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Issue of April 28, 2008 |     |
Urban RenewalBy Katie Curnutte A project that intends to revitalize Worcester’s flagging downtown area is closer than ever to a final agreement, but obstacles to projects with public funding continue to plague other development in the city. Adopting Innovative Technique Can Help Streamline Construction By Ernest Agresti Time and money are critical elements of any building project. The necessary significant investment in both continues to increase dramatically in order to acquire permits and approvals and then develop and build quality real estate. Our local, state and federal governments are not immune from this challenge. By implementing a design/build method of building delivery, however, government agencies can save their valuable resources and accelerate many building projects. Government Facilities Affected By Unusual ADA Requirements By Katherine McGuinness The Americans with Disabilities Act has different requirements for government facilities and buildings owned by private entities. Most architects know the accessible design standards for privately-owned buildings, but are not aware that there are different standards for government facilities. Village-Like Residential Campuses Attract Those Seeking Communities By Lynne Deninger and Bob Peterson College dormitories are no longer just places to sleep. In fact, they’re not even dormitories anymore. Today’s students and parents demand more for their money, and universities, competing desperately for top students, are giving it to them. Today’s student residence halls feature single bedrooms, technology suites, classrooms, team rooms, video lounges, and laundry and fitness rooms. Harnessing Wind-Energy Potential Can Benefit Community Projects By David Sterrett With energy prices taking an increasing share of municipal and personal budgets, local governments and individuals are exploring the possibility of getting their power from alternative energy sources. One resource with significant potential for Massachusetts is wind power. Cambridge Market Reaches Peak; Tide Is Turning in Favor of Tenants By Dan Sullivan & Adam Subber Just half a year ago, average asking rents for Class A office space in Cambridge were rising to near record levels. In the last quarter of 2007, average Class A rates across the city were up to $47 per square foot, vacancy was under 10 percent and landlords were predicting that the tide would continue to roll in the same direction. Today, as we review Cambridge office and lab statistics in the first quarter of 2008, it looks on paper that the market continues to be very strong. Towns, Schools Can Save Big With Modern Modular Units By Cliff Cort Given declining real estate tax revenues, many towns and schools are struggling with their public projects, especially with the expansion and upgrade of school buildings. Today’s high quality modular buildings can offer cost-effective, timely and environmentally friendly solutions for their aging facilities. When Reusing Designs, Risk of Copyright Infringement Exists By Rory J. Radding In a time of high costs, credit uncertainty and a desire by some developers to either reuse past architectural plans or use other developers’ designs to save money, a question arises about whether builders can utilize plans created by architects who are no longer engaged in a project. This also leads to the question of how developers or architects can protect themselves from theft of their designs. Copyright law suggests that the answers to these questions may depend on how detailed the plans are. |
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