Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

When a legendary investor like George Soros takes a large position in a stock like electrical products manufacturer Hubbell Incorporated , it's usually a good idea to take notice. So why is George Soros buying stock in Hubbell Incorporated, and should you be buying too?

Soros Fund Management buys Hubbell Incorporated stock A look at SEC filings from Soros Fund Management reveals that his investment firm had picked up 306,371 shares by the end of June, and another 311,985 shares by the end of September. At the current price of around $107, the position is worth around $66 million -- a pretty significant position.

Introducing Hubbell Incorporated Hubbell generates more than 80% of its sales from the US and has two operating segments: The electrical segment contains an electrical systems division (wiring devices and products) and a lighting products division (indoor and outdoor lighting). The power systems segment sells products and components to utilities.

As such, its key end market is non-residential construction, and to a lesser extent the industrial and utility markets. Its residential construction sales are growing the fastest (with high single-digit growth forecast for 2015), but are a relatively small part of its sales.

Source: Hubbell Incorporated Presentations

First, there are signs that the non-residential construction market is set for good growth in 2015, with the architectural billings index (a widely followed indicator of future growth) picking up in recent months. A reading above 50 indicates growth, and readers can see that all three components are now in positive territory, which is good news for Hubbell's electrical system and lighting solutions.

Furthermore, Hubbell's rival, Acuity Brands , recently gave a bullish forecast for the lighting market in North America. Quoting from its most recent earnings release, in October, CEO, Vernon Nagel outlined:

Third-party forecasts as well as key leading indicators suggest that the growth rate for the North American lighting market... ...will be in the mid-to-upper single digit range for fiscal 2015 with expectations that overall demand in our end markets will continue to experience solid growth over the next several years.

Second,Hubbell has agrowth opportunity from the secular shift toward using LED lighting . As the linked article argues, companies like Cree and Acuity Brands are seeing strong growth in LED lighting sales. LED luminaires now make up 40% of Acuity's total sales, with LED product sales almost doubling in its most recent quarter. Cree is a company better known for being an LED manufacturer, but its lighting products contributed 52% of revenue and 41% of gross profit in its recent third-quarter. Moreover, lighting products revenue grew at 51%--there is no doubt that lighting is leading the next wave of LED growth.

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Why Is World Famous Investor George Soros Buying This Mid Cap Stock?

The centre features a carefully 'folded' roof, which appears to float.

JAWS Architects received an architectural award from the Australian Institute of Architects (Victorian Chapter) for its Discovery Centre at the Port of Echuca. Commissioned by the Shire of Campaspe, the Hobart-based practice had to liaise with a number of authorities on both sides of Murray River, in Victoria and New South Wales. "Part of the river bank is in New South Wales, which meant liaising with heritage authorities in both states," practice managing directorNeal Mackintosh said.

As well as creating a master plan for the 1000-square-metre site, JAWS Architects had to bring together a number of disparate buildings to create the new centre. On one side of their allotted footprint is a modest 1940s timber hut, used as part of a stage set for the television series All the Rivers Run. On the other side was a rudimentary steel shed, still used by local builders. So creating a discovery centre that was contemporary but still respected neighbouring buildings was a challenge. "There were numerous workshops to ensure all parties were represented," Mackintosh said.

The success of the centre's integration is partly a result of the material used: red gum, recycled timber and steel, with the latter used to "bridge" the neighbouring steel workshop. And rather than create solid timber walls, particularly at the three entrances, a series of timber batten walls create a veil and a sense of transparency into the centre. "There's a fine line in designing centres such as these. You want to ensure there's sufficient light, but restrain the light to protect the exhibits," said Mackintosh, who pointed out the artifacts and relics connected to the days of the paddle steamers as they made their way along the river. There are also wool pressers, a reminder of when the country rode on the sheep's back. "The building has been designed to reinforce interpretation themes through spatial planning, whether it's the built form, materiality or detail. The place is about revealing the port's rich collection of stories," he said.

