In May, Kenneth G. Simonson, chief economist with Associated General Contractors of America, addressed a group of AGC of Greater Florida members in Orlando.There, Simonson said he expects modest improvement in overall construction activity for the rest of 2011, but with a more significant uptick in multifamily— with starts in this sector up 7% in April 2011 compared with April 2010. Retailers are not building new stores, keeping that sector depressed. However, hoteliers are modernizing their properties as revenue per available room has grown, particularly at the luxury level. In Florida, Simonson reports many hospital projects are in the early stages. “This will be one of the better growth markets through 2012, particularly here in Florida.”

Photo by Debra Wood

On June 10, Boeing cut the ribbon on its 787 Dreamliner Final Assembly Building in North Charleston, S.C., built by BE&K Building Group and Turner Construction Co. The National Labor Relations Board is contesting Boeing’s use of the building for 787 production. The building’s main assembly floor is 1,000 ft. long. Trusses spanning the bay area measure 616 ft and weigh 450 tons.

Photo courtesy of Boeing