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A "wounded" Canberra CBD pavement is stitched up by Jennie Curtis, as part of the Mending the Urban Fabric display.

Look at our picture of two intrepid abseilers tackling a hair-raising cliff face. Can you guess where in the ACT this challenging precipice is? A giant quarry somewhere? A rock face in the wuthering heights of Namadgi National Park?

No. It is in Canberra's CBD. On Tuesday evening landscape architects Renae Palmer and Carma Sweet were reconnoitring the areas that they and others planned to use for Mending the Urban Fabric installations. They came across the little urban blemish of a missing tile and it suggested to them a mini-rock face. They went to work to create this exquisite little installation they've called The Abseilers.

The Mending the Urban Fabric project ispart of the Design Canberra Festival running from November 20 to 23. The organisers explain: "The fabric of our garden city rips and bulges in places where it is stressed, forming cracks and holes in our roads and footpaths. Landscape architects of the Canberra region will mend the urban fabric by creating small, temporary interventions in cracks and pot holes around the city, filling and reinterpreting them using ephemeral materials."

The Abseilers, an urban installation by Renae Palmer and Carma Sweet.

Most of the head-turning "temporary interventions" - all done by members of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects - are along Lonsdale Street in Braddon, at nearby Genge Street in the city and in a Civic laneway next to Gus's cafe.

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Surgical "interventions" - and after this the cracks we see in pavements will never seem quite the same again - include (our picture) Jennie Curtis's colourful suturing of a nasty wound in the CBD's fabric/flesh.

In other mendings and improvements of the fabric, Barbara Payne looked for and found cracks, holes and blemishes into which she has introduced beautiful native grasses. She explains that they are all species (such as wallaby grass and lemon beauty heads) that once upholstered these very spots - before a city replaced the grassy plain.

This use of today's built-up Canberra places of local native grasses reminds me of an essay I once wrote, with the help of many natural history experts, about what would become of Canberra if humans abandoned it. At the time, abandoned Chernobyl was being vigorously recolonised by its region's fauna and flora. One day we may have a similar disaster here. Or perhaps, admitting our awful mistake in not building the federal capital city at Dalgety, we may abandon Canberra and begin again at that dream site beside the Snowy River.

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Landscape architects mend flaws in urban fabric with installation The Abseilers

Wednesday, November 19, 2014, by Rachel B. Doyle

Photo by Simon Menges courtesy of EM2N Architects

When it opened in 1977, the Toni milk factory in Zurich, Switzerland was considered the most modern European facility of its kind. Just 22 years later, milk processing was discontinued there, and the highly complex production equipment was sold to a plant in Eastern Europe. For over a decade, the hangar-like space in Switzerland's largest city sat dormant, until EM2N Architects was hired to convert the million-square-foot factory into an ultra-modern new campus for a Swiss university. Now the cavernous building is used as an educational and cultural space; in addition to the university, there are film studios, a library, a concert hall, and a rooftop garden there.

"These spaces have been left purposefully raw," writes Uncube Magazine. Inside, the spiral ramps once used for the collection and delivery of dairy products have become staircases. The building retains its industrial feel, even though its vast spaces are now utilized for a number of divergent purposes, including a residential tower on the upper floors. "Our design proposed tackling this sizable projecta built structure almost the size of an entire neighborhood with a kind of inner urbanism," writes EM2N Architects. Photos, below:

Former Toni milk processing building 1976 via Uncube Magazine

Archival photograph courtesy of EM2N Architects

EM2N Architects [Official site] The Milk of Human Campus: Toni Areal by EM2N in Zurich [Uncube Magazine] All Conversions posts [Curbed National]

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Conversions: How a Swiss Milk Factory from the '70s Became a University

By Tom Momberg

tmomberg@ benningtonbanner.com @TomMomberg on Twitter

BENNINGTON >> Catamount Glassware Inc., is in the process of an expansion and renovation of its County Street factory, that will bring a new retail operation to town this spring.

