Georgia Contracts Drop 39% in January

After an 11% overall increase in December, the value of Georgia contracts fell 39% in January, compared to the same period of a year ago, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, publisher of Southeast Construction. The total value of January contracts was slightly better than $1.4 billion, down from last January’s $2.3 billion.

All three market sectors that McGraw-Hill uses in its measurements fell. The value of residential contracts dropped the most, declining by 55% compared to last January for a total of about $610.6 million. Nonresidential contracts fell 19% for a total of $621.4 million. Nonbuilding construction which includes streets, highways, bridges and other infrastructure declined by 8% for an approximately $205.5 million total.

Whirlpool Distribution Facility Starts in Henry Co.

Atlanta-based Panattoni Construction recently broke ground on a 1.5-million-sq-ft, build-to-suit distribution center for the Whirlpool Corp. in Henry County. Panattoni expects to complete the estimated $50 million project by June 2009.

In addition to the warehouse space, the tilt-up project will include 12,000 ft of office space. According to Panattoni, the facility will feature a 32-ft clear height; 50-ft by 60-ft staging bays; 146 dry-dock capacity; and six drive-in docks.

Ware Malcomb designed the facility. Panattoni Development Co. led the project development.

Atlanta Loft Project Earns LEED Silver Certification

Atlanta-based CC Residential reported that its newly constructed Oakland Park loft project in Atlanta received Silver LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The contractor built the six-story, 65-unit loft and condominium project for Atlanta-based developer Urban Realty Partners and Savannah-based developer Melaver. According to CC Residential, the facility has become Atlanta’s first multi-family residential construction to be certified green by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Oakland Park includes 65 one- and two-bedroom residences and 6,400 sq ft of street-front retail space. Interior finishes and building amenities include bamboo wood floors, oversized operable picture windows, 10-ft finished ceilings, large balconies, energy-efficient appliances, controlled access covered parking, roof-top garden and deck and on-site recycling.

Eco-friendly features include high-efficiency heating and cooling units, high-performance plumbing fixtures and exterior drought-resistant landscaping.

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