achieving our net zero energy goals and deserves the same financial encouragement as other desirable energy sources like wind and solar.

NYSERDA will accept written comments on the policy framework through close of business on March 10. It will also conduct a webinar on March 2, at 10:00 a.m. Parties interested in submitting comments on the framework or participating in the webinar, should contact NYSERDA atrenewableheatingandcooling@nyserda.ny.gov

Originally posted here:
New York State Considers $15M Rebate Program for Installation of Ground-Source Heat Pumps - Energy Manager Today

With the finalization of the 2018 International Energy Efficiency Code (IECC) performance path, home builders now have option to bury ducts in fibrous insulation in vented attics in all climate zones. While the practice has been used by builders in many areas of the country for years, it was less prevalent in hot/ humid climates because of concerns about condensation. Following extensive field research to identify the appropriate R-value and duct tightness to prevent condensation in those climates, builders can now use the practice with confidence nationwide, giving them an additional compliance option for delivering energy efficient, high performance homes.

According to data from the Department of Energys (DOE) Building America Program, buried ducts in vented attics can save energy in homes. DOEs data shows deeply buried ducts are 20 percent to 30 percent more efficient than unvented attic systems with closed cell spray foam. Moreover, the practice is a less expensive alternative (see chart).

For slab-on-grade houses and two-story houses with open floor plans, installing ducts inside conditioned spaces can be a challenge, as ducts within floors, chases or dropped ceilings can have considerable cost implications for builders and bulkheads concealing ductwork may not be acceptable to buyers. Building unvented attics for housing HVAC systems is a viable alternative, but its costly and involves special installation procedures. Installing ducts conventionally above the attic insulation is a more straightforward energy approach, but comes with a significant energy penalty. A buried duct system strikes the balance between ease of installation and reduced heating/cooling loads and may allow for lower capacity and lower costs for HVAC equipment.

General Criteria for Buried Ducts under the 2018 IECC The recently-approved provisions of the code allow three options for HVAC ducts buried within ceiling insulation in vented attics: the general option, the deeply buried option and an option for buried ducts considered inside a conditioned space.

The general option allows supply and/or return ducts to be fully or partially surrounded by ceiling insulation. For the general option, the code doesnt specify a minimum amount of insulation above the duct as long as the sum of the insulation value above and below the duct is at least R-19 total, excluding the duct R-value. There is also no minimum level which ducts must be buried into the insulation.

For deeply buried ducts when using a simulated energy performance analysis, the code permits a duct insulation value of R-25 be used in the energy model for sections of ducts that comply with the general criteria. In addition there is a requirement that the ducts be located directly on the ceiling or within 5.5 inches of the ceiling and be surrounded by ceiling insulation of at least R-30. Ducts must also be covered in at least 3.5 inches of ceiling insulation.

Finally, when using a simulated energy performance analysis, deeply buried ducts may be considered as ducts inside a conditioned space, and must comply with the general buried duct criteria and have an air handler that is located inside the conditioned space (not in the attic). Further, the duct leakage must be within prescribed limits and the R-value of the insulation above the duct must be at least the proposed ceiling insulation R-value minus the R-value of the duct insulation.

Although adoption of the 2018 IECC may be years away in some jurisdictions, as builders become increasingly familiar with this option, they may want to use it immediately, rather than waiting until their states adopt the new code. The IRC does not preclude use of products and practices which arent specifically referenced in prior versions of the code. Because some builders may be unfamiliar with the practices of burying ducts in vented attics, Home Innovation Research Labs has developed a TechSpec to provide an overview of the key attributes and implementation details for transitioning from a traditional duct design to a buried duct system. The TechSpec includes detailed tables and illustrations that explain specific select climate zones.

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Buried Ducts Are Code-Approved Nationwide - Builder Magazine

By Julianne Cuba

Brooklyn Daily

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Talk about overdue books!

The long-shuttered Brighton Beach Library is finally re-opening on Feb. 13 after it closed for renovations more than a year ago.

