Georgia Contracts: 43% Drop in February

The overall value of new Georgia contracts signed in February for future construction fell 43%, compared to the same period of a year ago, according to McGraw-Hill Construction, publisher of Southeast Construction. The total value of new contracts was roughly $1 billion, compared to last February’s total of nearly $1.8 billion.

During the month, the two largest markets again showed significant declines. The residential category had the largest percentage decline, dropping 61% compared to last February, for a total of about $243.4 million. That figure compares to last year’s total of nearly $629.8 million.

The nonresidential category also fell significantly, dropping 43% to total nearly $518.1 million for the month. The year-ago total for this sector was approximately $912.7 million.

The nonbuilding sector showed some positive growth compared to a year ago. The total value of this sector’s February contracts was $263.7 million, or 4% better than the $252.7 million reported in February 2008.

For the year to date, Georgia activity is 45% behind the first two months of 2008, with roughly $1.8 billion in new contracts so far, compared to about $3.3 billion at the same time last year. The nonresidential sector is 47% behind the 2008 pace, with $889.3 million in new contracts. Residential is 61% behind last year, with a $470.1 million total. The nonbuilding market is 6% ahead of last year’s pace, with an estimated $489 million total.

Architect Named for Center for Civil and Human Rights

The Freelon Group, a Research Triangle, N.C.-based architecture and design firm, and HOK of Atlanta have been selected as the architects of record for the new Center for Civil & Human Rights in Atlanta.

Freelon Group and HOK will work with the Center’s leadership team, exhibit designer Gallagher & Associates and project manager Cousins Properties/Gude Management Group to finalize the facility’s design. The estimated $125 million, 100,000 sq-ft project is scheduled to break ground this winter.

The winning design is inspired by “the simple yet powerful image of interlocking arms that signifies the linkages that empower individuals and groups of seemingly divergent interests to find common ground,” said Philip Freelon, president of The Freelon Group. The design, conceived with sustainability as a primary consideration, features a terracotta-clad building surrounding an exterior courtyard, which serves as an amphitheater and exhibit space.

 “The Freelon Group and HOK exceeded the criteria we set forth for the project’s design and truly captured the spirit of exploration and collaboration that is central to the Center’s mission,” said Doug Shipman, executive director for the Center.

Randall-Paulson Completes Design for Fellowship Christian School

Randall-Paulson Architects of Roswell, Ga., recently completed design of renovations and a 23,000 sq-ft addition to the Fellowship Christian School in Roswell.

More Work for R.J. Griffin at Gwinnett Medical Center

R. J. Griffin & Co. of Atlanta began construction of Gwinnett Physicians Center on the campus of Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville for client Meadows & Ohly. This project is a 129,503-sq-ft, four-story medical office building. Designed by Atlanta's Perkins + Will, the building will feature a steel structure with EIFS, brick and window wall skin and a pedestrian bridge linking the physicians center to the main hospital building.

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