Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Construction is well underway and on time for the $100 million expansion at Jackson National. The project is expanding the dining and conference facility, and adding a whole new office building.

"The conference facility's already enclosed. There's a green roof on it. It's on, the exterior walls are on, so weather delays are a minimal impact now. The main building's the steels going up, the first tower's almost complete and it's a little more sensitive to winter construction, but again they're ready for it," explained Jackson National's CEO, Mike Wells.

The new building allows the company to hire more employees, but CEO Mike Wells said it'll continue hiring while the building is constructed.

"It's not dependent on this building. But, the building will give us capacity for about another thousand here, but this year for example we'll hire an excess of 500 in Lansing," Wells said.

The finished expansion project is also encouraging growth of businesses in the area, which means even more jobs.

"A lot of the support industry that'll be here, that's a result of the investment that Jackson and other companies continue to makes - we'll continue to see that supplier base as well," said Tim Daman, President and CEO of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber of Commerce is pleased with Jackson's decision to expand in Lansing.

"We're topping $500 million in economic investments and these are companies that could choose to grow and invest in other parts of the country," Daman said.

Which is an endorsement for the city.

"It's a clear statement of our confidence in the market long term and I think in the people in the community long term," Wells said.

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Jackson National Expansion Endorses Lansing Area

When Ian and Carol James first saw their house in Squirrel Hill, we knew there something terribly wrong, Carol says.

It wasn't the usual stuff that home buyers dread: water leaks in the basement, roof problems, dated electrical installation that begs a rewiring.

No, it was a kitchen that was so small in a 7,200-square-foot home it spoke of a dated lifestyle that was devoid of spending time together as a family. It told of children being elsewhere with a nanny.

The home once belonged to Oliver M. Kaufmann (1898-1980) of the department store family, brother of Edgar J. Kaufmann, who had Frank Lloyd Wright build Fallingwater.

Redoing that kitchen became the heart of renewal to the home on Beechwood Boulevard. The work brought the house into the 21st century without robbing it of any of its pre-Depression class. The kitchen now is big enough to cook and hold a big crew of friends and family.

After working on the house practically from the time they moved in nearly 13 years ago the Jameses have decided to move to a smaller home. The property is up for sale for $1.645 million.

The kids are getting ready for college; that means rattling around in a 7,200-square-foot home, Ian James says about the reason for the move.

The home's renovation ultimately demanded the construction of a staircase in a space that once was a servant's room. The job also left a carved, wooden door in the foyer that now leads nowhere. We left it there because I just couldn't get rid of it, Ian James says. The door once led to a closet, but redoing that area eliminated the storage space.

Architect John Cullen from the city's Friendship area says working on the house was one of the best projects ever because the Jameses had a concept of what they wanted, but were open to his ideas on ways to accomplish the jobs.

They moved into the house in November 2001 and immediately moved out until the following Memorial Day while work was done.

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Kitchen redo updates home while retaining its character

WSIL -- The state has announced $8.8 million for construction projects in 12 southern Illinois counties.

The projects are funded through the Illinois Jobs Now! program.

Alexander County

Illinois Route 3 will receive 4.53 miles of resurfacing, aggregate shoulders, pavement patching, paint pavement marking and reflective pavement markers from south of Illinois Route 127 to west of the I-57 ramp for $1,242,495 by E. T. Simonds Construction Company of Carbondale.

Franklin County

The roofing systems at Wayne Fitzgerrell State Park will be repaired and replaced for $63,023 by D.E. Martin Roofing Company, Inc. of Lebanon, the lowest of four bidders. The project will be managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board.

Illinois Route 149 will receive patching and partial depth patching in West Frankfort from Joiner Street to Ken Gray Boulevard, as well as pavement removal and replacement, and curb and gutter removal and replacement at the southbound and northbound I-57 rest areas for $282,494 by E. T. Simonds Construction Company of Carbondale, the lower of two bidders.

Gallatin County

Illinois Route 13 will receive pavement and shoulder replacement on the westbound lane on either side of Illinois Route 1 for $612,845 by E. T. Simonds Construction Company of Carbondale, the lower of two bidders.

Hardin County

Continued here:
$8.8 Million for Construction Projects in Southern Illinois

Photo by Debbie Walsh

The concession stand at Kinnelon High School is being outfitted with several upgrades including new tile in the restrooms.

Though the schools may have been out for the summer that does not mean that the district took a break from work. The school district was quite busy hiring new personnel and making facility upgrades.

At the Aug. 28 school board meeting, Diane DiGiuseppe, superintendent of schools, said the district had hired its final group of staff members on Aug. 28. There were roughly 35 part-time staff members and full-time replacement staff members that had been hired over the summer. The district received 670 applications for those open positions, she said.

Denise Hatch, school board president, said she had the opportunity to meet some of the new faculty members and was impressed by their enthusiasm.

Some of the key positions the school board filled this summer include the hiring of a new school district business administrator, a Stonybrook School principal, and a language arts supervisor. The board made these important hires at a July 24 meeting. For the business administrator/school board secretary post, the school board hired Kerry Keane at a prorated salary of $142,000. Keane, who has served as school district business administrator/school board secretary in the 2,800-student Caldwell-West Caldwell school district for the past two years, has 27 years experience in school business offices. She is expected to start in October.

