The Surfside condo collapse: Building was “flawed and failing” — NYT

The New York Times has published an extensive graphic investigation, demonstrating several serious flaws in the design and construction of the Champlain Towers South condo collapse in June that killed 98 people. The newspaper created a 3-D model of the tower based on the original design drawings. “That model, combined... Continue reading

National nonresidential construction spending expanded 0.1% in July, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published on Sept. 1 by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $786.7 billion for the month. However, spending was down on a monthly basis in... Continue reading

Communities in North Carolina have reported widely diverging changes in construction employment from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 until July this year. Overall employment levels were flat — but the actual story on the ground varies dramatically depending on where you are. For example, the Miami area... Continue reading

Construction manager DeAngelis Diamond says it is nearing completion of the $80 million Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) Air Traffic Control Tower project in Ft. Myers. The scaffolding was removed July 20th, and the project is now in its final stages, the contractor says in a statement. The tower, which... Continue reading

Florida ranks near the middle of the nation in the loss of construction jobs during the pandemic, according to government data compiled by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America. Overall, in the 17 months between February 2020 and July 2021, the state lost 6,100 jobs, a 1.1% decrease to... Continue reading

Both the Wall Street Journal and New York Times have published extensive investigative reports into the initial design and construction of the Champlain Towers condo that collapsed in Surfside on June 24, killing 98 people and causing an estimated $1 billion in damages. The reports provide a disturbing picture, indicating... Continue reading

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is choosing a new general contractor to complete the diverging diamond interchange at Interstate 75 and Florida State Road 56, one of seven central Florida roads project unfinished when D.A.B. Constructors shut down in July. The deadline for receiving new bids for what had... Continue reading

Jacksonville City Council members on Aug. 24 voted unanimously to approve a partnership with the Jaguars to build the team’s $120 million football performance center. Jaguars president Mark Lamping indicated the team would begin discussions on putting together a construction team immediately, broadcaster News 4 Jax reported. He called it... Continue reading

Seagate Development Group says it has completed the building pad and commenced vertical construction of Rice Insulation & Glass’ 35,000-sq. ft. building at Alico Trade Center in Fort Myers. This will be the first tenant at the 40-acre, Seagate-owned business park. This freestanding building is projected to be complete in... Continue reading

Stevens Construction says construction has begun on PopStroke Sarasota, described as “an experiential golf and casual dining concept merging a dynamic, technologically advanced competitive golf environment with food and beverage.” Professional golfer Tiger Woods (associated through TGR Design) is reportedly a partner in the venture that is expanding to several... Continue reading