'Major downturn' for construction

March 19, 2008
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HardhatWondering why development news seems to have ground to a halt? The nation's housing and economic woes are hitting development firms and slowing the demand for construction. The American Institute of Architects said in a study released today that "commercial construction across the country is experiencing a major downturn." A leading indicator of the demand for construction work fell to its lowest level since October 2001, leaving an average lag time of almost a year between architectural billings and construction spending. Some firms are paring their workforce; others are bidding on more stable projects such as schools, hospitals and government buildings. Construction costs are falling. What's next?
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  • Common SenseMarch 19, 2008 5:15 PM
    Cory, may you please try to update us on those two infill buildings on south Meridian Street? Thank you!
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  • DJMarch 20, 2008 12:56 PM
    Now that the legislative session is over, seems like the new mayor might finally get around to deciding on tax abatements/public monies for some of the proposed major projects. Any thoughts on what will become of these: JW, MSA, PennCentre?
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  • CorrNDMarch 20, 2008 1:48 PM
    Unless I'm mistaken, the JW deal has already been inked. It was one of the last things the Peterson administration did and they consulted with Ballard to make sure he was onboard.
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  • Bob Evan's SausageMarch 20, 2008 1:54 PM
    Another ray of sunshine from our beloved Cory.

    I'm actually surprised he didn't blame this downturn on Premier Properties!
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  • indyfanMarch 24, 2008 2:50 PM
    Yes, the JW deal was set with Peterson. It will soon move to construction phase, I believe, but I know all the details have been signed off on (as of Dec 07)
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  • crownhilldiggerMarch 25, 2008 5:22 AM
    So who is slow?
    Have you spoken with the local architectural/engineering firms? Local G.C.'s??
    Does Cory have information that is not being shared? There seem to be many jobs out for bid at this time and the dodge is full of things that are coming...so what was this based upon?
    Ahh...I re-read the article..AIA says we are down.

    Local news..it would be great.
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  • GbowMarch 25, 2008 7:28 AM
    The Wall street Journal article that I read was exactly opposite of this reports..showing commerical consttirction as being fairly strong in most cities.
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  • CoryMarch 25, 2008 8:06 AM
    Anyone else hearing what crownhilldigger is hearing? Are there still lots of jobs out for bid in Indianapolis?

    Many of the people I'm talking to are getting nervous about a low level of work available.
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  • crownhilldiggerMarch 27, 2008 11:26 AM
    Well Cory I guess its you and me. Agreeably I disagree that there is a slow down locally and I base my input from direct solicitations that I made to principals within a couple of our top union and non-union GC's as well as w/their peers within 2 local AE firms.
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