Dive Rewind: Looking back at the top construction headlines of 2019

Aside from a number of catastrophes, it was a banner year for U.S. construction firms, with many executives reporting that business has never been better.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 6, 2020

CBRE ranks the hottest multifamily markets for 2020

Much of this year's multifamily construction, according to the research group, will focus on smaller markets and suburban locales. 

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 6, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Construction Dive

Construction Dive editors curate some of the industry’s top stories from this year.

By Construction Dive staff

Chinese developer completes $1B Metropolis, thanks to Los Angeles' design-permitting process

Greenland USA credited the city's Parallel Design-Permitting Process as helping speed up construction of the four-building project, which hasn't been as easy for other Chinese mega-project developers in California.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 6, 2020

Construction worker killed in struck-by accident on Virginia jobsite

The worker died at a nearby hospital after rebar being lifted by a crane fell and struck him. Fairfax County police are investigating the incident.

By Kim Slowey • Jan. 2, 2020

Presidential election, mixed economic outlook to affect builders in 2020

Economists see many positive signs for construction this year, but warn that a contentious presidential race could cause potential clients to adopt a wait-and-see attitude.

By Jennifer Goodman • Jan. 2, 2020

Union accuses Amazon contractors of wage-related violations in Virginia

An Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters' report focuses on drywall subcontractors and the lower-tier subcontractors they reportedly hired to perform work on six projects involving four owners at sites near HQ2.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 20, 2019

P3 construction offered US contractors rewards amid risk

The controversial delivery method generated both detractors and fans throughout the year. Here's why.

Dec. 20, 2019

A timeline of destruction: How the October 2019 Hard Rock Hotel Collapse in New Orleans unfolded

Investigators still have not determined what caused the accident that killed three workers, but Construction Dive's coverage includes a timeline of the news and observers' analysis to shed insight into the incident.

Dec. 20, 2019

The fallout of the FIU bridge collapse, almost 2 years later

Although the pedestrian bridge collapse at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami occurred in March 2018, the investigation into the cause made major strides all the way through 2019. 

Dec. 20, 2019

Takeaways from the year's construction calamities

This year, and this fall in particular, saw a number of high-profile accidents on U.S. jobsites. Here is a look back at some of the construction calamities from 2091 and the fallout that followed. 

Dec. 20, 2019

Hyperloop, high-speed rail projects hurtle forward despite obstacles on the track

Hyperloops connecting major cities, traversing coasts or bisecting large states were promised, hinted and proposed throughout 2019, but the technology has yet to leave the station. 

Dec. 20, 2019

Are after-hours construction permits worth the challenges?

A lot of projects require or could benefit from work at night, but contractors need to weight permit costs, higher subcontractor fees and noise restrictions.

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 20, 2019

Construction leaders increasingly vigilant as economy hints at downturn

Construction's 2019 economic outlook saw some ups and downs and Construction Dive reporters covered the ins and outs all year long.

Dec. 20, 2019

Levelset draws $30M of investment, including funds from Darren Bechtel of Brick & Mortar

The New Orleans-based tech firm that helps smooth out the contractor payment process has now collected $47 million of outside funding.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 20, 2019

On site: How the $6B American Dream was built

After multiple designs and many stops and starts, PCL Construction is completing the giant shopping and entertainment mecca outside of New York City. Construction Dive has an exclusive look at what went into its construction.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 19, 2019

$810M phase of Texas Rangers sports, entertainment district construction approved by Arlington council

Total investment in the district, which includes the $1.1 billion Globe Life Field, convention center and hotel, could reach $4 billion.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 19, 2019

DOD will start requiring contractors to meet cybersecurity standards next month

Contractors will start seeing references to the new certification system starting with June Requests for Proposals.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 19, 2019

Skanska's Empire State renovation takes construction to another level

A 30-ton cocoon structure 102 stories up shielded the public from construction while protecting workers and materials from the elements.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 18, 2019

AI-based constructability review firm joins accelerator program known for boosting contech startups

Tel Aviv-based Firmus is coming to the U.S. next year with a platform that leverages artificial intelligence and historical data to help construction companies learn from previous mistakes.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 18, 2019

Newly patented 3D construction printer can reportedly create 60-foot-long concrete slabs in less than 1 minute

Armatron Systems plans to license the technology, which allows builders to make cement slabs from one-quarter inch to 30 inches thick, it says.

By Zachary Phillips • Dec. 18, 2019

Fire at $1B Globe Life Field stadium in Texas won't delay March opening

The Arlington Fire Department said it responded to a two-alarm fire at the Manhattan Construction Co.-led project and found "significant smoke and flames" emanating from a subfloor near the fifth floor of the ballpark. 

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 18, 2019

Report: 2019 record year for supertall construction

At 1,739 feet, the Tianjin CTF Finance Centre in China was the tallest building completed in 2019.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 13, 2019

NYC's transit agency transfers 430 workers to construction division

The move, which will help the MTA pursue alternative project delivery methods as part of a plan to streamline operations and reduce costs.

By Kim Slowey • Dec. 13, 2019

Contech leaders meet with Trump to talk tariffs, labor and mandatory tech

Industry representatives had their say in Washington in recent weeks on topics ranging from apprenticeships and deregulation to material costs and mandating management software on public projects.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 11, 2019

Deere says new layoffs due to projected dips in construction

The John Deere manufacturer is laying off 57 workers in Iowa, following Q4 news that it expects sales of its construction equipment to fall as much as 15% next fiscal year.

By Jennifer Goodman • Dec. 10, 2019