Construction Dive's coronavirus headquarters: In-depth analysis for contractors

A roundup of Construction Dive's top original articles focused on the challenges and solutions of construction during the pandemic.

By Construction Dive Editors • Updated June 30, 2020

NYC zoning loophole challenged in case that would require removing top 20 floors of tower

Though the state supreme court ruled that 200 Amsterdam combined two lots to exceed height limitations, a workaround that has since been invalidated, the partial demolition mandate is now up in the air. For one, the dangers and financial repercussions could be deemed too severe.

By Kim Slowey • March 16, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Preconstruction

Careful collaboration before shovels hit dirt is key to a successful project, experts say.

By Construction Dive staff

COVID-19: Construction Dive's daily news and resource tracker

North Carolina health officials report high rates of COVID-19 among Latino construction workers, Chicago’s Aon Center Observatory project has been delayed and a Santa Barbara, California, contractor is building free "parklets" for local restaurants.

By Nami Sumida • Updated June 30, 2020

6 ways the coronavirus outbreak will affect construction

Contractors are used to risk but are they prepared for everything the pandemic will throw at them? Here are the top consequences builders will face.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 13, 2020

Balfour Beatty profit up 8% amid US civil project delays and coronavirus monitoring

Despite an overall increase in U.S. revenue, CEO Leo Quinn said that around 18 civil projects there have fallen behind schedule, leading to reduced profitability in that sector.

By Kim Slowey • March 13, 2020

Trust translates to better financial, organizational performance for contractors, survey shows

Despite the benefits of high levels of trust in an organization, only 63% of construction companies surveyed said they have "very high" levels. 

By Kim Slowey • March 12, 2020

Labor Department apprenticeship rule exempts construction programs

The rule has raised concern among contractor groups and generated 326,798 public comments, with the majority expressing opposition to Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs for construction.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 11, 2020

Autonomous technologies can help alleviate the labor shortage

From reality capture to fully autonomous bulldozers, automation in construction is reducing some jobsite tasks performed by humans.

By Zachary Phillips • March 11, 2020

Employees on California bullet train project claim they were told to keep quiet about issues

Workers on the costly and delayed bullet train project from Northern to Southern California said sharing bad news was considered not being a "team player," the Los Angeles Times reported.

By Zachary Phillips • March 11, 2020

Judge approves McDermott reorganization, $2.7B sale of Lummus Technology

The confirmation by a U.S. Bankruptcy Court eliminates more than $4.6 billion of debt for the beleaguer​ed energy contractor.

By Jennifer Goodman • Updated March 13, 2020

Founders of modular builder Guerdon buy company assets, form new business

The owners, who bought the Idaho company in a foreclosure sale, say the new firm will capitalize on labor shortages and rising construction costs in West Coast markets.

By Kim Slowey • March 10, 2020

Scrutiny shifts to city of New Orleans in the aftermath of the Hard Rock collapse

Alleged malfeasance in the New Orleans Department of Safety and Permits could leave the city liable, although it would be difficult to prove, a legal expert explains.

By Kim Slowey • March 9, 2020

The pros and cons of design-build

The collaborative design-build delivery method can save time and money, but experts say there are key factors contractors should consider before making the switch. 

By Kim Slowey • March 9, 2020

Clark settles $5M The Wharf DC lawsuit with Perkins Eastman for undisclosed amount

The general contractor for Phase 1 of the $2.5 billion development sued the architecture firm for design flaws in 2018 and the latter retaliated with a claim about not being paid. Clark says the pair are now ready to work together again.

By Kim Slowey • March 6, 2020

Construction industry growth predicted in JLL 2020 report amid cost upticks, coronavirus uncertainty

Contributing to the overall economic environment of the industry are the usual suspects of rising material costs and trade policies as well as a new health crisis that could impact those factors even more.

By Kim Slowey • March 6, 2020

AECOM NYC office nabs MTA, Port Authority veterans

The hiring of former New York MTA CEO Tom Prendergast and former Port Authority COO Denise Berger will no doubt help AECOM tap into large public projects in a time when demand and competition are heating up.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 5, 2020

SEC, some shareholders oppose McDermott Chapter 11 plan

The opposition stems from the plan's overly broad liability releases and the fact that management gets new equity while stockholders are shut out.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 5, 2020

What's it like to kick off construction for Clark at Amazon's HQ2?

Clark Construction Senior Superintendent Monique Holley talks about the importance of collaboration, safety and getting community buy-in for the high-profile project in Arlington, Virginia.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 4, 2020

Contractors in US' coronavirus-affected areas say it's business as usual

Cases of COVID-19 are growing in the U.S. but its effect on American construction companies has been negligible so far, according to industry associations closely monitoring the reaction among their members.

By Jennifer Goodman , Kim Slowey • March 4, 2020

8 expert tips for recruiting, retaining women in construction

Women make up 50% of U.S. labor but less than 10% of the construction workforce, so savvy leaders are using a range of tactics amid a relentless labor shortage.

By Jennifer Goodman • March 3, 2020

Tutor Perini calls off potential acquisition

Citing volatile market conditions, the Los Angeles-based contractor said that acquisition talks have been terminated.

By Jennifer Goodman • Updated May 14, 2020

Witnessing a disaster: What workers need in the aftermath of tragedy

Contractors should have a plan in place to help employees left behind after a jobsite accident, especially as some seek compensation for mental suffering, according to experts.

By Jennifer Goodman • Feb. 28, 2020

WSP CEO talks acquisition strategy in FY earnings call

Alexandre L'Heureux indicated the company is acquisitive but declined to comment on "market speculations," likely referencing the AECOM rumors, and noted that it's "very, very hard to time large-size acquisitions."

By Jennifer Goodman • Feb. 27, 2020

Denver airport chief takes blame for $1.8B Great Hall P3 debacle

Denver International Airport CEO Kim Day allegedly made the admission to city council members in closed-door sessions, but also said Ferrovial-led Great Hall was given "too long a leash."

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 27, 2020

Tutor Perini closes out 2019 with stable revenue, net loss

The company had two major charge-offs in 2019, one related to losing a court case related to the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project in Seattle and the other associated with a decrease in the price of its stock.

By Kim Slowey • Feb. 27, 2020