Industry News

HelioSphera US is planning to construct a $500 million solar panel manufacturing plant in Philadelphia. Sited on 40 acres at the Philadelphia Navy Yard, the 500,000-sf facility will feature a 60,000-sf cleanroom. HelioSphera US is a subsidiary of HelioSphera, a maker of thin-film photovoltaic modules based in Athens, Greece.

Western Maryland Regional Medical Center opened its $268 million facility in Cumberland, Md., in November of 2009. Designed by Hord Coplan Macht of Baltimore, the seven-story, 585,000-sf hospital houses 275 beds, 18 surgical suites, an emergency department, intensive care unit, cardiovascular and pediatric units, and laboratories. Construction began on the facility in 2006.

Queensland University of Technology has awarded Leighton Contractors a $205 million contract to manage the design and construction of the Science and Technology Precinct and Community Hub project. Located on the Gardens Point campus in Brisbane, the precinct will support research and teaching in science, technology, engineering, architecture, and mathematics. Comprised of two multi-story towers, the project will feature innovative teaching and research facilities. Construction will begin in 2010 with completion expected in 2012.

Lone Star College-Montgomery broke ground on November of 2009 on three facilities in The Woodlands, Texas. Designed by PBK Architects, the 75,000-sf General Academic Center, the Health Science Center, and the Music Hall are being built by Satterfield and Pontikes Construction.

Highland Hospital is planning a $431 million project to replace facilities in Oakland, Calif. The design-build project will be completed in three phases over seven years. The first phase is comprised of a three-story, 78,000-sf medical office building. The second phase includes construction of a nine-story, 169-bed acute care tower. Phase three will involve demolition of Highland’s existing tower and creation of a courtyard and connecting structures.