Officials expected to be lending out books again by last fall, but work took longer than expected and bookworms had to choose from a limited selection of paperbacks from a bookmobile outside the locked library just two days a week so the news couldnt be more exciting, said one local writer.

Yay, good news, good news. I cannot believe it. I will be there, said Joseph Ben-Po, best known for his 1990 play predicting that Donald Trump would become president. I am writing two plays.

The Brooklyn Public Library closed its Brighton First Road stack house last winter so contractors could upgrade its heating and cooling system, bring in new furniture and computers, and install energy-efficient lighting a roughly $1.5-million renovation according to a system spokeswoman.

But installing the climate-control system took longer than anticipated, prolonging the opening date from early December to mid-February, she said.

And one lifelong Brighton Beacher who grew up going to that library said she cant wait for its grand opening so she can bring her family again.

Absolutely all the time as a kid, as an adult, bring my niece and my nephew, said Vivien Diaz.

The Brighton Beach Library isnt the only one to experience long-overdue openings the Park Slope branch was delayed because of construction setbacks, and a termite infestation is slowed the Fort Hamilton branchs re-opening in the mid-aughts.

Posted 9:33 am, February 10, 2017

2017 Community News Group

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An (almost) open book: Brighton Beach library to reopen on Monday - Brooklyn Daily

Atlanta Business Chronicle

Loudermilk breaks ground on Buckhead office building Atlanta Business Chronicle An Atlanta real estate company is starting construction on a nine-story medical office building, the latest project rising in the Buckhead Village. The Loudermilk Cos. is developing the 120,000-square-foot project at 371 East Paces Ferry Road, the ...

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Loudermilk breaks ground on Buckhead office building - Atlanta Business Chronicle

Dive Brief:

If the project comes to fruition, it could one day be joined by the all-wood skyscraper proposed by architecture firm Perkins+Will for a site along the Chicago River. The project, dubbed River Beech Tower, would feature a lattice exterior and, at 80 stories, would be the tallest wood building in the world. The $39 million, 18-story Brock Commons residence hallat the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada, is currently the tallest wood building in the world. The tower, which is scheduled to open later this year, will be able to accommodate 400 students.

Hines' T3 (Timber, Technology, Transit) building in Minneapolis, which opened in November of last year, is a 220,000-square-foot structure built almost entirely out of Pacific Northwest trees killed by the mountain pine beetle. Minnesota's building codes classify such wood as Type IV Heavy Timber. Crews also used concrete in the construction.

While initial plans for all-wood towers have popped up across the globe, local jurisdictions are trying to deal with the building code and safety ramifications. Although the buildings in question are not made of cross-laminated timber (CLT) or NLT, recent changes to the building codes in Sandy Springs, GA, have brought the discussion around the safety of wood construction to the forefront. Wood has been eliminated as a construction material option in Sandy Springs for buildings more than three stories tall or bigger than 100,000 square feet. City officials said their primary motivation was safety.

However,Justin Mihalik, president of the American Institute of Architects New Jersey chapter,told Construction Divein October that the necessary fire ratings can be attained using most any material. "If it's tested and meets requirements," he said, "wood is safe."

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Developer unveils plans for wood office building in Chicago - Construction Dive

New York City remains the highest cost of construction market in the United States, but the rate of increase in 2016 was more in line with cost increases nationally than in recent years, according to a New York Building Congress analysis of multiple cost indices and interviews with representatives of some of the citys largest construction firms.

Construction costs in New York City increased by approximately 4 percent in 2016, which is slightly less than the 5 percent rate of cost inflation that was experienced annually throughout the five boroughs from 2013 through 2015. By comparison, U.S. construction costs rose between 3 and 4 percent in 2016 after rising between 2.5 to 3 percent annually from 2013 through 2015.

The construction executives interviewed for this report expect that New York City construction costs will continue to accelerate at roughly the current rate of one percent per quarter through 2017.