Adam Volpi, vice president of operations at Catamount Glassware, 309 County St., said that the new retail store and 16-handle beer and soda taproom will be finished before March for a soft opening in mud season.

Catamount had a retail shop in the 90s, but closed it soon thereafter. This store will be different. Once finished, the new 900-square-foot space will be more than just a store, but also a space to sit down, have a beer and take a growler to go. Beverages from local breweries and soda makers will be served out the very of the custom glassware that Catamount makes for them.

To round out the new store as something for everyone, the store will sell Catamount's labware and cookware, beer and wine paraphernalia, as well as gift sets and apparel from various local breweries. Volpi also said he would eventually like to get involved with craft demonstrations, and sell accompanying beer and soda-making kits.

Catamount Glassware was established in 1979, and moved to County Street in 1984. The company designs glassware, and specializes in screen printing its own products, as well as the custom glassware requested by all of its clients. Everything from Catamount's patented glass popcorn popper and specialized glass kitchen products that it sells to retailers like William-Sonoma, to the growlers and pint glasses it screenprints for various breweries, will be available in the new space.

"Because of our facilities, we are going to be able to bring in glass from all over the world. I've been doing this for 42 years, so I know where to find everything. It's not just going to just be a place to sit down in and have a beer either," said artist, sculptor and Catamount Glassware Founder Alain Karyo.

Karyo said the retail space could eventually allow the company to sell other Vermont products that pair well with Catamount's glassware, as well.

"The biggest seller in the company is our popcorn popper. We've sold over a million of them. Now, we want to sell popcorn made in Vermont. See, we want local products. We've made coffee makers, so now we can sell local coffees."

Excerpt from:
Catamount Glass to bring retail operation to County Street in Bennington

More retail and housing plans are in the works for the area near Jefferson Academy Charter School.

City Council on Tuesday narrowly approved a plan to develop a 35-acre property on the northwest corner of Main Street and West 112th Avenue. The land, which was originally zoned for industrial and office use, will now include areas of retail development and possible housing units, as well as six acres of open lands.

The growing area is a key location for adding more retail and office opportunities for families and students, said Jim Hill, owner of Baseline Engineering Corp.

Hill said the area is a southeastern gateway into Broomfield because of the 2013 completion of the Uptown Avenue bridge, and because of the area's location near the growing Jefferson Academy Charter School.

At its meeting Tuesday, council, in a 6-5 vote, approved the company's plans to change the area from light industrial use to retail, commercial and residential use, but members were skeptical of some aspects of the plan. Mayor Randy Ahrens, who only votes in the event of a tie, was the deciding vote that will allow developers to move forward with the plan.

There is no timeline for when developers will bring back a more detailed plan.

Some council members agreed retail and office buildings would fit well in an area that is anticipated to see more traffic and growth in the coming years, but most members disagreed with a suggestion to add up to 275 multi-family housing units to the site.

The site is just north of the newly realigned 112th Avenue, which was under construction in 2013 to put in the new Uptown Avenue bridge. The bridge goes over U.S. 36 to connect 112th Avenue to the Arista development west of the highway.

The property also is near Jefferson Academy and the Broomfield Industrial Park ball fields, and is on the border between Broomfield and Westminster.

The development proposal calls for building space for retail and places for office and child care businesses. Mike Anderson, Baseline's financial consultant, said the development could bring more than 360 jobs to Broomfield during the construction and when businesses and offices begin to open.

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City Council approves plans for future retail, housing in south Broomfield

JOSEPH JOHNSON

FRONTING UP: Roger Sutton at the press conference announcing his resignation on Monday.

The Government has appointed an acting chief executive who will head up the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority for more than two months before Roger Sutton officially leaves.

Sutton is currently on leave after announcing his resignation on Monday after aseven-week investigation into harassment allegations

An independent report did not recommend he be dismissed, but State Services Commissioner Iain Rennie said the case amounted to "serious misconduct".

