May Contracts: More Major Declines in N.C., S.C.

Compared to the same period of a year ago, the value of new contracts signed in May for future construction fell by 50% overall in North Carolina, and by 44% in South Carolina, according to the latest information from McGraw-Hill Construction, publisher of Southeast Construction.

In North Carolina, the overall total for new project starts was roughly $798 million, down from last May’s total of approximately $1.6 billion.

After improving in April, the nonresidential sector declined the most of any in May, dropping 60% compared to the same period of a year ago, for a nearly $214.2-million total.

The residential sector fell 51% to total $441.7 million for the month. The nonbuilding sector – which includes infrastructure projects – fell by a relatively mild 14%, and totaled $142.1 million for the month.

For the year-to-date, North Carolina’s overall contract activity is 51% behind 2008’s pace. The nonbuilding sector remains the furthest behind, with its $617.6-million total an estimated 72% behind last year’s pace. Residential is now 55% behind for the year, with $2.1 billion in new contracts through May. The nonresidential category is 29% behind ’08, with approximately $2 billion in new contracts so far.

In South Carolina, May contracts fell by an overall rate of 44%. The state’s total was $580.3 million, down from the year-ago tally of slightly more than $1 billion.

The residential sector continued its slide, falling 44% in May compared to the same period of a year ago, for a total of roughly $296 million. The nonresidential sector fell by 43% to tally $251.7 million for the month. The value of contracts in the nonbuilding sector fell by 49% compared to a year ago and totaled $32.6 million.

For the year-to-date, South Carolina’s overall contract activity is 53% behind last year’s pace, with approximately $2.3 billion in new contracts for the first five months of the year. The nonresidential category is 38% behind 2008, with roughly $776.5 million in new contracts. The residential sector is 51% behind ‘08’s pace, with a $1.2-billion total. The nonbuilding sector is 74% behind last year, with a $317.3-million tally.

Walton Wins Another Contract at Parris Island

Walton Construction Co. of Harahan, La., was recently awarded an additional $18.8-million contract to design and build a fourth barracks facility at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C. This third option, awarded by the Department of the Navy – Naval Facilities Engineering Command Southeast, brings the project’s total value to $78.4 million.

With this addition to the original contract, the total project includes four three-story precast concrete barracks, a headquarters training complex, central mechanical plant and a physical training circuit. All buildings on the project will be constructed to achieve LEED Silver certification.

Construction of the addition option is scheduled for completion in May 2011. It includes a Marine barracks living quarters and a training facility for all Marine recruits east of the Mississippi River. The facilities included in the original contract are scheduled for completion by October 2010.

VOA Associates is the project architect.

Warren and Associates Design-Building Animal Hospital in Greenville, S.C.

Greenville, S.C.-based Warren and Associates Design-Build is providing design-build services for Cleveland Park Animal Hospital’s new facility in downtown Greenville. The 7,850-sq-ft facility will replace Cleveland Park’s existing veterinary hospital at the same location. The hospital, which treats large and small animals, will remain operational during construction.

The new facility is scheduled to open in October.

Design Contract Awarded for North Carolina Aquarium Pier Project

Design work is progressing on the North Carolina Aquarium’s pier project on the coast of Emerald Isle, N.C. The project will include a 750-ft-long aquarium pier with an attached pier house. Wind power turbines for co-generating power, geothermal well, rainwater collection and gray water septic system are being considered for incorporation to the design. 

The project team, which includes Moffat & Nichol, BJAC, GKC Associates, Rivers & Associates and RMP Engineering will work with the North Carolina Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, the North Carolina Aquarium and Emerald Isle during the design phase.

Hendrick Construction Completes Projects in Charlotte and Indian Land, S.C.

Charlotte-based Hendrick Construction recently completed Continental Tire North America’s new, $11-million headquarters facility in Indian Land, S.C.  The project included construction of a 75,000-sq-ft building that employs 375 people. The facility features offices and conference rooms. The headquarters will also serve as a call center.

The contractor also completed The Fillmore Charlotte, a 20,000-sq-ft venue at the North Carolina Music Factory’s entertainment complex in Fourth Ward. The new facility is the largest night club of its kind in the region, with a capacity of 2,000 patrons.

Click here for more Carolina News >>