The First Facility Management Blog

McGraw-Hill Construction, part of The McGraw-Hill Companies, has released its annual Construction Outlook Midyear Update, providing insight into the performance of the construction industry through the end of 2008.

Among the major findings of the forecast, authored by Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction:

* New construction starts for 2008 are estimated at $558.5 billion, down 11%.

* Single family housing continues to weaken, with 2008 declines of 28% in dollar volume and 31% in dwelling units, steeper than what occurred in 2007. The single family market is being adversely affected by falling home prices, mounting inventories, and tight lending conditions.

* Commercial building witnessed further expansion in 2006 and 2007, which carried over into the first quarter of 2008. However, the slower economy and tighter lending conditions are now causing projects to be deferred, and the loss of momentum will take firmer hold as the year proceeds. For 2008, commercial building will retreat 8% in dollar volume and 16% in square feet. Stores and warehouses are the most vulnerable to decline in the near term, while lesser reductions are anticipated for hotels and office buildings.

* Institutional building in 2008 continues to see a strong amount of educational structures reach groundbreaking, helped in particular by more expansion for colleges and universities. The 2008 forecast for institutional building calls for a 2% gain in dollar volume, although square footage will settle back 3%.

* Public works construction in 2008 will also rise 2% in dollars. The push will come from greater federal funding for transportation projects in fiscal 2008, combined with an elevated focus on infrastructure repair and maintenance. Tighter fiscal conditions at both the federal and state levels of government are an emerging concern for the public works sector, but any restraint on construction is more likely to be experienced next year.

McGraw-Hill Construction’s 2008 Midyear Update is available for purchase at www.construction.com.

Shrink wrap is nothing new. In addition to its product packaging applications, the technique is gaining popularity as a method of securing everything from luggage to shipping pallets. But shrink wrapping construction projects? Now that’s an interesting concept. But it’s a pretty practical idea, when you think about it.

Dr. Shrink, a company out of Manistee, MI, is pioneering this approach based on the practical idea that most construction and remodeling jobs are not completed within a single day. The company’s UV-protected BioShrink shrink wrap has additives that resist mold, mildew, algae, and bacteria, including E. Coli.

If building materials are left out for weeks or months without any protection, they can end up covered in mold or mildew. By attaching BioShrink to walls, the shrink wrap can be used to cover an entire room or area during construction.

To protect materials that will be left outside, BioShrink can be heat-shrunk like regular shrink wrap for a tight-fitting cover. It will provide full antimicrobial protection during storage or transportation.

The tan shrink wrap is suitable modular and pre-fabricated buildings. It comes in widths up to 20′.

The American Society of Cinematographers (ASC), the world’s oldest continuously operating motion picture society, held the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this week on May 7, 2008. The event marks the commencement of the restoration and expansion of the Mission Revival-style clubhouse and construction of a new three story, 5,000 square foot building.

Wolcott Architecture Interiors (WAI), based in Culver City, CA, is performing the design for the restoration is consistent with the historic style of the 1903-era building, which has served as ASC’s headquarters for the last 70 years. The addition, a contemporary stucco structure, will complement and not compete with the historic building.

Work to the existing building will include an expansion of the Board Room; Great Room, which is used for events and screenings; and renovation to the lounge/bar and kitchen. The new structure will accommodate ASC’s administrative offices and provide space for national trade publication, American Cinematographer. Completion of the project is slated for late 2008.

According to Owen Roizman, esteemed cinematographer and vice president of the ASC, “Our revered cinematographer’s society frequently hosts educational and social events for members and emerging filmmakers. With enormous changes in the digital media world, the ASC is called upon more than ever to provide guidance to the entire international filmmaking community. The renovation and expansion of our facility will allow our growing membership to not only honor our rich legacy, but will help affirm the ASC’s commitment to the brightest of futures.”

In attendance at the grounbreaking was Roizman, along with dignitaries including Tom LaBonge, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences; a representative from Eric Garcetti’s office; LeRon Gubler, president and CEO of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce; and former Board of Governors Award recipients.

The ASC project is located at 1782 North Orange (corner Franklin St.), Hollywood, CA, across from The Magic Castle. Parking is available at the Hollywood & Highland Center (entrance on Orange Ave.).

About The ASC
The ASC traces its roots to the dawn of the motion picture industry in 1913, when the Cinema Club in New York and the Static Club in Los Angeles were organized by the first generation of cinematographers, who were inventing a new visual language. Fifteen members of those two clubs organized the ASC in January 1919. They wrote a charter that dedicated the organization to advancing the evolving art and craft of telling stories with moving images. There are some 290 ASC members from many nations today, and 150 associate members from allied sectors of the industry.

About Wolcott Architecture Interiors
One of the country’s most accomplished commercial interior design firms, Wolcott Architecture Interiors has designed 32 million square feet of corporate interiors, since it was founded in 1975. Consistently ranked among the top interior design firms, the boutique Culver City firm specializes in the design of media and entertainment facilities, including production studios, the offices of media moguls, gaming companies and the local and international headquarters of cinematographers’ societies.