Sutton was expected to continue in his role until January 31, receiving his salary, but today Rennie announced that John Ombler would become acting chief executive as of December 1.

"I have had discussions with Mr Sutton today and he was concerned that his departure might slow the momentum of Cera's work programme in Christchurch," Rennie said in a statement this afternoon.

"We agreed that Mr Ombler's early appointment would be in the best interests of Cera staff and the Christchurch rebuild, and would allow Mr Sutton and Mr Ombler to work together on an orderly transition " Rennie said.

Sutton remained employed but would not be based in Cera's offices during the "transitional phase".

Ombler would be the acting chief executive when Cera merges with the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on 1 February 2015.

Read more:
Sutton replacement appointed early

WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger is fighting for his political life as he enters a new legislature session Thursday with an open revolt in his NDP caucus, near-record low polling numbers and untested cabinet ministers.

Even to get through the two-week fall sitting, Selinger will be relying on support in the chamber from five former cabinet ministers who recently resigned after questioning his leadership. They remain in caucus but are no longer allowed to attend caucus meetings or have any input.

There appears to have been very little communication between Selinger's team and the rebels, who will still be expected to sit in the chamber at their assigned times and vote with the NDP majority. They were moved out of the NDP's section on the second floor of the legislature this week and are now in offices in the southeast corner of the building.

"There has been contact, I think it was indicated last week by our caucus chair (Matt Wiebe)," government house leader Steve Ashton said earlier this week.

"The key person that has the direct contact on a daily basis with a (legislature member) is obviously the whip and we will have a new whip in place prior to the sitting on Thursday."

Until recently, the NDP whip was long-time backbencher Greg Dewar. But he was named finance minister earlier this month in a shuffle prompted by the rebels' resignations.

Selinger has been under fire for weeks, after the five said he should consider resigning in light of low opinion polls and continuing public anger over last year's increase in the provincial sales tax. The group included some of the government's top ministers Jennifer Howard in finance, Andrew Swan in justice and Erin Selby in health who have been replaced by less-experienced politicians.

Selinger has said he plans to stay on as premier and lead the party into the April 2016 election. He has also challenged his critics to run against him at the NDP's annual convention in March under a little-used clause in the party's constitution. The executive is trying to hammer out ground rules for the contest.

Selinger appears to be "in survival mode," said Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Manitoba.

Link:
Greg Selinger's Manitoba's NDP Government Returns, Divided, To Chamber

New Orleans, La. (PRWEB) November 19, 2014

The Loews New Orleans Hotel today announced the completion of its $4 million guest room and restaurant renovation.

Following three months of remodeling, the 285-room hotel now boasts updated guest rooms and suites, refreshed corridors and a sleek, modern look in Caf Adelaide.

New Orleans has experienced an incredible surge in visitors these past few years, which means everyone in the city wants to put their best face forward, said Loris Menfi, general manager at the Loews New Orleans Hotel. At just 10 years old the hotel is in beautiful shape, but we wanted to give our guest rooms, corridors and restaurant, Caf Adelaide, a complete revamp to keep each space looking fresh and vibrant. She added, We are confident our guests will be as thrilled with the new look as we are.

Designed by local firm Lisambiance Interior Design, the new look layers historic New Orleans culture with modern lines in blue and gray tones reminiscent of the regions waterways. New carpeting patterns emulate the historic wrought iron seen throughout the city, while sofas, chairs and fabrics inspired by mens suiting provide a tailored appearance. New contemporary lamps and sconces throughout the guestrooms and bathrooms offer brighter lighting for late night work sessions, and new art depicts popular New Orleans scenes including riverboats, musical instruments and architecture.

For more information, visit the website at loewshotels.com/NewOrleansHotel.

