mixed-use
10 February 2025
Bisnowmixed-use
Feb 10, 2025Bisnow
NewQuest Properties’ proposed mixed-use development with restaurants, retail, apartments, a hotel, sports and entertainment in Pearland is no longer on the table, the victim of economics the company said no longer work.
NewQuest had been in talks with Pearland officials to put the $350M project on 93 acres at the intersection of State Highway 288 and Beltway 8 in Pearland's Lower Kirby District.
But NewQuest President Austin Alvis said the site, which is owned by asset management company PGIM, is no longer under contract and NewQuest has no plans for its development, according to the Houston Business Journal.
“The cost of public infrastructure and the cost of doing deals became a challenge that the deal couldn't support,” Alvis told the HBJ. “Ultimately, just the economics don't work on it, and so we've decided to focus on projects that have a more imminent timeline.”
The proposed plans were first reported in late 2022, and NewQuest said it had been planning the project since 2019, according to the HBJ. Pearland Economic Development Corp. said that talks about the project ended in summer 2023.
The NewQuest project was slotted to rise next to a $53.7M, 181K SF indoor amateur sports facility proposed by the City of Pearland. The facility, with volleyball courts, basketball courts, a fitness center, multipurpose fields and other activities, was pitched as a way to add to city-sponsored recreation activities while relieving programming space pressure from local school districts, the Houston Chronicle reported.
But the city abandoned the plans for that sports facility a few months before NewQuest’s project was canceled. City officials cited cost as a contributing factor, according to the HBJ.
Pearland EDC still hopes to see something developed on that site that is different from the “typical box development that you see at every corner of the freeway,” President Matt Buchanan told the outlet.
NewQuest abandoning its plans is not the first time a development proposal for the site has been canceled.
Poag & McEwen Lifestyle Centers bought 127 acres there in 2005 and planned to build a $150M outdoor shopping center, the Houston Business Journal reported. Ultimately, only a 150K SF Bass Pro Shops was built before Poag & McEwen gave up on the project around the time of the Global Financial Crisis.
HBJ reported that Alvis did not rule out the possibility of developing the site in the future.
Buchanan noted that the Highway 288 corridor is getting denser, and NewQuest is known to wait close to a decade for the right time to develop a site.
Success! You are subscribed to the Bisnow Houston Newsletter.
or click here to copy link to clipboard
LOGIN TO BISNOW
We're not asking for your money. This is not a step
towards a paywall. Our news is free and we intend to keep it that way.
Enter your email below. We will email you a link to reset your password.
Use the form below to reset your password.
Company Info
Newsletters
Other Stuff
© Copyright 2025 Bisnow. All Rights Reserved
Upcoming regulations in the European Union require us to show this pop-up and ask you to agree to keep using Bisnow.com. We want to take 15 seconds to tell you what's going on:
Sound good? Just hit yes and continue on your way.
0
Recent CommentsMixed-Use Related News You might want to check out
View by
$6 Billion Mixed-Use Miami Worldcenter Set For Official Grand Opening In Downtown Miami Welcoming New Restaurant And Retail ConceptsAfter nearly two decades of planning and development, Miami Worldcenter is set to host its official Grand Opening this week as the $6 billion, 27-acre mega-development continues Downtown Miami’s transformation into a vibrant, walkable destination where Miami lives, shops, dines, and plays. A flurry of new openings – from acclaimed restaurants and stylish cafés to retail and lifestyle staples – is bringing new energy to Downtown Miami’s urban core. Chicago’s famed steakhouse Maple & Ash, Earls Kitchen + Bar, and Sweet Paris Cręperie & Café are now open, joined by new tenants including The Spot Barbershop and Starbucks, adding to the project’s dynamic tenant mix that blends global flavors, lifestyle concepts, and everyday conveniences.
Miami Worldcenter was developed by Miami Worldcenter Associates, led by Managing Partners Art Falcone and Nitin Motwani, in partnership with Los Angeles-based CIM Group. Spanning 10 city blocks, 27 acres, in the heart of Downtown Miami, the $6 billion mixed use development blends residential, retail, hospitality, entertainment, and public spaces at the center of the city’s cultural core.
“As one of the largest and most ambitious urban developments in the U.S., Miami Worldcenter is delivering on its promise of creating a true ‘city within a city,’” said Nitin Motwani, Managing Partner of Miami Worldcenter Associates. “With every new opening – whether it’s a flagship restaurant, boutique shop, or everyday service – we’re bringing our vision of a connected, mixed-use community to life in the heart of Downtown Miami.”
