Construction employment increased by 52,000 jobs in January and by 338,000 jobs, or 4.7 percent, over the past year, while the latest reading on construction spending showed moderate increases in all major categories, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. (AGC).
Association officials urged government officials to strengthen career and technical education programs and facilitate immigration for workers with construction skills before a worker shortage stalls completion of needed infrastructure.
“There has been no letup in demand for construction projects—or workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Even though the industry added employees at more than double the pace of the overall economy in the past year, the average workweek in construction reached an all-time high and unemployment in construction hit a series low, indicating that contractors would hire even more workers if they were available.”
Sale Prices Of Homes In Capital Region Rose In 2018, Coming In 6 Percent Above 2017
For the fifth consecutive year home prices appreciated according to the housing market report released today by the New York State Association of Realtors.
Home prices in 2018 rose 6 percent above 2017 figures. The $265,000 median sales price at the end of 2018 topped the 2017 median price of $250,000. In 2014, the median price was $225,000 the association said.
The report said the total sales that were closed in Warren County was 1,016, down 5.6 percent from 2017. Sellers received 96.3 percent of the list price in 2018.
In Washington County, there were 681 closings by Realtors, down 7.1 percent from 2017, the report said. Sellers received 96.6 percent of the list price.
Hilltop Construction Honored For Its Part As Builder Of Luxury Home On Brant Lake
By. R.J. DeLuke
Hilltop Construction Co. of Hudson Falls was bestowed a certificate of merit from AIA Vermont, a chapter of the American Institute of Architects, as the builder of a lake house on Brant Lake, referred to as ADK Camp.
Birdseye Design of Richmond, Vt., was the architect on the project and was also bestowed the honor.
According to Birdseye, the structure is a private residence on Brant Lake, owned by the same family for four generations. The five-acre site is had two existing boathouses, a tree-lined carriage road, and a vintage waterfront cabin.
“This lake house for two families was an early favorite among the jury. It was one of the few projects that thoroughly redefined its site with the introduction of a new building that clearly contrasted in scale and expression with the existing buildings on the site, casting them into entirely new light” said the comments from the jury that reviewed all award submissions and selected the winners.
Law Firm To Renovate Downtown Building For Offices; Other Community Uses Are Eyed
By Rachel Phillips
The Fitzgerald Morris Baker Law Firm is preparing to move their Glens Falls offices.
The firm currently rents space at 16 Pearl St., but is bound for downtown space at 68 Warren St.
Until recently, 68 Warren St. served as the headquarters for Genpak, a food packaging manufacturer. When Genpak announced its decision to move its headquarters to Charlotte, N.C., managing partner of the FitzGerald Morris Baker Law Firm, John Aspland Jr., saw it as an opportunity for his firm. They bought the building.
With a history dating back over 90 years, FitzGerald Morris Baker has been serving the community both in and around Upstate New York, and has seen great growth and success, according to the firm. Aspland said the acquisition of a new office will help facilitate positive growth. They bought the building.
“The idea is, when you make a step in one direction, and you have a plan in mind for five or 10 years down the road, you can see where you’re going. If you can find a space that allows you to develop a floor-space plan for growth, you can take steps to get where you want to be,” said Aspland.
Altek Energy Systems To Construct Building In Queensbury For Its Sprinkler Division
By Jill Nagy
Altek Energy Systems Inc. is seeking bids for construction of an office, warehouse, and manufacturing facility in Queensbury. The new building would accommodate the former Fort Edwards Fire Sprinkler Co. that Altek purchased four years ago.
The sprinkler company was on the verge of going out of business when Altek purchased it, according to company president Mike O’Connor.
Altek has nursed it back to life and expects 2018 sales to be triple those of the year it was acquired. Currently, the sprinkler division accounts for about one-quarter of Altek’s revenues, he said.
The new building will be constructed on a 1.7-acre site in the Carey Industrial Park off Northway Exit 18.
Michaels Group Homes, Operating For Nearly 60 Years, Is In Third Generation Of Ownership
Michaels Group Homes has been building homes for nearly 60 years and is on the third generation of ownership with Luke Michaels at the helm, along with Eric Willson, who is responsible for our daily operations including construction, sales...
Silver Bay YMCA To Build $13M Year-Round Lodging, Dining And Conference Facility
This is a rendering of the two-story, 42,000-square-foot building that will be a new year-round dining, lodging and conference facility at Silver Bay YMCA. Construction will begin this fall. Courtesy Silver Bay YMCA Silver Bay YMCA on the shores...
Builders Say Good Things Are Ahead For Construction Industry In Glens Falls Region
V&H Construction in Fort Edward was involved in the construction of a a 16,000-square-foot building for Fronhofer Tool Co. The structure is 40 feet high and can hold four of Fronhofer's cranes. By R.J. DeLuke Local construction contractors are...
Open Door Mission Plans More Services For Those In Need At New Warren Street Space
This is a rendering of what the new home of the Open Door Mission will look like when renovation of the former Warren Furniture building, 226 Warren St., Glens Falls, is done. Courtesy Open Door Mission For 25 years,...
Construction Projects Abound In Region As Contractors Are Hopeful For A Busy 2016
Peter Hoffman of Glen Street Associates says one of his main projects is the renovation of a this building called Smith Flats at 55 Bay St. into 10 apartments and some commercial space. BY R.J. DELUKE Construction season in...