Industry News

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.

The Austin office of White Construction Co. has been awarded the $20-million contract to build a new detention center in Lea County, New Mexico. Construction of the 432-bed center is expected to begin in June 2003 with completion in June 2004.

Intel Corp. will invest $2 billion to convert its Chandler, Ariz., manufacturing plant to the production of 300-millimeter silicon wafers. The conversion project is slated to begin in 2004 and reach completion in 2005. The plant will be Intel's fifth 300mm plant. Intel, based in Santa Clara, Calif., employs 9,000 workers in Arizona.  

CB Richard Ellis will acquire Insignia Financial Group in a $415-million transaction, creating the largest real estate services company in the world. With $1.8-billion in revenue and over 16,000 employees, the service company will have a broader gauge and provide global service at a more efficient price. CB Richard Ellis is based in Los Angeles.

Children's Medical Center of Dallas has completed a $17.8-million, 2,500-car parking structure adjacent to its Children's Pavilion. Constructed by McCarthy, the 805,000-sf design/build precast concrete parking structure is part of a long-term growth initiative to increase services and capacity at the hospital's main location.