Earls Kitchen & Bar
Recently Opened Tenants:
Maple & Ash: The Chicago-based, award-winning steakhouse has debuted its boldest venture yet – a 22,000-square-foot, two-story flagship that blends culinary mastery with unrestrained luxury. 699 NE 1st Avenue
Sweet Paris Cręperie & Café: Known for its ‘art of eating crępes,’ this elegant café serves up sweet and savory crępes, waffles, paninis, and handcrafted cocktails. 851 NE 1st Avenue, #105
Earls Kitchen + Bar: A chef-driven restaurant offering globally inspired dishes, craft cocktails, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. 150 NE 8th Street, #146
The Spot Barbershop: A South Florida favorite since 2001, The Spot brings its signature industrial design, classic bar, and upscale barbershop experience to Miami Worldcenter. This 1,700-square-foot location marks its third in Downtown Miami. 851 NE 2nd Avenue, #124
Starbucks: Serving its signature coffees, teas, and bites, this new café features original murals by local artists Jhonattan and Samantha Arango (Art of Anón), adding a distinct Miami touch to the beloved global brand. 150 NE 8th Street, #147
“Every opening adds to the diversity of options for visitors to Miami Worldcenter who will find great dining, shopping and entertainment in a lively atmosphere which invites guests to linger and fully experience all aspects of this new destination,” said Shaul Kuba, Co-Founder and Principal, CIM Group.
Apple Store Miami Worldcenter
Miami Worldcenter is home to iconic global brands, world-class dining, public art displays, and entertainment for all ages. This pedestrian-oriented corridor offers nearly 300,000 square feet of street-level retail, dining, and lifestyle experiences designed to energize the heart of Downtown Miami.
Anchored by Downtown Miami’s first Apple store, Miami Worldcenter is home to a curated collection of premier retailers including Sephora, Lululemon, Ray-Ban, Lucid Motors, Free People, Savage X Fenty, The Container Store, Posman Books, HźP Sneakers & Streetwear, and The Spot Barbershop. Tenants opening soon include Openbank by Santander, SkinSpirit, Blo Blow Dry Bar, Bijoux et Montres, and Club Studio.
The culinary lineup showcases a diverse mix of global flavors and formats – from signature destinations like Maple & Ash, Sixty Vines, Earls Kitchen + Bar, Sweet Paris Cręperie & Café, and Starbucks, to local favorites including Brasserie Laurel, Chug’s Express, and El Vecino Cigar & Cocktail Bar. Eateries coming soon include the New York-famous Italian staple Serafina, Go Greek Yogurt, and the highly anticipated JUVIA, a beloved Miami favorite known for its rooftop views, striking design, and a fusion of French, Japanese, and Peruvian flavors.
Maple & Ash Miami
For entertainment, families and visitors alike can enjoy Lucky Strike Bowling and the immersive, multi-sensory Museum of Ice Cream – making Miami Worldcenter a destination for shopping, dining, and play that reflects Miami’s vibrant energy and global appeal.
Miami Worldcenter is planned to bring more than 11,000 residential units to market over the course of the multi-phase development. Several luxury apartment and condominium towers are already completed, with thousands of additional units actively under construction or in planning. On the hospitality front, more than 1,100 hotel rooms are expected across the site, with the citizenM Miami Worldcenter hotel now open and additional hospitality destinations slated to debut in future phases.
As South Florida’s largest transit-oriented development, Miami Worldcenter offers unmatched connectivity with direct access to major expressways, MiamiCentral Station, and Brightline’s high-speed rail linking Downtown Miami to cities across Florida. Integrated with Metrorail, Metromover, Tri-Rail, and the Brickell/Biscayne trolley systems, it provides effortless regional access. Miami Worldcenter’s prime location puts it within walking distance of Museum Park, the Kaseya Center, the Adrienne Arsht Center, and Miami Dade College’s Wolfson Campus, placing it at the heart of Miami’s cultural and entertainment district.
