Industry News

The University of Alabama at Birmingham has selected architectural firm Designform Inc. of Birmingham as lead designer for a 40,000-sf office facility and a 1,200-car parking structure to be built at the western campus entrance. The office facility, housing labs, classrooms, administrative offices, and the visitor's center, will feature a concave glass wall.

The U.S. Department of State's Overseas Buildings Operations Bureau awarded San Antonio-based The H.B. Zachry Co. the $50.6-million contract to design and build the new United States Embassy in Cambodia. Sited in Phnom Penh, the 128,000-sf compound is expected to begin construction in June 2003 and reach completion in January 2006. The H.B. Zachary Co., which participated in the design and construction of the U.S.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will award the Atlanta CDC $250-million in federal funds to perform needed facility renovations. The CDC branch at Colorado's Ft. Collins will receive $18-million for improvements. The CDC's ten year master building plan includes facility and equipment improvements totalling approximately $1.5-billion.

Landini USA, a division of The ARGO Industrial Group in Fabbrico, Italy, has leased 18,280 sf in the 104,180-sf Newpoint Commons in Lawrenceville, Ga. Landini, a seller and distributor of Italian agricultural tractors, is the fifth-largest tractor manufacturer in the world.

Pixar Animation Studios has selected DPR Construction to implement Pixar's Emeryville expansion. The Pleasanton office of DPR is initiating site work for the second facility on the 14-acre campus; Pixar's first studio on the site was also constructed by DPR. The 125,000-sf building is slated to break ground next spring. Pixar is seeking approval for further expansions that could bring its Emeryville facilities up to 800,000 sf.