N.C. Activity Down 1 Percent While S.C.'s Up 5 Percent

McGraw-Hill Construction reported that the value of November contracts for future construction activity decreased by 1 percent in North Carolina, while improving by 5 percent in South Carolina, compared to the same period a year ago.

In North Carolina, the most recent month's 1-percent decrease resulted in a nearly $1.6 billion contract total for the month. The residential sector increased again, by 17 percent, to end at approximately $995.3 million, while nonbuilding contracts improved by 41 percent to total roughly $233.4 million. The value of nonresidential contracts declined by 37 percent, however, to a total estimate of approximately $376.8 million.

Year-to-date, 2004 North Carolina contract activity has increased by 12 percent over 2003 to total approximately $19.4 billion. Nonresidential is 8 percent behind 2003's pace, with nearly $4.3 billion in contracts reported to date. Residential construction has increased by 20 percent to total roughly $12.8 billion, and the nonbuilding sector is estimated to be 19 percent ahead for the year, with approximately $2.3 billion in contracts reported.

The value of South Carolina activity increased by 5 percent in November, with the nonbuilding category providing all of the improvement. The nonbuilding category improved by 79 percent for a monthly total of roughly $178.2 million, compared to last November's $99.5 million. The nonresidential category declined by 17 percent from last November's $186.8 million figure, and totaled approximately $154.8 million. Residential also declined, by 3 percent, to total roughly $434.6 million. The total value of November contracts was roughly $767.6 million.

Year-to-date, the value of new contracts in South Carolina is estimated at roughly $10.9 billion, or 23 percent ahead of 2003's pace. Nonbuilding construction is an estimated 51 percent ahead, with roughly $2.3 billion in contracts reported so far. Nonresidential, with an estimated value of approximately $2.7 billion, has improved by 22 percent for the year, while the value of residential contracts, estimated at nearly $6 billion, has improved by 15 percent.

ABC of the Carolinas Presents Annual Awards

The Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas, Charlotte, recently recognized eight contractors at its Third Annual Evening of Excellence awards banquet, held at The Speedway Club at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Firms receiving Awards of Excellence, ABC's highest honor of distinction, included:

• Port City Electric of Mooresville, N.C., for its West Expansion at Gaston Memorial Hospital project.
  
• Joint venture partners F.N. Thompson Co. and Tyler 2 Construction, both of Charlotte, for their joint construction of the Residence Halls at Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte.
  
• Rodgers Builders of Charlotte for its Presbyterian Hospital Women's Center's Expansion and Renovation project in Charlotte.

Firms and projects recognized with an "Award of Merit" included:

• TST Construction Group of Huntersville, N.C., for its Oneo Bistro and Wine Bar project.
  
• Centex Construction Co. of Charlotte for its Bank of America Center City Charlotte Branch project.
• Skanska USA Building of Charlotte for its Center for Interdisciplinary Engineering, Medicine & Applied Sciences project at Duke University.
  
• Bovis Lend Lease of Charlotte for its Outpatient Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
• Brasfield & Gorrie of Raleigh, N.C., for Presbyterian Hospital in Huntersville, N.C.

The association also recognized Brad Thorne of Watson Electrical Construction Co., Wilson, N.C., as the "2004 Carolinas Craft Professional of the Year."

Batson-Cook to Renovate Wachovia Main Building in Charlotte

Batson-Cook recently began construction on the renovation of the Wachovia Main building in downtown Charlotte. This $26.7 million project includes an overhaul of both the interior as well as the exterior of the 12-story, 300,000-sq.-ft. office building.

The building shell renovation will also include the construction of a new skin, new roof, new core and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protections systems. The contractor will finish out floors two through 12 for use as Wachovia office space. The first floor will be used as retail space.

Summit Contractors Building Puller Place Apartments

McClain Barr & Associates of Summerfield, N.C., has chosen Summit Contractors of Jacksonville, Fla., to build its newest multifamily development in Jacksonville, N.C. Puller Place Apartments is under construction and when complete will house 240 units in 10 buildings.

The completion date is December. Miller/Player & Associates Architects and Planners Ltd. of Greenville, S.C., is the project architect.