Before & After:
Images via Miami Worldcenter | Before & After via PROFILEmiami
Profile Miami
mixed-use
20 May 20255 min read$6 Billion Mixed-Use Miami Worldcenter Set For Official Grand Opening In Downtown Miami Welcoming New Restaurant And Retail Concepts
Profile Miami
20 May 2025
mixed-use
$331 Million Loan Secured For 40-Story Residential On Jersey City’S Gold CoastTishman Speyer has closed a US$331 million construction loan from Canadian investor CPDQ to build 50 Hudson, a 40-story tower in Jersey City. The project is the second phase of a two-building development totaling 1,941 apartments and 70,000 square feet (6,503 square meters) of retail space along New Jersey’s Gold Coast.
The building at 50 Hudson will feature 924 apartments—ranging from studios to two-bedrooms—with Energy Star appliances and select units offering views of New York Harbor and the Lower Manhattan skyline. It will also include 10,000 square feet (929 square meters) of retail space.
Amenities at 50 Hudson will include a swimming pool, fitness center, and courts for tennis and pickleball. Residents will also benefit from nearby dining and transit options, as well as proximity to Liberty State Park and Jersey City’s waterfront promenade, which will be expanded with a new public plaza as part of the development.
Designed by Handel Architects and Marchetto Higgins Stieve Architects, with interiors by Michaelis Boyd and landscaping by Hollander Design and Melillo Bauer Carman, 50 Hudson will share a cohesive design vision with its neighboring high-rise development, the 58-story 55 Hudson, bringing 1,017 units and is already under construction, set to open in 2027.
Construction on 50 Hudson is set to begin this spring, with completion expected in 2028.
Learn more at Multi-Housing News.com
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
mixed-use
18 April 20255 min read$331 Million Loan Secured For 40-Story Residential On Jersey City’S Gold Coast
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
18 April 2025
mixed-use
Green Light For £200M Gresham Revival: Middlesbrough’S Biggest Urban Regeneration In A GenerationMiddlesbrough is set to undergo a major transformation as planning approval is granted for a £200 million mixed-use regeneration scheme in the heart of the town centre.
Led by developers iMpeC and Buccleuch Property, in partnership with the Middlesbrough Development Corporation, the ambitious Gresham Street project will be delivered by Wates Group—appointed as lead contractor for what is being hailed as the most significant investment in the town for a generation.
The first phase of the masterplan includes more than 240 build-to-rent (BTR) homes and accommodation for over 450 students. Talks are also progressing with global hotel brand Fairfield by Marriott to open a 200-bed hotel as part of the development.
Set on a long-derelict brownfield site, the regeneration forms a key part of the wider Middlesbrough masterplan. A new pedestrian route is also being planned to link Diamond Road with Linthorpe Road and King Edward’s Square, reconnecting key parts of the town.
Wates’ Managing Director for Construction East, David Wingfield, said: “We’ve been delivering projects in Middlesbrough for almost a decade, and this scheme represents a real leap forward. Regeneration should outlast the building itself—it’s about creating thriving places and delivering long-term value to the community.
“With this project, we’re aiming to generate more than £50 million in social value, ensuring we leave a legacy that benefits the people of Middlesbrough well into the future.”
Neil McMillan, Director at iMpeC, echoed the transformative potential of the project: “This isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s essential for Middlesbrough’s future prosperity and will support local businesses, create jobs, and help shape a vibrant new chapter for the town.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen added: “This is a landmark development for Middlesbrough. Our Development Corporation is helping to cut through red tape and bring long-neglected areas like Gresham back to life. It’s about getting on with the job and delivering a town centre where people want to live, work, and relax.”
Construction is expected to begin this summer following the recent transfer of land and assets from Middlesbrough Council to the Development Corporation.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Systems UK
mixed-use
17 April 20255 min readGreen Light For £200M Gresham Revival: Middlesbrough’S Biggest Urban Regeneration In A Generation
Building Systems UK
17 April 2025
mixed-use
Gilbane Taps Nyc Construction Veteran As City Business LeaderProvidence, Rhode Island-based Gilbane Building Co. has promoted a New York City building industry stalwart to lead its business operations in the Big Apple. The builder tapped Raquel Diaz, who previously worked at New York City-based firms AECOM Tishman and Turner Construction, to the post, according to an April 11 news release.
An engineer by training, Diaz brings more than 18 years of experience and $2.8 billion in project deliveries in New York City, according to the release.
“New York City has been my home since I moved here at 18. It is such an honor to lead Gilbane Building’s operations and to bring excellence to the hospitals, parks, schools, office buildings and community facilities that make New York City great,” Diaz said in the release.
