Cliff Fetner

The most-read story from the previous week's Developer's Digest®, published by Bisnow, covers how a new zoning proposal for Long Island City aims to bring 14,000 new homes, including 4,000 income-restricted units, and over 3 million square feet of commercial space, along with expanded waterfront access. The Long Island City Neighborhood Plan, presented by the NYC Department of City Planning (DCP), updates zoning and the Waterfront Access Plan while introducing Mandatory Inclusionary Housing. Despite community opposition, development continues with 4,000 residential units under construction and 8,000 proposed. The area has seen significant growth, with the population increasing by 40% from 2010 to 2020. The plan now moves to environmental and public review. To read more stories like this and to stay on top of the most recent news from the development world, subscribe to our Developer’s Digest® using the link below: https://bit.ly/3Qg1qXV

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How is your organization embracing the future of learning technologies? We’re thrilled to share insights from Dan Collier of Suffolk Construction, who explores the integration of virtual and augmented reality into training programs. Discover how these technologies, alongside AI, are enhancing the learning experience without replacing the valuable instructor-led training. The link to the full #LearningLeaderSpotlight episode is in the comments. #LearningAndDevelopment #CorporateTraining #TalentDevelopment #LeadershipTraining #WeAreTrainingPros

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Boosting Worcester’s Construction Boom: The PRESWERX Advantage Worcester, Massachusetts, is witnessing a significant surge in construction activity, underpinned by robust economic growth and a surge in development projects. As the second-largest city in New England, Worcester's dynamic construction industry is integral to its ongoing transformation. At PRESWERX, we are proud to contribute to this momentum by offering top-tier proposal, presentation, and coaching services to the A/E/C (architecture, engineering, and construction) sector. How PRESWERX is Driving Success 1. Creating Unbeatable Proposals In Worcester's competitive construction market, the ability to present a compelling proposal is crucial. PRESWERX excels in crafting proposals that are not only technically sound but also visually engaging. Our services include template development, redesign, and comprehensive brand development, ensuring that each proposal highlights the unique strengths and capabilities of our clients. By focusing on clarity, precision, and visual appeal, we help our clients stand out and secure key projects. 2. Delivering Impactful Presentations Securing a project often hinges on the effectiveness of the presentation. PRESWERX offers end-to-end presentation services, including design and coaching. We understand that a powerful presentation needs to be both informative and captivating. Our team collaborates closely with clients to develop presentations that effectively communicate their vision, expertise, and value proposition, making a lasting impression on potential clients and stakeholders. 3. Expert Presentation Coaching Delivering a presentation with confidence and clarity can make all the difference. PRESWERX provides tailored presentation coaching to ensure our clients can communicate their ideas effectively and persuasively. Our coaching sessions focus on enhancing delivery techniques, improving body language, and honing overall presentation skills. This personalized approach empowers our clients to present with confidence, ensuring their message resonates with their audience. As Worcester continues to grow and evolve, the construction industry will play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future. PRESWERX is honored to support this growth by providing the A/E/C industry with the expertise and tools needed to succeed. Our proposal, presentation, and coaching services are designed to help companies in Worcester differentiate themselves, secure projects, and contribute to the city’s vibrant development. By partnering with PRESWERX, A/E/C firms in Worcester are not just keeping up with the industry’s growth—they are setting the pace. To learn more about the growth in Worcester, Massachusetts, check out... https://lnkd.in/evE4JbgK

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The YIMBY article on ONE38 features a selection of the renderings we prepared for this project. https://lnkd.in/ea6K-Tii Check out other recent Hb-Vis projects here: www.hb-vis.com/recentwork #ONE38 #ArchitecturalVisualization #Rendering #CGI #PropertyMarketing #NewDevelopment

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Looking for a historic investment opportunity? 💰 Consider the landmark Bronx General Post Office at 558 Grand Concourse! Listed exclusively by Avison Young for around $70 million, this iconic building could be yours. Originally built in the 1930s as part of the New Deal, this architectural gem boasts a coffered ceiling, marble floors, and stunning mural panels by artists Ben Shahn and Bernarda Bryson. It's been deemed a landmark since 1976 and offers incredible potential for a hotel, retail space, or residential project. Despite previous attempts, the property is back on the market, with the current owners hoping to fetch a mid $70 million price. With over $40 million already invested in redevelopment, this is a prime opportunity for the right investor. What's most exciting? The large outdoor terrace spaces on the first, third, and penthouse floors, perfect for businesses or leisure as the weather warms up. 📸 Photo credit: Avison Young #InvestmentOpportunity #HistoricBuilding #BronxGeneralPostOffice #RealEstateInvestment #LandmarkProperty #NewYorkCityHistory #AvisonYoung #RealEstateListing