The interior features red gum, recycled timber and steel.

One way of shedding greater light on these stories was through the introduction of the carefully "folded" roof, which appears to float. In other instances, subtle apertures have been carved into the walls.

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The central courtyard is one of the primary light sources, with an angular, shaped pond further reflecting light. JAWS Architects was also mindful of providing an audio effect with water, with timber stacks creating the sound of a paddle steamer. And although relatively modest in scale, the architects were keen to create a variety of experiences in the centre. There's a smaller and sinuous gallery a few steps below the main gallery. And the angular courtyard also creates a series of angular spaces around it. The architects also included built-in seating in the "double skin" of the centre. "People can take a rest near the water fountain and fill up their bottles," Mackintosh said.

While JAWS Architects hasn't made pastiche connections to the historic township, it has used the language of the verandah, prominent on Echuca's main street, to create this new centre. The use of timber was also paramount to the centre's success, with the rough-sawn timber forming a tough, rustic outer skin. "The entry points are marked by shady verandahs, and the light filtering through isn't dissimilar to the light filtering through the river red gums. There's always that strong connection to the land," Mackintosh said.

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Centre a voyage of discovery through the past

WASHINGTON The first major expansion of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is commencing nearly 50 years after construction began on the cultural center, with a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday led by Vice President Joe Biden.

The $100 million expansion will add space for arts education, programs, rehearsals and interaction between artists and audience members. It also will add new memorial elements in a new garden honoring the 35th president.

At the ceremony, Biden said Kennedy let people imagine what was possible and that the arts were part of Kennedy's vision for America. Biden said the expansion will reimagine what the living monument to Kennedy can be.

"I think it was Picasso who said that all children are artists. The problem is how to remain an artist when he grows up," Biden said. "I think that's what this is about. I think that what you're doing today will help solve that problem of keeping children artists and being able to grow up and remain artists."

Officials plan to open the new addition on May 29, 2017, the 100th anniversary of Kennedy's birth.

President Lyndon B. Johnson originally broke ground for the Kennedy Center 50 years ago this week in December 1964. There were some delays as planners considered whether to move the center to the National Mall. But it finally opened to the public in 1971.

Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, Kennedy's 26-year-old granddaughter who recently joined the center's board of trustees, said the addition will expand the Kennedy Center from a performing arts stage to a place where new things can be dreamed up, practiced and perfected.

"My grandparents both cared deeply about the arts and truly believed in their power and in honoring and respecting our nation's artists," she said. "They recognized that in order to demonstrate our full commitment to freedom, democracy and the human spirit, our nation's capital needed a world-class performing arts center."

Architect Steven Holl, who is designing the expansion, said it includes a mostly underground building that will be integrated with the landscape and a pedestrian bridge to connect with a new performance pavilion floating on the Potomac River.

The garden will include an outdoor amphitheater for simulcasts of performances, a grove of 35 gingko trees for the 35th president and a reflecting pool the length of Kennedy's PT-109 naval boat that was sunk in 1943 during World War II.

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Biden breaks ground for Kennedy Center expansion

THE United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) is staging a special weeklong sports fest dubbed as "Palarong Arkitekto" in line with the celebration of the National Architecture Week (NAW) slated December 8 to 13 2014.

This was bared by NAW 2014 Basketball League Organizer Architect Gilbert Peter Fortich, UAP, who guested along with Architect Alrey Jane Tancio of UAP during their guesting in Thursday's Davao Sportswriters Association (DSA) Forum at the NCCC Mall Davao Food Cove Function Hall.

Fortich said that the sportsfest marks the first time that 8 UAP Chapters in District D-1 banded together in hosting this year's sportsfest.

"This sportsfest is open to all architects and suppliers," Fortich said.

The sportsfest features men's and women's basketball, badminton, darts, bowling and billiards.

