Hensel Phelps to Build Hard Rock Theme Park in Myrtle Beach

The groundbreaking ceremony for what is being called "the world's first rock-and-roll theme park" took place in Myrtle Beach, S.C., recently. HRP Myrtle Beach Operations LLC retained the Orlando-headquartered Southeast District of Hensel Phelps Construction Co. to build the $400 million Hard Rock Park.

The theme park will feature five unique "rock environs" celebrating music via rides, shows and interactive elements. The 150-acre theme park is scheduled to open in the spring of 2008.

"We couldn't be more thrilled to be part of such a great organization as Hard Rock Park," Mike Choutka, vice president and Southeast district manager of Hensel Phelps Construction, said in a press statement. "We have worked on this project for more than three years, so it's very exciting to see it become a reality."

Carolinas Experience Double-Digit Declines in July

The value of new contracts signed in July for future construction activity decreased by 14 percent in North Carolina and by 18 percent in South Carolina, compared to the same period a year ago, McGraw-Hill Construction reported.

North Carolina's approximately $1.8 billion total for the month included a nonbuilding sector that improved by 13 percent over the same period of a year ago to total nearly $88 million, ahead of last July's $78.1 million tally. Residential contracts declined by 9 percent compared to last July and totaled roughly $1.3 billion. The value of nonresidential contracts fell by 30 percent and totaled $406.8 million for the month.

Despite the July decline, year-to-date contract activity in North Carolina remains 9 percent ahead of the first seven months of 2005, with a nearly $15.3 billion total so far. The nonresidential category, with about $3.5 billion worth of contracts, is 15 percent ahead of the same time last year, while the residential market is 12 percent better with a roughly $10.5 billion total. The nonbuilding sector, however, is down 18 percent to about $1.3 billion.

In South Carolina, the July total was about $819.1 million, or 18 percent below the same period of a year ago. The biggest market, residential, declined by 29 percent to total roughly $554.3 million. The nonresidential market, meanwhile, improved by 28 percent to total $185.4 million for the month. The nonbuilding sector was ahead by 5 percent compared to last July for a total of nearly $79.4 million.

For the year-to-date, the value of South Carolina contracts is 8 percent ahead of 2005's pace, for a total of about $7.7 billion. The nonbuilding category, with a cumulative total of about $661.9 million, is flat compared to last year, while the residential sector, at nearly $5.3 billion, is 5 percent ahead. The nonresidential category, valued at about $1.75 billion through July, is 21 percent ahead of 2005's pace.