The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, claims that a three-year-old student recreation facility at its main campus fails to meet some seismic requirements under the 2002 Uniform Building Code. The structure remains open, but a warning notice is posted. Photo: Luetta Callaway Investigator alleges differences between flexible and rigid components cause problems. Related Links: Engineer�s Report on UNLV Building Designed by the Phoenix office of DMJM Design, a unit of AECOM, with St. Louis-based Hastings+Chivetta Architects Inc., the building is likely to end up in court. Bennett & Jimenez Inc., Las Vegas, which has since shut down, was the structural
Las Vegas’ $8.5-billion CityCenter development—the country’s largest privately backed project—may soon have the country’s largest mechanic’s lien. Photo: CityCenter Land LLC The close-out of the country’s biggest private project turns into a dispute over money. Tutor Perini Corp., Sylmar, Calif., recently notified co-developers MGM Mirage Inc., Las Vegas, and Infinity World Development Corp. that it planned to file a $492-million mechanic’s lien on the seven-building, 18-million-sq-ft complex of hotels, homes and entertainment space. The news was disclosed in a Mar. 12 MGM Mirage (NYSE: MGM) Securities and Exchange Commission filing. The lien covers unpaid work as well as a progress
The new $364.9-million hospital is the VA�s largest contract ever awarded. Image: RTKL/JMA As its first new hospital in over 20 years, the VA is pulling out all the stops with a nearly 1-million-sq-ft building in North Las Vegas. Photo: Clark/Hunt JV The seven-story hospital will be skinned with blast-proof laminated glass and Trespa-brand smooth finish insulated metal panels. The ground-level will be skirted with a resilient concrete masonry block. Related Links: A Banner Year for Hospitals The U.S. Dept. of Veteran’s Affairs is betting big on Southern Nevada. The federal agency in charge of soldiers’ health is building its
Although employers keep an eye on their staffs and monitor performance, few companies in construction directly address the issue of burnout with formal stress-management or work-redesign programs. Related Links: Pressure, Layoffs and Long Hours Generate Post-Traumatic Construction Disorder For example, Indianapolis-based RATIO Architects Inc., a 28-year-old planning and architecture practice, worked on keeping spirits up after shedding 12 of its 88 positions in 2009. “Open communication about staff adjustments is key,” says Tracy Imes, RATIO administration director. “We make sure that it’s announced to everyone when it occurs, so employees understand why and how it happened. We are trying to
CityCenter is Las Vegas� grandest, most extravagant Strip production yet, encompassing 18 million-sq-ft of high design shops and restaurants, hotel and homes. The $8.5 billion, seven-building complex is the equivalent of nine Empire State buildings. It�s also the largest privately financed project in United State history. Construction required a well-coordinated, herculean effort from project contractor Perini Building Co., with Tishman Construction Corp. as executive construction manager and Gensler was executive architect. Slide Show Image courtesy of CityCenter Land LLC. The recently opened $8.5 billion CityCenter development on the Las Vegas Strip is the largest private project in US history. "We
A $50-million museum in downtown Las Vegas will examine America�s cultural fascination with organized crime and it�s impact on the city. Photo: Luetta Callaway The 1933 neoclassical structure is being refurbished to its original condition with help of the original 80-year-old conceptual drawings. Photo: Luetta Callaway As a vital part of the city�s downtown redevelopment efforts, the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement�s exterior is being restored with terra-cotta brick cladding and limestone base, an original loggia entrance and granite paneling. The windows are being replaced and upgraded as well. Related Links: No Walk in the Parq
United Construction, a prominent Nevada general contractor, recently shuttered its 21-year-old Las Vegas division in response to the deepening recession. The Reno-based company notified employees of the decision on Feb. 10. United's local offices had been located at 5130 S. Valley View Blvd., Suite 100, in Las Vegas. The three remaining division staff members were laid off. Photo: United Construction United won best industrial project in Southwest Contractor�s Best of 2007 awards for this warehouse inside the ProLogis Park North master-planned business complex in North Las Vegas. �It was a surprise move, although we had been biting our nails for
Cement consumption will rise by 5.2% this year, aided by federal stimulus spending, according to Portland Cement Association�s chief economist, Ed Sullivan. He gave a 2010-14 forecast on Feb. 2 at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas. Slide Show Photo courtesy of Hanley Wood. Chris Swanson of Rescue, Calif., demonstrates his artistry skills with decorative concrete by using acid etching and staining techniques to depict a unique cross design on a 10-ft by 10-ft slab. Related Links: Moods and Masons Rise At Annual Concrete Show Last year�s administrative delays releasing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will result
A three-year-old “whistle-blower” suit unsealed in a federal district court on Feb. 8 claims that a leading manufacturer of polyvinyl chloride pipe widely used for utility collection and transmission lines falsely claimed its products met the performance specifications of industry regulators. It asserts that up to 50% of the pipe produced between 1997 and late 2005 is susceptible to breakage and premature failure at pressure loads below the labeled rating. Photo: Nevada State Public Works Board Nevada water-main job suffered 10 breaks in one year. State officials had sections tested and reported deficiencies in tensile strength. The manufacturer blamed installation
Cement consumption will rise by 5.2% this year, aided by federal stimulus spending, according to Portland Cement Association’s chief economist, Ed Sullivan. He gave a 2010-14 forecast on Feb. 2 at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas. Related Links: Moods and Masons Rise At Annual Concrete Show Last year’s administrative delays releasing American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will result in a $22-billion federal spending surge this year, including more money for street and highway construction, which account for 30% of all cement consumption, Sullivan said. But the first half of 2010 will be “slow and tepid,” he
