McKim & Creed, Inc.’s Post

I've done some surface-level research and this project is much more fascinating than a mere paint company's new global headquarters may lead you to believe. Firstly, the project has already been underway for a number of years and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. So whatever "damage," or more likely inefficiency, has already been done.  There seems to be concerns about what is essentially gentrification, despite this particular project contracting a majority of workers from "minority or marginalized groups." However, Cleveland is a city that has a higher percentage of African Americans than the rest of the U.S. (47.4% according to the 2022 census). And so it could be the case that we should have higher standards in terms of racial equity, especially when dealing with a company as large as Sherwin Williams. Having 13.6% African American contractors (which is the percent of African Americans in the U.S. 2022 census) might look okay for other cities but in Cleveland, that would be a very questionable ratio and rife for suspicion. Especially so considering Cleveland has some of the largest racial wealth gaps. It's not just about the number of people you employ/contract of a certain race but about how you pay them and the opportunities they are provided, especially early on in life. I'm not 100% for affirmative action, although it may seem like it in this post. I believe region-based and socioeconomic factors are better tools for leveling the playing field (e.g. giving a scholarship specifically to kids from East Cleveland rather than anyone of a certain skin color or other programs like that). Anyway, this is a bit off topic from Sherwin Williams. I'm intrigued by what the outcome will be of this major new project on racial equality of opportunity as well as whether the city of Cleveland will see a positive net return on the considerable tax incentives they're giving to Sherwin Williams. https://lnkd.in/d6-dcBc4 https://lnkd.in/dygJPF76 It seems I have hit the word count ;-; In my next post, I'll be discussing a few of the things I'm really excited about relating to this project. I'll link it in the comments if you'd like to continue reading.

I do like that this project will increase density and add more value relative to the used-up land. In the long-run it'll be better than the parking lot that was there before. I think all too many American cities look akin to smiles missing upwards of half their teeth, with all the parking and car-centric design. I don't think Cleveland or northeast Ohio are the worst in this respect but they certainly aren't the best. Another thing I like about the project is the design of the building. I just think it looks cool, ya know? They've got a strip of lights down the middle which seems to tie in the fact that Sherwin Williams is a paint company (lots of colors to choose from). It also incorporates the slightly lesser known fact that Cleveland is home to NELA Park (university of light, "first" industrial park) and Cleveland is known as the city of light. Unfortunately, it seems more people know it as "the mistake on the lake" but I'm hopeful that we'll see a continued reversal of that trend. I must admit that at this point in writing, I seem to be changing my mind from my original skepticism on the new headquarters decision. Cleveland, like many cities in the rust belt, have suffered great losses from their historic peaks. The reasons for that I'll get into on another day but for now, I'd like to point out just how mind-blowing this decline has been (at least to me). Cleveland was once home to some of the biggest businesses and richest people including Rockefeller, Edison, etc. Heck at one point, East Cleveland (now one of the poorest cities in the U.S.) was not just "one of" but arguably THE richest city in the world, "with more wealth concentrated on Euclid Avenue than the most exclusive neighborhoods in Paris or St. Petersburg." https://lnkd.in/dJpmCWjh. GE and so many other historically "great" businesses have since left Cleveland and have taken the jobs and investors along with them. I believe Cleveland has the most potential out of any other city in the world. And I can empathize with the argument that if Sherwin Williams were to leave Cleveland too, that would simply be too great a loss and symbolize Cleveland's eternal descent from its former economic greatness. I still, however, maintain that this project is probably not the most ideal way for Sherwin Williams to make an investment into Cleveland. We've got so many run down and underutilized buildings, both commercial and residential. Going forward, I strongly believe that we need to have our focus on the redevelopment of these historic landmarks and the people who inhabit them. This time, I'll concede and make an exception for the long-time Cleveland-business, Sherwin Williams, but we should be careful not to be blind to the possibilities that this represents. The last thing I want is for Cleveland to turn into another San Francisco.