"The venue for the men's and women's basketball will be at the University of Mindanao Matina-Campus while the rest of the events will be held at the Rancho Palos Verdes," Tancio said.

Fortich added that a total of four teams are expected to vie for the title in the basketball men and women.

Tancio, meanwhile, said that the badminton event will have an on-site registration for those interested players. "No cash prizes will be given to the winners in each sports events," he added.

"Our aim for this sportsfest is to form camaraderie and bonding among the architects and suppliers," Fortich added.

The basketball games are slated to begin on December 9 until 12 while the rest of the events will be on December 13.

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'Palarong Arkitekto' slated for Dec. 8-13

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn. -

The battle of Blountville is a fairly well-known Civil War battle fought by soldiers in this area, but some now want tourists from all over to learn more about it.

That is why a committee formed to promote Blountville as a Civil War battlefield destination have had architects draw up plans to develop a park around the town that will highlight the different historical features of Civil War era Blountville.

Tony Shipley, the chairman of the Civil War Military Park Committee, says now that plans have been drawn, it's time to start collecting donations. "This is a rather deliberate effort stepping through it one step at a time and paying as we go. If we raise a lot of money we can do a lot. If we raise a little, we can do a little, so it's that simple." Shipley said at the presentation of the plans.

Shipley says tax dollars are not being used for the park development, so they are asking for those interested to make a tax deductible donation.

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Architects reveal plans for a Blountville Battle park

PLANS for the second phase of Prestatyn Retail Park look set to be given the green light.

An expansion of the multi-million retail park is to be discussed by Denbighshire Council's planning committee at a meeting on December 10 with planning officers recommending the application for approval.

The proposals include the demolition of the existing retail units at the former Iceland and Bevans Homewares site, and the construction of a terrace of four new retail units, the reconfiguration of the existing customer car park, associated landscaping, pedestrian and vehicle access works and an extension to the existing staff car park.

The councils economic and business development team said: The completed phase of the Shopping Park has already brought additional visitors to Prestatyn and created new jobs in the town centre.

This new phase will enhance the town's retail offer still further and the improvements to the connections between the Shopping Park and the High Street proposed in the revised scheme should help other parts of the town centre to benefit from the additional footfall which will arise from this investment.

Objections have been made to the plans in regards to concerns about increased visitor traffic, lack of turning space for delivery lorries, the height of development being above the existing roofline, loss of retail parking space, poor pedestrian safety at Glyn Avenue and Nant Hall Road roundabout and poor visual aesthetics from Nant Hall Road.

The plans have been reccommended for approval by planning officers. The report stated: Further retail development of the type proposed will enhance the offer in the

town bringing a further boost to jobs and the economy of the area. Any potential negative impacts are outweighed by the positive economic benefits.

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Phase two of Prestatyn Retail Park set for green light

BROOKHAVEN One of the only large open parcels of land in Brookhaven is a step closer to becoming a shopping center.

The borough approved zoning changes and preliminary development plans last week for a controversial proposal to build a supermarket and retail space.

Some residents have spoken out against the development, arguing that their borough has little remaining open space and many vacancies in its existing shopping centers.

The property, on Edgmont Avenue, is owned by the Chester Water Authority and also holds a baseball field leased by the borough. The water authority plans to sell the property to New Jersey-based Retail Sites.

No timeline is set for construction; the developers still must present final plans to the council, said Borough Solicitor Mike Maddren.

- Laura McCrystal

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Development plans approved for new Delco shopping center

While some preservationists are concerned that one of the city's pioneer homes may soon be demolished, they're just as worried about the potential damage the work could cause to a centuries-old Indian mound underneath it.

The Historic Preservation Board has approved the demolition of the 1918 Rivermont House along the New River in Sailboat Bend. It sits atop the city's most significant remaining Tequesta Indian mound, which archaeologists say is teeming with artifacts.

Opponents of the decision are asking the City Commission to intervene because of the significant history at risk. The commission would have to vote to do so at its Dec. 17 meeting.