In her new role, Diaz will drive strategy and growth for the company in New York City, expand its market portfolio and service offerings, foster team development and growth and deliver world-class facilities for clients and communities, per the release. Prior to the promotion, Diaz was a vice president for Gilbane, according to her LinkedIn.
Since joining Gilbane in 2019, Diaz has significantly expanded the builder’s public sector portfolio, which includes:
Diaz brings deep operational expertise and has served in various roles throughout her career, including MEP project manager, MEP superintendent, estimating/purchasing engineer, senior project manager, project director and project executive on high-profile projects in the New York metropolitan area, per the news release.
Construction Dive
mixed-use
14 April 20255 min readGilbane Taps Nyc Construction Veteran As City Business Leader
Construction Dive
14 April 2025
mixed-use
Manchester Gives Green Light To Build Uk’S Tallest Tower Outside London, Developed By SalboyManchester City Council has approved a planning application submitted by Salboy Group, the nationwide property development and funding company, to develop the second phase of its Viadux scheme in central Manchester.
Phase Two of the Viadux will see the construction of two new towers:
A 76-storey tower will house a 160-bedroom hotel, restaurant and 452 branded residences, delivered in partnership with luxury lifestyle brand Nobu Hospitality, to help meet growing demand for high-quality accommodation for the international city’s residents and visitors. These branded residences mark Nobu Hospitality’s debut in the UK’s luxury real estate market.
Like the adjacent 40-storey tower built during Viadux’s first phase, the 76-storey tower is hugely architecturally ambitious. To be known as Nobu Manchester, the tower will be elevated above ground with its foundations built under a retained Victorian archway. Standing at 246 metres, the tower will become the UK’s tallest building outside of London.
A second (yet to be named) building on Great Bridgewater Street, will stand at 23-storeys tall and will create 133 new apartments aimed at the affordable homes market in a hugely well-connected and desirable part of Manchester.
Simon Ismail, Managing Director of Salboy, comments: “We are delighted with the Council’s decision to approve our plans to complete the Viadux masterplan. Viadux promises to deliver a neighbourhood of high-quality, design-led homes that meet Manchester’s substantial need for accommodation at a range of price points and tenure types, while bringing to the Manchester cityscape a truly crowning feature.
“Once completed, the Viadux scheme will have entirely regenerated an 80,000 sq ft brownfield site, in easy walking distance of all of Manchester’s central business, retail and leisure districts, and added almost 1,000 brand new homes to a coveted and popular location for the city’s professional population.
“Manchester is a fast-expanding city that is quickly and emphatically achieving its ambitions to become a global leader in business, sport, leisure and academia. It’s a belief that we’ve long held that Manchester deserves to be home to architectural and engineering feats that before now have been the preserve of other global cities.
“As the location of not just the tallest tower outside London but a large number of high quality affordable homes, Viadux has the potential to become a symbol of this city’s aspirations and confidence in itself. Viadux now promises to shape not only Manchester’s skyline for years to come, but the city’s sense of identity on the global stage.”
Since plans were first drawn up in 2017, the full Viadux scheme has been designed by Manchester-born architects, SimpsonHaugh, with culturally and historically sensitive regeneration always front of mind.
Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality: “We’re thrilled to see the Viadux 2 development move forward with planning approval. Manchester is a vibrant, world-class city, and we’re proud to be part of a project that will bring the Nobu experience to this destination through a truly exceptional mixed-use project. Alongside our signature Nobu Hotel and Restaurant, the Nobu Residences will offer a unique opportunity to live the Nobu lifestyle. Viadux 2 represents the kind of visionary development we seek—integrated, design-led, and rooted in cultural and community connection.”
Ian Simpson, Co-Founder, SimpsonHaugh: “Viadux’s phased development has required vision, a pioneering approach, and innovation to bring life back to an urban area in Manchester City Centre on a challenging site that incorporates the restoration of a Grade II listed brick viaduct. Viadux Phase 2 will see the development of a beautiful and elegant mixed-use building that will define the Manchester skyline, providing high-quality private and affordable homes and an amazing world-class hotel.”
Viadux’s first phase – a 40-storey tower comprising 370 apartments and a wealth of quality resident amenities – was completed on time, on budget and fully sold out. This tower is now known as Viadux.
Salboy’s construction partner Domis expects to commence work on the site this year.
Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Building Systems UK
mixed-use
11 April 20255 min readManchester Gives Green Light To Build Uk’S Tallest Tower Outside London, Developed By Salboy
Building Systems UK
11 April 2025
mixed-use
Expo Osaka 2025 – The Future Of Our SocietyThe German Pavilion is all about the cycle (of materials). Rendering © German Pavilion / MIR LAVA ff
The world's eyes are on Japan, which will host Expo 2025 in Osaka from 13 April to 13 October under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives“. In a country that has always been known for its thirst for innovation and aesthetic precision, this year not only the future of society is being rethought, but also that of architecture. The event brings together impressive national pavilions and numerous initiatives and projects that aim to present forward-looking solutions for a more sustainable society. Expo 2025 will also be a testing ground for innovative construction methods and materials that push the boundaries of modern architecture. In particular, circular economy and resource-efficient construction are central to both the master plan and the pavilions.
Sou Fujimoto's master plan for Expo 2025 is based on the principles of openness, connectivity and flexibility. The site is designed to allow fluid transitions between different areas, encouraging intuitive visitor movement without rigid pathways. The circular Grand Ring, which connects the various pavilions and themed areas, provides central orientation. The concept is complemented by elevated walkways, ramps and extensive green spaces. Sustainability also plays a central role: in addition to modular, reusable structures, the site is characterised by water features and planted areas. At the same time, Fujimoto is integrating digital technologies to create interactive and immersive experiences that make the Expo's theme – the future of a liveable society – spatially tangible.
The Grand Ring is the central structure of Expo 2025, a wide-span wooden structure 700 m in diameter and approximately 20 m high, recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest wooden structure in the world. The structure is based on a modular design of glued wooden beams joined together without metal joints using traditional Japanese mortise and tenon techniques. This sustainable construction method not only conserves resources, but also allows the elements to be disassembled and reused.
The German Pavilion at Expo 2025 embodies the principle of circular economy in both content and architecture. Designed by LAVA Laboratory for Visionary Architecture, its striking ensemble of circular wooden buildings is intended to reflect the idea of closed material cycles and is itself designed as a completely circular building – all materials are reusable or recyclable. With interactive exhibition elements, a sophisticated climate concept and green landscaping, the pavilion aims to showcase innovative ways to achieve sustainable construction and a resource-efficient future.
Nüssli is building this year's Swiss Pavilion in collaboration with Manuel Herz Architects. It consists of five interconnected spheres whose pneumatic lightweight construction allows for sustainable and transportable architecture. The exhibition is designed to guide visitors through immersive experiences where they can explore Switzerland's innovative strength and create their own visions of a future society. Plants, reusable materials and the integration of light and colour underline the ecological concept, while the character Heidi serves as a bridge to Japanese culture.
With the intention of representing the country's cultural roots, Nüssli combines traditional materials such as brick, clay and wood in the Uzbek Pavilion. An 8 m high wooden sculpture symbolising the forest is the focal point, referring to the exchange of knowledge and the ornamentation of Uzbek culture. The open, modular structure and sustainable use of materials, including local Sugi wood from Osaka, invite visitors to actively experience and reflect on the transformation of Uzbekistan.
The Nordic Pavilion, designed by Michele De Lucchi and the AMDL Circle, is a 17 m high wooden structure that reflects the Nordic countries' connection to sustainable construction and timber from forestry. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden are jointly presenting their innovative strength here. The dark facade, treated with natural oils and pigments, is reminiscent of traditional wood protection techniques and encourages engagement with climate issues. In the open interior, an immersive exhibition invites visitors to explore Nordic advances in sustainability and technology, while the roof terrace offers space for exchange and encounters.
Foster + Partners' Saudi Arabia Pavilion offers a multi-sensory journey through the kingdom, from vast deserts to vibrant cities. Constructed from light Saudi stone and inspired by traditional villages, the structure uses computational fluid dynamics for natural cooling and ventilation. Built to be sustainable with low carbon consumption, photovoltaic panels and rainwater recycling, the pavilion aims to showcase both technological innovation and the country's cultural heritage.
Designed by Kengo Kuma, the Portugal Pavilion brings the ocean to Osaka, translating the movement of water into architecture. Its facade, made of countless taut ropes and recycled fishing nets, reacts to wind and light, creating ever-changing patterns reminiscent of waves. The structure, which appears to float, is intended to symbolise Portugal's close connection to the sea and to address the sustainable use of the oceans, technological innovation and the importance of maritime heritage for the future.