Loews New Orleans Hotel Situated adjacent to New Orleans Arts District, the 285-room Loews New Orleans Hotel features sweeping views of the Mississippi River or New Orleans skyline. Honored as a AAA Four Diamond Hotel for 10 consecutive years, our personalized service and beautifully appointed guestrooms provide an unpretentious yet luxurious experience, while Caf Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar (by the Commanders Palace Family of Restaurants) offers award-winning local cuisine in a relaxed setting, embodying the essence of the Crescent City.

Loews Hotels & Resorts Headquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Resorts owns and/or operates 22 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including two newly acquired Midwest locations the Loews Minneapolis Hotel, situated in the heart of Minneapolis entertainment district, and the Loews Chicago OHare Hotel, less than two miles from OHare Airport in the emerging city of Rosemont, Ill. The new-build, 400-room Loews Chicago Hotel will debut downtown in February 2015. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews portfolio features one-of-a-kind properties that go beyond Four Diamond standards to delight guests with exciting, approachable and local travel experiences. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels & Resorts, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: http://www.loewshotels.com.

Like Loews Hotels & Resorts on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LoewsHotels Follow Loews Hotels & Resorts on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/loews_hotels Watch Loews Hotels & Resorts on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/LoewsHotels Read our Wish You Were Here Blog at http://www.loewshotelsblog.com

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Excerpt from:
Loews New Orleans Hotel completes $4 million renovation

YBOR CITY Construction on the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House has reached a major milestone. Recently, the house received a fresh coat of paint, which adds a touch of color and protects its wooden exterior. In addition, bricks will soon be added along the front ramp.

Before painting, custom siding designed to match the original siding was installed, along with new windows. Framing was added in anticipation of a new front entry, including a custom door, glass transom and other details, which will replicate the style of homes built in Ybor City in the early 1900s. The door, sidewalk pavers and landscaping are funded by the Davis Islands Garden Club.

Interior construction also is underway to allow for the installation of exhibits in the house at 2003 N. 19th St. The museum originally was to open in the spring but was delayed because of renovation issues. The opening date has not been announced.

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Renovations progressing at Ybor's Al Lopez house baseball museum

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Nov. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to support non-profit organizations in the region, Paramount Builders, Inc. recently participated in two projects. The Virginia Beach-based residential remodeling company hosted a "Building Faith in Our Community" contest on Facebook and has installed new windows at Urban Discovery Ministries (UDM) in Norfolk, Virginia.

"We strive to help charitable causes in the area and give back to the local community," said Ed Augustine, CEO and president of Paramount Builders. "Both of these projects are focused on improving the lives of people through organizations that assist those in need."

As a result of the "Building Faith in Our Community" contest through Facebook, Paramount Builders donated a total of $5,000 to five non-profit organizations. The first place winner, HOPE Charitable Services, received $2,500. Wish-A-Fish Foundation came in second place, earning a $1,000 contribution. National Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia, Virginia Wounded Warrior Program and Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters each received $500 from the exterior home remodeling contractor.

For the second project, Paramount Builders replaced six windows at UDM's headquarters in Norfolk for the organization that helps to establish inner city churches. The new windows were donated by Alside, the manufacturer.

"Our new windows improve the energy efficiency, as well as enhance our building's appearance," said Ronnie McAdoo, executive director of Urban Discovery Ministries. "Through the generosity of Paramount Builders, we are able to more effectively reach lives for Christ. We also appreciate the spirit and quality of work from their operation manager and installers."

About Paramount Builders: Paramount Builders, Inc. (http://www.paramountbuilders.com/) is a nationally recognized residential exterior remodeler. The company was launched in 1991 and specializes in vinyl replacement windows, siding and trim. Paramount Builders is included in the Remodeling 550 and Qualified Remodelers Top 500 lists. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and is a member of the National Association of Home Builders and the Tidewater Builders Association. The mission of Paramount Builders is to improve the community one home at a time.

SOURCE http://www.paramountbuilders.com

RELATED LINKS http://www.paramountbuilders.com

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Paramount Builders Assists 6 Charitable Ministries in Virginia

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