Balfour Beatty US broke ground on Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. It’s the company’s first theme park dedicated to young children. Universal executives wouldn’t confirm the project’s cost, but Frisco expects the company to invest at least $550 million to build it. Architecture firm Gensler, which has extensive experience with theme parks, has been tapped to help design the project. Read the full article on Construction Dive at https://lnkd.in/edzBH_zi. Structural design is the core of our business. Our experienced structural engineers are ready to give your vision life with ingenuity and know-how. No project is too complex for us, and we have experience in a wide range of structures, including bridges, bulkheads, pump stations, tunnels, and other projects above ground and below. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ga3MwmHQ. #stivereng #structuralengineers #structuralengineering

smart work better than hard work

Check out Kane Phillips insightful video about the many steps to set up a Ground Floor screed! Thankfully engineers like Kane and his colleagues take the time to be this precise so that we have nice level floors in our homes and offices! #BuildingHeroes #BuildingHeroesIRL #BuildSustainableCareers #NextGenCareers #ConstructionHeroes #buildingthefuture #BuildSustainableCareers #EngineerANewCareer

At Gateman Milloy, it’s all about vision. We see more because we can do more than anyone else can — from start to finish. Consider our comprehensive internal capabilities: land development, design build, construction, landscape design and construction, grounds maintenance, property management. It’s not simply about offering a full range of services. It’s about consistently demonstrating a higher level of expertise and ethical acumen when deciding how best to use those services to optimize each project.

COMPANY SPOTLIGHT>> Featured in this week's Community Impact, Gauge Engineering was mentioned in "See how plans for Montrose Boulevard improvements have changed with public feedback". The article outlines the overview, timeline, and what's next for the Remaking of Montrose project. See how plans for Montrose Boulevard improvements have changed with public feedback | Community Impact https://lnkd.in/ggC6vpfX #houston #montrose #gaugeengineering #engineering #engineer #drainage #roadway #civilengineering

Big things are built one brick at a time and this applies to our team, too. Each member of the Baker Team plays a critical role in the blocks of our blueprint for success in all that we do. Meet the challenge-seekers who make up Team Baker, kicking it off with Kevin!    🟦 Kevin Loftus, AIA, Senior Vice President ☑️ Expertise: Architecture, development, and construction management  ☑️ Other Skills: Evaluations of development opportunities, invaluable expertise in achieving high-quality designs and cost-effective construction solutions   ☑️ Career Highlights: Oklahoma City Federal Building; former DuPont Chemical brownfield redevelopment in Chicago; award-winning commercial/industrial projects in Chicago and Phoenix metro areas   ☑️ Baker Project Mention: 72-acre redevelopment of the 52nd & McDowell former Motorola superfund site (https://lnkd.in/gz_Ht4zr) ☑️ Giving Back: University of Illinois at Chicago College of Architecture; Merit School of Music in Chicago; Member of American Institute of Architects; Docomomo US     Q: How did you first get involved in this profession and CRE development?   A: Architects normally see a project brought to them by clients after several stages of the process are already underway. After gaining tremendous experience in architectural firms, I became more interested in the development process as a whole from conception to completion. I was fortunate to land at Baker, where that was realized since day one. I am proud to help build and maintain strong relationships with high-quality design and construction teams for our projects.  Q: What is one piece of advice you’d offer someone looking to get into development and construction management today?   A: Development is very dynamic and there are a lot of different roles that rely on each other. I found the best way to contribute is to commit to a role that interests you most and be patient. This helps build your skills and reputation as someone others can rely on.    Q: What is the best part of what you do?   A: Being part of a team that approaches complex projects #meettheteam #meetteambaker #team #expert

Here or there we can help almost anywhere! Did you know that Harris Architects has the ability to provide services in over 30 US States and 2 Canadian Provinces? Just to name a few... Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennesse, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Alberta and Ontario. #architecture #construction #contractor #team #industrialdevelopment #USA #Canada #commercialrealestate #architect

Here or there we can help almost anywhere! Did you know that Harris Architects has the ability to provide services in over 30 US States and 2 Canadian Provinces? Just to name a few... Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennesse, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Alberta and Ontario. #architecture #construction #contractor #team #industrialdevelopment #USA #Canada #commercialrealestate #architect