"The site and the house should be preserved if we, as a city, are the least bit interested in historic preservation," Steve Glassman, president of the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation, said in his request for commission action. He said both the Rivermont House and the site are eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places.

But consultants for the owner of the property at 1016 Waverly Road said any historic value to the home has long been lost because of numerous alterations over the years and the building's ongoing deterioration. All that's left from the original structure is a "basement and a floor," they said.

Owner Michelle Grosman has agreed to take steps during demolition to protect any further damage to the mound, which is part of a larger complex of Indian mounds and ridges. The mounds, known as middens, run parallel to the river and contain scraps from earlier civilizations that relied on the river for survival.

"In a sense, we're digging in a garbage pit, but it's a fascinating garbage pit," said Robert Carr of Archaeological and Historical Conservancy Inc., hired by Grosman to survey the site. "This is how archaeologists reconstruct what was going on in any particular location."

Early results from 21, 3-foot-deep, 20-inch-square holes Carr's firm has dug and sifted through erased any doubts about the site.

"We are finding evidence of prehistoric Tequesta culture going back by our estimate at this point at least 700, possibly 1,000 years, and even earlier," Carr said. "We've found literally thousands of objects, mostly pieces, small pieces of animal bone, lots of shell oysters, things that would be typical of a habitation site."

They also found a human tooth a remain that required state and county officials to be notified.

Excerpt from:
Pioneer home's demolition could damage historic Indian mound

DETROIT -- Takata, the embattled Japanese auto supplier at the center of an expanding air bag recall, has hired three former U.S. Transportation Secretaries to advise it on how to manage the crisis, but it is not agreeing to expand the recall nationwide.

The former cabinet officials are Sam Skinner, who led the Transportation Department under President George H.W. Bush; Rodney Slater, who held the post under President Bill Clinton; and Norman Mineta, who served in the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations.

The Transportation Department oversees the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which is seeking to expand the air bag recall from Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to the entire nation for driver's side bags.

Honda has voluntarily expanded its recall to include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"We recognize that NHTSA has urged Takata and our customers to support expansions of the current regional campaigns in the United States," Takata Chairman and CEO Shigehisa Takada said, without saying the company would comply.

Skinner will lead a quality assurance panel that will examine how Takata can make air bags and inflators so they don't rupture. At least four people have died and many others have been injured by air bag inflators that have ruptured, causing the bags to deploy with excessive force.

Slater and Mineta will provide counsel so Takata's "responses are decisive and appropriate as we work to regain the public's trust," according to a company statement.

"Takata deeply regrets the injuries and fatalities that have occurred in accidents involving ruptured airbag inflators," Takada said in that statement.

The inflators have ruptured, most often in locations with very humid climates, spraying shrapnel throughout the vehicle. Ten automakers have recalled 7.8 million vehicles in the U.S. to replace inflators on both driver's side and passenger's side air bags.

Last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called for the recall of Takata's driver's side air bag inflators to be expanded nationwide after a recent incident in North Carolina, which is outside the high-humidity region of the initial recall. Other incidents have been reported in Arizona, California and Minnesota.

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Takata taps former cabinet officials for crisis advice

New Delhi: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will arrive here on Saturday to attend a meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will attempt to seek views on the structure and functioning of the revamped Planning Commission.

The meeting has been convened at the official residence of the Prime Minister.

Modi in his first Independence Day speech on August 15 last had announced that the 64-year-old Planning Commission would be abolished and replaced with a more relevant institution.

The meeting will obtain opinions about the new body that would be formed after abolishing the existing Planning Commission.

The Government has decided to replace the Planning Commission through a new resolution in the Union Cabinet, Union Minister for Planning, Rao Inderjit Singh said on Friday in reply to a query from Shillong Lok Sabha member Vincent H Pala.

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CM to attend meet to discuss replacement for Planning Commission