21-story modular hotel raised the roof for Texas World Fair in 1968 Members of the Modular Building Institute (MBI) recently attended The American Institute of Architects (AIA) show in San Antonio. Representing the modular building industry to architects that traveled from all over the United States to that locale presented a particularly interesting opportunity to champion the merits of the accelerated building process. Just one short block from the convention center stands a 21-story example of modular construction that has become a part of the historical landscape of San Antonio, as well as an early and ever-present example of the engineering feats modular construction can undertake. Modular sales centers move new construction in a volatile market There is a stunning real estate sales center that appeared practically overnight in Chicago's exclusive Gold Coast area, and just one block from Chicago's famed "Magnificent Mile." It is an Enterprise Companies sales center being used to market a 450-unit, double-tower, up-scale community named Walton on the Park. Enterprise Companies, a 35-year-old Chicago-based residential and commercial development company, is just one of many development firms like Centex Homes, Garrison Partners, and Toll Brothers fueling a trend for selling new construction in a volatile real estate market. Architect and developer turn unusable lot into upscale condominium Each year the Modular Building Institute invites its members to provide entries for consideration to its Awards of Distinction contest. In 2007 Gate 48 in Oakland, CA won first place for a Permanent: Institutional building under 5000 sq ft. The modular building is a modern multi-story, multi-unit housing complex that points to a new and evolving market for commercial modular construction, via savvy developers. Skyscraper design gets a new spin You've likely heard of skyscrapers topped with rotating rooftop restaurants. But what about a whole rotating skyscraper? Navajo architect collaborates on modular school honoring Native American culture Situated in remote, northern Arizona is the Shonto Preparatory School, a 32,000 sq.-ft. high school. Built in eight months, this modular school serves Navajo students in the north central part of the state. The design process included guidance from a Navajo Architect practicing Neo-traditional Native American Architecture. MBI/Baird joint survey forecasts ongoing growth for industry The Modular Building Institute (MBI) has partnered with Robert W. Baird & Co. (Baird) for the purpose of preparing joint industry surveys on the commercial modular construction market. The first quarter 2007 survey results have been released and confirm that companies engaged in the commercial modular construction industry, both dealers and manufacturers, expect strong results for all of 2007. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant opens modular libraries Something exciting is happening in the Gulf Coast, and it involves the public library system. In June of last year the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a grant in excess of $12 million dollars to give libraries the ability to set up all aspects of library services, including facilities, books, computers and furnishing.
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