Industry News

Children's Medical Center of Dallas is working with EDI Ltd., an Atlanta-based technology consulting company, to finalize the design of security and communications systems for the newly renovated Children's Pavilion and East Tower expansion projects. Occupancy of the Pavilion is expected in March 2003, with the East Tower reaching occupancy by the third quarter of the year. Formerly part of Men's Wear Mart, the Children's Pavilion includes a 35,000-sf day surgery center, 55,000-sf of administrative offices and a parking garage.

Saint Louis University will raise $45-million to build a new university arena in Midtown St. Louis. Hosting basketball games, commencement, cultural events, conferences and conventions, the proposed 12,000- to 13,000-seat area will also provide a venue for entertainment, sporting competitions and other events.

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. 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.