The board appointed Mark Fasciana at a salary of $127,000 (pro-rated) as the new Stonybrook principal. He replaces former Stonybrook Principal Mark Mongon, who became principal at the Pearl R. Miller School (PRM) after the June 30 retirement of PRM Principal John Hynes. Fasciana has been the principal of the (K-5) Mt. Tabor School in Parsippany since 2010. He has spent a total of 18 years employed in the Parsippany school district. The board also hired Denise Velez at a salary of $90,000 to fill the language arts curriculum supervisory role. Velez has been an English teacher in the Summit school district for nine years and recently earned her supervisor's certification at Montclair University where she is also currently working to complete her principal's certification.

Last week James Minkewicz, outgoing school district business administrator, said the district undertook many facility improvements in the summer months. The district received state Regular Operating District (ROD) grants to complete two roofing projects. Minkewicz said the ROD grant will help fund the replacement of the roof at the newer Kinnelon High School (KHS) gym, which was built in 1998, and is leaking. The ROD money will also fund the replacement of the cafetorium (multi-purpose room) roof at Kiel School, which opened in 1994, he said. According to Minkewicz, the ROD Grants are paying for approximately 40 percent the cost of the projects, which are estimated at $553,300, including professional fees. The KHS roofing project is estimated at about $300,000, while the Kiel replacement is projected at roughly $200,000.

Minkewicz said the concession stand at KHS is receiving some upgrades. According to Minkewicz, the facility sustained some water damage. Molded sheetrock was replaced. The restrooms are being outfitted with new tile. The districts new maintenance employee, Scott Morse, is handy and replaced and spackled the sheetrock, while other members of the custodial/maintenance staff did the painting, With the staff completing these upgrades, the district saved the expense of going to outside contractors, he said.

Though the snack stand is operational, Minkewicz said the restroom improvements might not be done in time for the football home opener. The restrooms inside the school will be available for public use, he said.

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New faces and upgrades to greet the new school year

Sheriff's office asks for help finding missing 75-year-old woman Sheriff's office asks for help finding missing 75-year-old woman

Updated: Thursday, September 4 2014 1:29 PM EDT2014-09-04 17:29:36 GMT

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help finding a missing 75-year-old woman from Fenton, Mo.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help finding a missing 75-year-old woman from Fenton, Mo.

Updated: Thursday, September 4 2014 4:12 PM EDT2014-09-04 20:12:00 GMT

Joan Rivers was an actress, comedian, television host, writer and producer known for her biting comedic style, often aimed at other celebrities.

Joan Rivers was an actress, comedian, television host, writer and producer known for her biting comedic style, often aimed at other celebrities.

Updated: Thursday, September 4 2014 3:02 PM EDT2014-09-04 19:02:35 GMT

New York officials are investigating the medical clinic where Joan Rivers was undergoing a procedure prior to her hospitalization.

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Gov. Quinn announces $8.8 million for southern IL construction projects

CITING the importance of safe and quality wiring in their developments, the Gaisano Grand Group has extended its partnership with Phelps Dodge Philippines Energy Products Corp. (PDP) for the installation of Phelps Dodge (PD) wires and cables in its flagship condominium project in Banilad, Cebu City.

Grand Land Inc., which is the property development arm of the Gaisano Grand Group, announced that it has installed two towers of their Grand Residences with lead-free type THHN/THWN2 PD wires, which began last March.

Responsibility

In previous years, PDP has also installed PD wires and cables in 24 Gaisano Grand establishments scattered across the Visayas and Mindanao.

As a developer, our business is not just about selling a house. It is also our responsibility to our buyers to give them the best investment. (The investment) should not just be limited to the external factors but also what is inside the building or development, Grand Land president Ryan Go said.

With PD wires, Go said unit buyers of Grand Residences can be assured of a safe and worry-free home.

Safety features

This type of wire is designed to operate at a maximum conductor temperature of 90 degrees Celsius for both wet and dry locations. It also has a higher cable ampacity and greater resistance to abrasion and the effects of petroleum byproducts and chemical agents and oils, PDP sales engineer for Visayas Mark A. Resma explained.

Before years end, Resma said two additional towers in Grand Residences will be installed with PD wires.

Causes of fire

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Grand Land assures quality wires for project

Window Cleaner New Plymouth Taranaki | Call 0211413664 | Window Cleaning NewZealand NZ
Window Cleaner New Plymouth Taranaki - Call 0211413664 Now For a Professional Window Cleaning Quote Watch your friends and neighbors amazement at how clean a...

By: John Paul

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Window Cleaner New Plymouth Taranaki | Call 0211413664 | Window Cleaning NewZealand NZ - Video

Window cleaning with a swivel brush
Using a swivel on my water fed pole brush to clean windows over a porch.

By: Tony Evans

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Window cleaning with a swivel brush - Video

By Johnnie ChuokeHappy Handyman

A while back I had a customer come in and she was in an area of the store that had the commercial window-cleaning supplies.