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BREAKING NEWS! Laws have changed for ALL building development in New Jersey - Are you aware and prepared for the changes?! #breakingnews #newsreel #newjersey #realestate #commercialrealestate #CommercialProperty #engineering

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There will be massive amounts of real estate transactions and acquisitions as the smaller firms get squeezed out of their buildings due to high rates and low rents, but the big question is, what will all the large firms do when they buy up the distressed assets? In most cases, private equity wants to minimize capital improvements and just do new paint and plants in the front lobby, then run the building like a cash register. Unfortunately, this cycle continues over multiple buy/sell cycles and a lot of the “class A” buildings on the market are actually quite shitty, both from a tenant perspective and an operator perspective. Certainly not future-proof. A retrofit thesis/guideline like this is huge because it shows that there is actually a business case, WITHIN the 3-5 year hold cycle of the private equity owners, that makes a lot of sense for their pro forma. If you work in real estate transaction due diligence, you should be all over this. The traditional first-cost perspective is a great path to functional obsolescence. Time to do something besides using the same old checklists for the past 20 years.

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After interest rates soared in recent years in a bid to tame inflation, they’ve yet to drop in 2024. The result has been paused projects, builders pulling out of plans and overall uncertainty for developments. To read the full article, head to:  https://lnkd.in/gw2mUzYt For more Mid-Atlantic commercial real estate news, follow us on LinkedIn. To learn more about Philadelphia Real Estate Council visit https://precouncil.org/  #realestatenews #PREC #realestate #philadelphiarealestate #CommercialRealEstate #CRE #RealEstateInvesting #IndustrialProperty #PropertyManagement #InvestmentProperty #CommercialProperty #AssetManagement #CommercialBrokerage #PropertyInvestment #PropertyPortfolio #CREIndustry #PropertyValues #CommercialRealtor #RealEstateMarket

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💭 Will your project require a Special Inspection? Here are a few ways you can tell: Since 2008, NYC has required an independent, licensed third party to assess critical construction work and ensure compliance with approved plans and building codes.  🏛️ Project requires architectural services ⚙️ Project Requires engineering services Remember, a special inspection is required only for specific work types on a project. Chances are, if the building needs the help of an architect or an engineer, a special inspection will more than likely be required.  With most projects undergoing three to four special inspections, it's crucial to tailor these evaluations based on the type of work and the intended use of the building. At Domani Inspection Services, we offer expert guidance to navigate these requirements and ensure your project meets safety and compliance standards. https://lnkd.in/eKHQiMgS #SpecialInspections #NYC

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Mosaic Apartments and Leon Creek Flats Retown is excited to showcase two respectable affordable housing projects that integrate sustainability and innovative community features. Mosaic Apartments, Schenectady, New York: Mosaic Apartments is a $27 million new construction project by DePaul Properties, Inc., providing two buildings with affordable housing units in the City of Schenectady. This development is part of New York State’s initiative to increase the availability of quality, affordable homes. The project incorporates New York’s latest sustainability standards, promoting healthier living environments and highly efficient buildings. Features include energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, advanced insulation, and the use of sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact. Additionally, the project includes on-site renewable energy sources to further reduce carbon emissions. Supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s financing, aligned with the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goals, and benefiting from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Energy Initiative, Mosaic Apartments exemplifies the integration of sustainability in affordable housing. https://lnkd.in/e7B_GFMe *********************************************************************** Leon Creek Flats, San Antonio, Texas: Leon Creek Flats is a notable project in San Antonio, Texas, creating 261 affordable housing units with a strong emphasis on sustainable development. This project addresses the critical need for affordable housing in the region. The development includes energy-efficient designs, water-saving fixtures, and the integration of green spaces to promote environmental sustainability. Additionally, the project is designed to enhance the urban environment by providing community spaces that encourage social interaction and healthy living. The project is financed through a combination of state low-income housing tax credits and over $2.5 million in housing funding, reflecting a robust public-private partnership. "Housing affordability has remained a key initiative for our city that started with the formation of the Housing Task Force," said San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg. "Communities like the one celebrated today represent the collective efforts to produce housing affordability for San Antonio renters." https://lnkd.in/guQvZXFs... Retown admires these projects for their dedication to integrating sustainability with affordable housing, furthering new standards for community development and environmental stewardship.

