Georgia Contracts Surge in February

February Contracts Move Ahead 32 Percent

McGraw-Hill Construction reported that contracts for future construction in Georgia surged by 32 percent in February, giving the state a 7 percent growth rate for the year-to-date.

In February, the nonresidential sector increased by 57 percent to roughly $565.7 million, up from the $360.1 million figure reported a year ago. Residential improved to nearly $1.2 billion for the month, 26 percent ahead of last February's $935.9 million. Nonbuilding construction also increased, by 12 percent, to roughly $196.2 million.

For the year-to-date, the nonresidential sector was up by 14 percent compared to the same period of a year ago, with roughly $839.5 million of activity reported. Residential activity also showed double-digit growth, increasing by 16 percent to approximately $2.2 billion so far in 2004. Nonbuilding declined by 32 percent from last year's $563 billion, to just under $384.5 million through February.

Hardin Announces Atlanta, Mountain City Projects

Hardin Construction Co. recently announced several new projects. The contractor has been chosen by The Forum II LLC, to build The Forum II at Piazza at Paces in Atlanta. The scope of the project includes sitework, a 44,000-sq.-ft. shell office building with a 56,000-sq.-ft. subterranean parking deck. The architect is Surber Barber Choate Hertlien of Atlanta. Completion is slated for October.

Sequoyah Village has selected CAA/Hardin, a joint venture, as general contractor for the Sequoyah Village Apartment project located in Mountain City, Ga. The project consists of five three-story buildings for a total of 64 apartment units. The project is approximately 85,000 sq. ft. The architect is Martin Riley Associates. Completion is slated for November.

Also, One Brookhaven Drive LLC has selected Hardin to serve as construction manager for the One Brookhaven condominium project in the Brookhaven area of Atlanta. The 100,000-sq.-ft. building is four-stories and consists of 18 units of high-end condominiums with parking below. The architect is NCG.

Yates Expands Atlanta Operations

Yates Construction, a division of YATES Cos., recently announced it is expanding its operations in Atlanta, the location of its Eastern division headquarters. The Atlanta office oversees projects in Georgia, Florida, Alabama and the Carolinas and will start 2004 with more than $150 million in new business.

In Atlanta, Yates currently employs 100 people and plans to add an additional 20 jobs during 2004.

HDR Studying Atlanta Streetcars

Nonprofit coalition Atlanta Streetcar Inc. has selected HDR to develop a feasibility study for an 8-mi. trolley line that would connect downtown Atlanta to Buckhead using the Peachtree Street corridor.

The study will be separated into three parts, with the final phase due to be complete by the end of the second quarter 2004. The final feasibility report will include an implementation strategy, technical documentation and public outreach and materials.