Designed by Nikken Sekkei Architects, the Japanese Pavilion is a circular structure made up of countless wooden slats, mainly CLT, which provide views and perspectives and make the theme of “in-between“ tangible in both architecture and content. The pavilion is based on the principle of circulation – both in the way visitors move around it, and in the concept of a living building that uses its own biogas plant to generate energy from Expo waste. After the exhibition, the wood will be reused, making the pavilion a symbol of a closed life cycle.
The Qatar Pavilion, designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates in collaboration with Qatar Museums, combines Qatar's boat building tradition with Japanese wood joining skills to create a delicate wooden structure covered in a white sail-like fabric. The architecture draws on the shared maritime heritage of both nations and references the ocean as a space for exchange and connection. Inside, the exhibition showcases Qatar's Vision 2030 and current strategies for economic diversification.
With the Blue Ocean Dome, Shigeru Ban and Kenya Hara make a radical and sensual statement for the protection of the oceans. Three interconnected domes – made of bamboo, recycled cardboard tubes and carbon fibre – represent innovative lightweight construction methods that require no supporting columns. In the first dome, fine droplets of water spiral through the space, showcasing the element as something precious and fragile. This is followed by an immersive experience space with a 360° film projection designed to communicate the urgency of action against plastic pollution. Finally, in the third dome, the pavilion opens up into a discursive forum where international stakeholders will debate new approaches to marine conservation during the Expo.
Venue: Expo Site, Yumeshima, Osaka, Kansai (JP) Exhibition Duration: 13 April to 13 October 2025 Opening hours: daily 9 am – 11 pm
More information: expo2025.or
Detail
mixed-use
10 April 20255 min readExpo Osaka 2025 – The Future Of Our Society
Detail
10 April 2025
mixed-use
Chicago Asks City Contractors To Cut Invoices By 3%Henry Lopez, the president of Chicago-based Accel Construction, said his company has performed jobs for the city for a little over a decade. Accel gets as much as 70% of its business from public contracts.
When he first received the letter, he initially thought it was a joke. He said that his company’s profit margin is often 3%.
“To ask for, essentially, 100% of our profits back is an insult,” Lopez said. He told the city he wouldn't be changing anything, and that he has yet to have a conversation with any other construction pros who would participate.
The March 16 letter didn’t describe the specific economic conditions that precipitated the request — however, the city is facing a $175 million budget shortfall due to a failure by Chicago Public Schools to reimburse the city for pension payments, according to local news outlet ABC7.
It also raised taxes and fees on parking, streaming services and grocery bags to help close a larger, $982 million gap from its $17.1 billion budget, which was passed in December.
Sheila Marionneaux, director of public affairs for the city’s procurement department, said that it’s regular practice for municipalities to search for cost savings across different budgets in times of urgent need.
“The purpose of the cost reduction request to vendors is the rollout of the budget commitment to support the department budget goal,” Marionneaux said in an email.
Gomez said that the city has made similar requests for price reductions in the past, under the administrations of former Mayors Rahm Emanuel and Richard Daley, but not without giving a warning first. But doing so now puts contractors in an almost impossible position, she said, “particularly of small businesses that feel that, ‘If I don't do it, will I get future work?’”
The letter states that the city would appreciate a response “even if you are not able to accommodate the request at this time.”
Gomez warned that the request, should vendors comply, could put small businesses under significant financial strain. If a prime contractor takes the 3% cut and they funnel it down to their subcontractors, Gomez warned, already thin profit margins could dwindle further.
“We’re talking about small businesses potentially going out of business,” Gomez said.
Construction Dive
mixed-use
10 April 20255 min readChicago Asks City Contractors To Cut Invoices By 3%
Construction Dive
10 April 2025
mixed-use
Approval Gained For Central Park In New City Development In Western SydneyProgress in the Bradfield City Centre, one of Australia’s largest economic development projects, has advanced with the plans for Bradfield City Centre’s iconic Central Park now approved. The 114-hectare city, five times the size of Barangaroo, is set to become a hub for innovation, education, and advanced industries at the core of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The Central Park design showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Dharug people. A standout feature is the iconic Sky Ring, celebrating, protecting and focusing on the sky while providing shelter, directing rainwater, and supporting misting water technology systems. More than 550 mature trees and 70,000 species of native plants will create a green oasis with public art, active learning, and gathering spaces. The design also features a multi-generational interwoven play area and a Gathering Green for major community events. It will be supported by innovative technology to best care for the park and its users, adapting to a changing climate and a new, growing city.