We carry that because we have a few window washers in the area. She was loading up all this equipment and so I asked her about her company. She then told me she was just getting supplies to clean her windows at her home.

I asked her if she had ever heard of Rinz EZ? Rinz EZ is the smartest way to clean your windows. You simply put a package of Rinz EZ soap in the applicator and add water and stir. Then you attach it to your hose and start cleaning the windows. You want to do this in the cool of the morning because the Rinz EZ sheets off cleanly to leave you a spot-free window. If the glass is hot, the Rinz EZ will dry too quickly. You can easily do 16 windows in 30 minutes. You can even reach the second-story windows from the ground with the Rinz EZ applicator. No more getting on a ladder. When I had a boat and a lake house, I always cleaned the boat and wet jets with the left over Rinz EZ. You can wash your car too, its very versatile. After I showed my customer the Rinz EZ she put back all the commercial stuff and walked out with one bag and a much easier job in mind.

Question: Hey Johnnie! I have really been trying to be as energy conscious as I can. I know one time you talked about a insulation that goes in the wall switch. What was the name, so that I know what to ask for at my local hardware store?

Answer: They are called MD Dual Purpose Light Switch Sealers. You remove the plate and put the sealer over the switch and then put back on the switch plate. Its just that easy. If you think that this is a waste of time, just put your hand over your switch plate, and then again after installing a switch sealer.

Question: I have some brick floors in a sun room out back. They used to be real shiny, but now they are just kind of dull. I had a company come out and quote me a price on re-sealing the floors. It was a shocker. So I thought I would do it myself. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer: There is a product called Quick Shine and it will put a shine on those bricks in no time flat. On a clean floor, mop on the Quick Shine and let dry. You will immediately see a shine. You want more shine? Just keep adding coats! I did my wood floor in my dining room in 10 minutes. And its not a wax, its a polymer finish so you never have to strip it off, you just walk it off. When the floor is not as shiny as you like just put on another coat! Instant shine again.

Question: I have a garage door that struggles sometimes because the rails get dirty from all the grease I put on them. I have to take all the grease and dirt out, and that is a real job. Do you think there is a better way to keep the rails lubricated so that the doors go up and down smoothly? I know its not good for the opener to stop and start when the doors get hung.

Answer: That grease makes the doors move smooth as first, but after the grease attracts dirt and dust, it doesnt work as well. My suggestion is to remove the grease with paint thinner on a rag. After the rails are all clean, spray them with Tri Flo. Tri Flo is a superior lubricant that doesnt attract dust. I like to call it Liquid Ball Bearings. You can use Tri Flo on motorcycle chains, bearings, locks, fishing equipment. Almost anything that needs a lubricant, you can use Tri Flo.

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Rinz EZ is the smartest way to clean your windows

1. INTRODUCTION

AUTO CENTRAL, UK -- September 3, 2014: New Generation i20 space and substance meet style and refinement

At a glance

Sophisticated design: elegant lines and refined details Class-leading interior space makes New Generation i20 a true five-seater High specification and unique-in-segment features Engineered to deliver pleasurable ride on European roads Designed, engineered and made in Europe following recent investment Third car launched under Product Momentum 2017 initiative With the launch of its latest model, the New Generation i20, Hyundai Motor Europe is continuing its successful presence in the B-segment, highlighted by almost a million sales since 2002. The popularity of the original i20 has made it one of the companys best-selling cars in the region. The key aims of the new model are to open Hyundai Motor Europe to an even wider audience, further develop perceptions of the brand and confirm Hyundais strategic focus on Europe.

The New Generation i20 has been designed and developed in Europe, and three key attributes in particular underline how it meets the needs of European consumers: class-leading interior space, high-technology and comfort-enhancing features, and clean, refined design.

Hyundais third-generation B-segment vehicle highlights a significant step forward for the company since 2002, when Getz was first introduced to Europe. The New Generation i20 remains true to the principles of delivering value beyond expectations, exemplified by models including New Generation i10 and New ix35. The launch of this latest vehicle also means every Hyundai model in Europe has been renewed in the last five years.

Making its debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show in October and entering production during the same month, the New Generation i20 will go on sale throughout Europe from November 2014.

Longer, lower and wider than the previous model, New Generation i20 was penned at Hyundai Motors Design Centre Europe in Rsselsheim, Germany. The new models character is inspired by the companys Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy, with elegant lines and a sculptured profile giving it a bold and sophisticated appearance. On the New Generation i20, a Hyundai Motors key design element hexagonal grille flows into stylish bi-function headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Key styling cues are echoed inside the spacious cabin. Sitting on a new platform, the wheelbase has been extended by 45 millimetres to 2570 mm creating more space for occupants. Class-leading interior space 1892 mm combined front and rear legroom makes the New Generation i20 a true five-seater, while outstanding boot capacity of 326 litres heightens the vehicles versatility.

Designed to transport the driver and passengers in great comfort, the cabin features extensive use of soft-touch materials, as well as subtle piano black inserts and chrome detailing, to create a modern and sophisticated interior package.

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Hyundai New Generation i20 Specifications