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Taking green building to a whole new level

Researchers in Australia have discovered a way to take green building to a whole new level. They’ve found a new kind of rubber polymer made from sulfur and canola oil that can be compressed and heated with fillers to create construction materials. The fillers could be recycled PVC, organic waste, even sand to create bricks…

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5 reasons senior housing is (still) a good investment

Senior housing remains an attractive option in 2020 and beyond For investors in our region and beyond, senior housing remains an attractive investment option. And while many things may feel up in the air these days, there’s one thing that’s for sure: there will be a continued need for senior housing in the Upper Midwest,…

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Construction materials shortage amid COVID-19 pandemic

Builders are reporting shortages: here’s how to cope The pandemic has impacted the construction industry in a number of ways in 2020. Among them: a construction materials shortage. We’ve written in the past about glass shortages and the fallout for the industry. For some, that meant delaying commercial and residential construction projects because of material…

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What COVID means for the future of office space

Understanding shifts in the office may bolster success post-pandemic When COVID-19 cases took hold around the world, the pandemic catalyzed seismic shifts in the office environment. And it turns out some of those changes will impact the future of office space longer-term. A recent study by JLL reveals some intriguing new trends emerging during the…

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This vs. that: Rooftop units vs. furnace/condenser systems

Comparing HVAC options? Here’s what you need to know HVAC systems can account for more than a third of the energy used by commercial buildings, making the selection of your HVAC unit essential to the bottom line for your business. Selecting between two common types of HVAC systems, rooftop units or an internal furnace/condenser system,…

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Lumber Prices are Skyrocketing

Factors converge to drive up the price of wood for construction This summer, we told you about the increased popularity of wood construction, and why it’s more popular than ever. Turns out, wood is once again having a moment, but this time, the news may not be so welcome to those hoping to build with…

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This vs. that: Comparing biofilters, porous pavement and underground retention

With all you have to think about during site evaluation for your commercial construction project, there’s one item that can be overlooked: stormwater management.

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Mixed-use senior housing in a post-COVID-19 world

Market forces pushed mixed-use to the forefront; now it’s different Just six months ago, we saw a continued meteoric rise — going on a decade — in interest in mixed-use development among those in the senior housing development industry. But today, with COVID-19 at the forefront of our minds, that interest has changed dramatically. Mixed-use…

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Construction project financing 101

As a developer, here’s how to get started When it’s time to build or remodel, understanding commercial construction financing is essential to the success of your project. Yes, it can be tedious, and the process can be complex. Of course, you’re not alone: most of us are not savvy to the ways of financing construction…

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