With the design now approved, a construction partner will be appointed to deliver the park. This follows significant progress in Bradfield City Centre, with the approval of the Bradfield City Centre Master Plan in 2024 and the recent opening of the First Building, a low-carbon, timber manufacturing facility, and housing Stage 1 of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility (AMRF).
The development is expected to generate 20,000 direct jobs and provide up to 10,000 new homes. The Master Plan outlines a vision for residential, commercial, and retail precincts, alongside infrastructure for streets, parks, and open spaces. Backed by more than AUD 1 billion in government funding, the project is projected to attract significant private investment. The plan details a staged rollout of over 2 million square meters (215 million square feet) of gross floor area near the upcoming Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.
Learn more at NSW Government
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
mixed-use
02 April 20255 min readApproval Gained For Central Park In New City Development In Western Sydney
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
02 April 2025
mixed-use
Public Review In Process For 483-Meter Building In New York CityThe proposed 1,586-foot (483-meter) office building at 350 Park Avenue in New York City has officially entered the public review process. The 62-story development, led by Vornado Realty Trust, Citadel, and Rudin Management, was certified by the Department of City Planning, initiating the seven-month uniform land use review procedure (ULURP). Designed by Foster + Partners, the project includes 1.8 million square feet (167,225 square meters) of office space and a 12,500-square-foot (1,161-square-meter) public concourse, with Citadel and Citadel Securities as anchor tenants.
The developers are requesting an increase in the floor area ratio (FAR) cap from 15 to 25. To facilitate this, they have purchased US$150 million in air rights from St. Patrick’s Cathedral and St. Bartholomew’s Church and will contribute over US$35 million to the East Midtown Public Improvement Fund. The proposal includes transferring the zoning of 315,000 square feet (29,264 square meters) from St. Patrick’s and approximately the zoning of 170,000 square feet (15,794 square meters) from St. Bartholomew’s. Additionally, they are seeking a public concourse bonus of 3 FAR, equivalent to approximately 203,494 square feet (18,907 square meters) of zoning.
The supertall would replace three existing office buildings on the site: a 30-story, 23-story, and a five-story building. The project also features a public plaza designed by Field Operations, incorporating green space, seating, public art, and improved pedestrian access. Sidewalks on East 51st and 52nd Street would be widened by five feet (1.5 meters).
The building plans to accommodate up to 6,000 employees, with Citadel leasing at least 850,000 square feet (78,968 square meters). Plans also include 1.6 million square feet (148,645 square meters) of office, financial trading, and amenity space, as well as nearly 23,000 square feet (2,137 square meters) of retail space.
The project now enters a 60-day review by the Manhattan Community Board 5, followed by assessments from the borough president, the City Planning Commission, the City Council, and NYC Mayor Eric Adams. If approved, construction is expected to start shortly after with completion by 2032. The plan follows the 2017 Midtown East rezoning, which allowed for higher-density office development in the area.
Learn more at 6sqft
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
mixed-use
24 March 20255 min readPublic Review In Process For 483-Meter Building In New York City
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
24 March 2025
mixed-use
Mortenson Partners To Build $900M Nba Arena In Oklahoma CityAward: NBA Arena
Value: $900 million
Location: Oklahoma City
Client: Oklahoma City
Flintco and Mortenson will partner to build a new arena for the National Basketball Association’s Oklahoma City Thunder, according to a release from the Oklahoma City Council.
The council voted March 11 to approve the contract with Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Flintco and Minneapolis-based Mortenson. The team will construct “a first-class, state-of-the-art NBA arena and entertainment venue that meets and/or exceeds NBA specifications and requirements,” the release said.
The budget for the venue is at least $900 million and it will be at least 750,000 square feet. The council voted to approve a preconstruction contract with the contractors worth $2.275 million, per public documents.
The new arena will go up on the site of Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center, which is a city-owned site. The existing structure will be demolished in the spring. Design on the Thunder’s home court is underway already, and construction will begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028 and a contractual obligation to open the new arena by June 2030.
