The Construction Specifier Express

March 15, 2022

Two reimagined destination projects recently launched in Washington, D.C.

The NRP Group plans to kick off 6000 new apartment homes in 2022

The NRP Group, a vertically integrated builder and manager of multifamily housing, plans to break ground on more than 6000 apartment homes this year.

Woodinville Whiskey uncorks new facility in Quincy, Washington

A new Woodinville Whiskey facility has completed the first step of its multi-phase 4.05-ha (10-acre) expansion in Quincy, Washington.

Michael Graves Architecture jump-starts growth plan with WSA acquisition

Michael Graves Architecture (MG) has acquired Waldon Studio Architects (WSA) as part of a long-term strategic growth plan for the company.

Tucson-based high-rise to undergo modernization makeover

Real estate company Vertical Street Ventures (VSV) has completed its acquisition of Tucson, Arizona’s Redondo Tower, with plans to upgrade and expand the building’s list of amenities.

Features

Staying in control with fabric cladding

Tension fabric structures have served a key role as a cost-effective facility solution for years. In some cases, users have turned to fabric buildings when brick-and-mortar construction is not economically feasible or would take too long to complete.

Rooftop skylight replacement considerations

Design professionals tasked with replacing rooftop skylights on commercial or institutional buildings have the opportunity to enhance the building appearance, upgrade energy conservation performance, and improve building occupant experience while remedying water penetration, air infiltration, and condensation problems common with older systems.

DISCUSSIONS OF THE WEEK

LIEN WAIVERS - RELEASE LIMITED TO PAYMENT ONLY?

I’m working on a design-build project (as a general contractor). Our boilerplate lien waivers “release and promise to indemnify and defend for all claims related to the project whatsoever.” Our design consultant commented, “Any releases or indemnity in a lien waiver should be limited only to claims for payment, since other non-payment-related breaches of contract could occur by the design-build that we would still need to preserve.” I’m looking back at other contractors’ lien waivers we have received in the past and I’m seeing the same language the designer is worried about, “discharge of all claims.” Thoughts?

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IMPACTS OF LOW-E GLAZING ON CELL PHONE SERVICE

Has anyone ever heard of low-e glazing having a great impact on cell service? A colleague in my office has a client asking if low-e coatings or treatment on building windows blocks signals, and claiming to have issues. According to them, they’ve had to install signal repeaters in their building. I’ve seen a few articles on the topic, but nothing from a source I’ve heard of or necessarily trust. Any thoughts?

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