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It's #YouthApprenticeshipWeek(YAW)! MEET LUKE & AYDEN - These two seniors both graduated from the Maine Construction Academy's Construction Immersion Program in 2023. Prior to graduation, students of the Construction Immersion Program participate in interviews with employers they met throughout the program - and Luke & Ayden left the program not only with industry credentials and hands-on experience, they moved right into an #apprenticeship with Wyman & Simpson, Inc. We connected with them on the phone this week to check-in on how they're enjoying their apprenticeship so far. 👷‍♂️ What made you gain interest in construction? Luke – "I have had an interest in construction since I was young. My dad has worked in construction throughout my childhood and I spent time on job sites with him, learning about the industry, and being in equipment. One day, I hope to work my way up to be an equipment operator." Ayden – "I never really had interest in construction, but came across the Maine Construction Academy last year and found a love for it. I really like that there are so many opportunities and trades that you can do." 👷‍♂️ How do you find juggling school work & your apprenticeships? Luke & Ayden - "We both find it easy to juggle the two. We take our classes online this year, so it makes working full-time as an apprentice more manageable. We leave plenty of time after work and on weekends to get classwork done." 👷‍♂️ What advice would you give to other young people considering an apprenticeship program? Luke & Ayden - "Take every opportunity you can get." Learn more about the Maine Construction Academy and construction/transportation apprenticeship opportunities in Maine at buildingmaine.com or contact us at team@agcmaine.org. Maine Department of Labor #registeredapprenticeship #mainejobs #constructioncareers #bridgeconstruction #mainecareers #construction

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Next on the spotlight is a 2022 COTE Top Ten Award recipient: the Renovation of the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library. A project we collaborated as facade consultants on with Utile.⁠ A primary goal of the renovation of this existing Boston Public Library branch was to create a building that opens up a warm, inviting interior to the community. As with all reclad projects we are looking to breathe new life into a building while improving the performance of the building. A key component to achieving this goal was a wood veneer curtain wall. We worked closely with the architect, energy modeler, and construction teams to develop this striking wall system. The wall provides more visual warmth than a standard aluminum curtain wall by using a veneer curtain wall system with engineered wood mullions. These wood mullions not only provide a sense of warmth on the interior, but they also serve as the structure of the curtain wall, which is also significantly more energy-efficient than the existing envelope. A particular challenge was the preservation of the historic exposed concrete structure. As the opaque portions of the project would not be able to make use of continuous outboard insulation, the glazing transitions from vision to opaque required analysis using both THERM and WUFI to tune the detailing to provide better thermal transitions and manage condensation risk. #SNYLTurns20 @utile_design

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📑 Investment Market Insider | Builders Adapting to Higher Construction Costs 🏢 The challenge of escalating construction costs in NYC has had direct implications for property investments in CRE. As new building expenses remain high, developers, owners and construction companies are compelled to reassess their strategies to ensure the financial viability of CRE projects. ✅ This article by Bisnow explores how industry players are addressing the financial challenges associated with construction: https://lnkd.in/gsiyw_T4 #IntegrisVentures #RealEstateOperator #ConstructionCosts #CRE #CommercialRealEstate

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ICYMI: Bohler's James Thaon, PE joined industry leaders including for the NJBIZ Construction and Development Panel. From navigating uncertainty to embracing technological advancements, discover how New Jersey's commercial real estate industry is creating opportunities and maintaining momentum. Explore our key takeaways for more ➡️https://lnkd.in/eHgYSB3N

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Discover the latest updates at Racanelli Construction - where safety meets construction on Long Island. See what's been keeping our team busy. 👀 https://lnkd.in/evahUwZU #RacanelliConstruction #SafetyFirst #ConstructionUpdates #LongIslandBuilders"

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💡Spotlight on Innovation in Construction: Interview with Joshua Weyand, Director of Construction Technology at Suffolk Construction We recently spoke with Joshua Weyand, a self-described “tech nerd” and the construction technology leader at Suffolk Construction. His passion for merging traditional construction methods with cutting-edge technology is crucial for maintaining Suffolk's industry leadership. Two pressing issues in the construction industry are productivity and the shrinking labor force. With over 40% of the current U.S. construction workforce expected to retire in the next decade, addressing rework issues and training a less experienced workforce are critical. At Siteaware, we share Joshua’s vision of integrating advanced technology to improve industry standards. Our Quality Management platform uses AI capabilities to set a new benchmark for quality, schedule, and budget certainty. Interested in challenging the status quo with Siteaware? Read the full interview to learn more! https://lnkd.in/dakc5e8N #BuildWithSiteAware #BuildWithAssurance #ConstructionTechnology #Innovation #Leadership #Productivity #Siteaware #SuffolkConstruction #AI #TechInConstruction #FutureOfConstruction #ConstructionTech

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