Industry News

URS Corporation and Washington Group International have signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Washington Group by URS in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $2.6 billion. The transaction will combine two world-class engineering and construction companies, expand the capabilities of both firms and capitalize on their positions in important high growth sectors, including power, infrastructure and environmental management. The combined company would have projects in over 50 countries and more than 54,000 employees.

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School opened its Patient Simulation Learning Center in May of 2007. Comprised of two mock hospital rooms and a control room, the facility features simulator mannequins with computerized controls attached to monitors for training in nursing. Construction of the center was completed by the 19 school shops including digital media, carpentry, electrical, and design.

Brookhaven National Laboratory dedicated the Center for Functional Nanomaterials (CFN) in Upton, N.Y., on May 21, 2007. HDR Architecture  provided full A/E services for this new facility that will provide researchers state-of-the-art capabilities to explore and develop nanoscale materials aimed at helping the U.S. achieve energy independence. The 94,500-sf facility is the last of five Nanoscale Science Research Centers built by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) at its national laboratories.

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) has selected Skanska USA Building in partnership with JCB Construction as construction managers of the new 127,000 OUC Headquarters Building. The $40 million project is scheduled to reach completion in September 2008. Hunton Brady and Baker Barrios are the project architects. The new facility is being developed as an energy-conscious, LEED-accredited facility that will replace the existing 40-year-old facility.

Grand Valley State University is engaged in seven construction projects totaling approximately $100 million. On its Grand Rapids, Mich., campus, the $16 million John C. Kennedy Hall of Engineering is nearing completion with classes already under way. The facility houses 21 lab and support spaces, a 70-seat lecture hall, three computer-aided technology studios, and a green roof. Occupancy of the new engineering building will allow renovations to Eberhard Center, which will reopen in fall of 2007.