For now, the Thunder will continue to play their home games at Paycom Center, where they moved after the Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma and changed their name in 2008. Once the Thunder move to the new venue, a 25-year commitment to remain in Oklahoma City will begin, the release said.
The project will be funded by $50 million from the Thunder ownership group and $70 million in public money from the Metropolitan Area Projects program, or MAPS 4, a one-cent, voter-approved sales tax expected to raise more than $1 billion for various public projects between 2020 and 2028, per the Oklahoman. In addition, when the MAPS 4 tax ends, the city will enact a six-year, one-cent sales tax to help pay for the stadium.
Mortenson is a major player in the stadium construction space, having worked on the Las Vegas Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium, the Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, the Seattle Kraken’s Climate Pledge Arena and the Minnesota Vikings US Bank Stadium.
Meanwhile, Flintco has decades of experience in Oklahoma and built Oklahoma City’s Convention Center and Paycom Center.
“Having built the current arena over 20 years ago, we understand the significance of this project for our city and its future, knowing hundreds of construction jobs will be created to boost our economy,” said Dave Kollmann, Flintco central region president, in the release.
Construction Dive
mixed-use
20 March 20255 min readMortenson Partners To Build $900M Nba Arena In Oklahoma City
Construction Dive
20 March 2025
mixed-use
A 42-Story Landmark High-Rise For Tbilisi’S Evolving Urban LandscapeZaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled design for the 42-story Cityzen Tower near the capital Tbilisi’s new Central Park. The project marks the firm's first endeavor in the country of Georgia.
Located at the intersection of Mikheil Tamarashvili and University streets in Tbilisi’s Saburtalo district, Cityzen Tower is set to become a new focal point of the city’s transformation. The mixed-use high-rise will integrate residential, commercial, and leisure spaces within the growing community, aiming to establish a vibrant civic hub with pedestrian plazas, green spaces, and public amenities.
Built on the site of a former Soviet military headquarters, the high-rise will stand next to the newly developed 36-hectare Central Park, with its botanical gardens and sports facilities. Around 250 of the site's existing mature trees will be retained on the site, connecting with this green area adjacent to it. The building design reflects Tbilisi’s natural topography, incorporating cascading terraces that transition from public plazas and dining areas at the base to external social spaces for offices and balconies for residential units above. These terraces provide south-facing outdoor areas while framing panoramic views of the city and park.
Cityzen Tower’s architectural form is defined by a gradual transition from large communal areas on the lower levels to a compact, diamond-shaped footprint at the top. This twisting composition ensures optimal natural lighting and ventilation while adapting to the distinct needs of each floor type. Designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, the building incorporates sustainable features such as rainwater collection, native vegetation, and energy-efficient shading elements that regulate sunlight exposure.
Locally sourced materials will be used for the construction whenever possible. The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Learn more at Global Construction Review.
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
mixed-use
17 March 20255 min readA 42-Story Landmark High-Rise For Tbilisi’S Evolving Urban Landscape
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
17 March 2025
mixed-use
Luxury Residential Serenia District In Dubai Is Launched By DeveloperThe launch of Serenia District, a Dh$5 billion (US$1.36 billion) upscale residential community in the Jumeirah Islands neighborhood of Dubai, has been announced. Spanning 55,742 square meters with a 325,161 square meter built-up area, the project will feature six integrated high-rises.
The design will have the buildings centered around "lifestyle zones," including the Serenia Signature Clubhouse, Health and Social Zone, Sports and Recreation Spaces, Family Oasis, Nature Discovery Zone, and a Wellness Retreat. The first phase introduces West Residence, a 46 story high-rise with 419 units of one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes, offering views of Jumeirah Islands.
A standout feature is the 9290 square meter Serenia Signature Clubhouse, which will include an infinity pool, gym, rooftop café, male and female spas, an indoor paddle court, a half basketball court, a games room, and retail and dining spaces. The project, designed by Japanese architecture firm Nikken Sekkei, draws inspiration from the Japanese Ireko design language.
Located near business and entertainment hubs, Serenia District will be able to integrate 20 kilometers of walkways to promote an active lifestyle. At the same time, its starlight facade lighting will provide subtle illumination throughout the day and night.
Learn more at World Construction Network
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
mixed-use
12 March 20255 min readLuxury Residential Serenia District In Dubai Is Launched By Developer
Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat
12 March 2025
mixed-use