During the height of last decades building boom, construction cost increases exceeded 6 percent nationally but were nearly twice as high in New York City, with reports of construction cost increases reaching 12 percent in 2006 and 11 percent in 2007. In 2009, in the aftermath of the Great Recession, costs declined both nationally and in New York City and registered a nominal gain in 2010. Costs in New York City gradually increased, by between 2 and 3.25 percent annually between 2010 and 2012, before jumping again in 2013.

CARLO SCISSURA

No matter what sector you analyze commercial, residential, corporate interiors, healthcare, education and cultural construction activity remains robust, which means a stretched labor force, increased use of overtime, and an ability for contractors to pick and choose which projects to pursue, said New York Building Congress President and CEO Carlo A. Scissura. These factors were the primary drivers of cost inflation in 2016.

He added, That said, we are not experiencing the type of inflation we experienced during the last decades construction boom. Part of the reason is that the overall cost of construction materials has remained relatively flat.

The cost indices used by the Building Congress are produced by ENR, Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), RS Means, Turner, and BLS. Each index examines the hard costs of construction while excluding the cost of land and soft costs, such as architectural, engineering, and legal fees.

Sector Analysis

According to the data sources and construction executives, construction costs are greatest on a per-square-foot basis for hospitals, followed by university buildings, five-star hotels, and office space.

Cost acceleration is especially prevalent in the office sector, due in part to a substantial increase in the amount of work underway including ground-up construction, alterations and renovation of existing office buildings, and production of prime, built-to-suit office spaces.

The continued increase in office work is expected to offset an anticipated decline in the residential sector, which is a reversal from years past when a white-hot housing market served as the primary driver of cost inflation. While the residential market remains a steady source of work, the sector has been negatively impacted by the lack of clear direction on the future of the 421a tax incentive program, which is disproportionately affecting the production of new affordable housing.

One thing to keep an eye on is the impact of increased competition among contractors, noted Mr. Scissura. As the universe of non-union and open shop contractors has grown in number and sophistication, it has presented owners and developers with more choices and a wider range of competitive bids, especially among firms that are looking to establish a track record in the five boroughs.

Comparing NYC to Other Cities

When measured in U.S dollars, building in New York City has gotten considerably more expensive than other international cities over the past year. While this is due in part to cost increases and greater demand for construction services locally, it is also a function of the dramatically weakened rate of exchange of foreign economies against the dollar.

For example, according to RLB, a premium office building that costs $550 per square foot to build in New York City, would cost $174 in Berlin, $155 in Shanghai, and $365 in London. In 2015, the cost of that building would have been roughly the same in London and New York.

Turning to the U.S., the hard costs of construction per square foot in New York City are significantly higher than Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. and slightly greater on average than San Francisco, which is the second most expensive major U.S. city.

The cost to construct prime New York City office space is more than 20 percent greater than Boston, which is the next leading contender. New York also registers the highest construction costs nationwide for hospitals, hotels, and retail, though construction of multi-family apartment buildings remains more expensive to build in San Francisco than New York City.

Photo top: David H. Koch, NY-Presbyterian expansion, viaField Condition

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Report: New York City remains highest cost of construction market in ... - Real Estate Weekly

Commercial sunrooms by Solar Innovations provide the strength, durability, and customization options second to none in the industry. Solars sunrooms can be directly on the ground, 25 stories in the air, or anywhere in between. Restaurants, hospitals, and retirement homes can all benefit from the additional natural light provided by the implementation of a sunroom. Not only do sunrooms expand conditioned living space, they also provide natural light and protection from the elements. Sunrooms provide guests and customers alike with scenic seating areas for dining or simply enjoying nature without having to leave the building, all while increasing the property value.

Solar Innovations can design aluminum sunrooms with various options for solid wood or wood laminate interiors, combining the strength and quality Solar Innovations is known for with the warmth that makes a house a home. Our sunrooms can also be outfitted with heating and cooling units, which will allow you to enjoy your sunroom year round.

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Sunrooms - Fully Custom Sunrooms - Solar Innovations