Automotive

MERCEDES-BENZ HOUSE OF IMPORTS

The House of Imports in Buena Park, Orange County, boasts a brand-new three-story luxury auto dealership for MercedesBenz enthusiasts. The facility spans approximately 242,000 SF and features a service center, car wash, detail bays, and elevated parking decks. The structure comprises a combination of pre-cast concrete, CMU, tilt-up concrete, and structural steel, with the most extensive panel weighing over 331,000 pounds and the most considerable footing measuring 390 cubic yards. A wall system made of aluminum louvers/fins, designed for architectural purposes, extends along the frontage facing the freeway.

SPARC+ Architecture Studios designed the project, which required a 7-acre update of the entire site to meet fire code, grading, stormwater, and utility requirements. The original site was constructed 50 years ago, and despite several development projects since then, unresolved issues came to light during the planning phase for this project.

Location: Buena Park, CA

Architect: Sparc+

Project Manager: Geir Phillips

Superintendent: Lance Rieman

Superintendent: Chris Wood

Audi Calabasas

The Audi Calabasas project involved enhancing and redesigning the current showroom, demolishing the existing service drive and service bays, constructing a new service drive with expanded auto service bays, adding rooftop inventory parking, reconfiguring the site plan by relocating the western driveway entrance, and improving site lighting and landscape aesthetics. Throughout the construction process, the entire dealership, including the sales team, service riders area, and service shop, remained operational.

The project presented significant logistical challenges due to the site layout. To address this, the construction was divided into three phases for the site work, two phases for the interior/shell remodeling, and two phases for the construction of the service shop and parking deck. Coordinating each stage seamlessly with the next posed considerable challenges.

Location: Calabasas

Architect: Whitfield Associates

Project Manager: Rob Linnett

Superintendent: Steve Broyles

Robert Linnett Project Manager

“A tough job with demanding clients.

Success of the project was a result of a great construction team and unwavering perseverance by all parties involved.”

CONSTRUCTION

Ladies Observed

International Women’s Day on March 8th, acknowledging the tremendous power of women. Amidst the solid structures and metallic framework, we take a moment to honor the women who contribute to the construction industry. Their unwavering dedication and tireless work do not go unnoticed. Together, we are building a brighter future, establishing the foundations that empower future generations.

“The theme for this year, ‘Many Paths, One Mission,’ profoundly resonates with me as I witness the diverse journeys women have embarked upon to achieve the same objective: strengthening and amplifying the success of women in the construction industry.” -Marcella, Marketing Manager

As we honored International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week, we came together for a special jobsite tour at the Double Peak Kindergarten building in San Marcos. This gathering aimed to recognize and express gratitude for the remarkable contributions of women, both on a global scale and within the construction industry. We extend our sincere appreciation to Trevor and Tyler for providing the Lusardi Ladies with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the site.

CONSTRUCTION ECONOMICS

Plywood prices fell 0.2% in April, following a decrease of 0.9% in March, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’producer price index. The annual index sits at -23.9%. Prices for the most popular species of 2x4s are down 23.5% from June 2022’s level, while monthly prices experienced a 0.2% decrease, according to ENR’s data. ENR’s 20-city average monthly price for plyform fell 1% in June, while yearly prices are down 3.6%.

PERCENTAGE 8 4 0 -12 -16 -20 20 16 12 -4 -8

0.5

0. 2

Prices For June 2023 20-CITY AVERAGE 2” X 4” S4S Pine –3.1 –30.5 Fir +14.5 +13.8 Common –0.2 –23.5 2” X 6” S4S Common MBF 939.59 –1.2 –34.8 2” X 8” S4S Common MBF 865.79 +1.3 –26.7 2” X 10” S4S Common MBF 1048.94 +2.9 –16.4 PLYWOOD ” Thick MSF 995.86 –0.5 –28.9 PLYFORM ¾” Thick MSF 1762.91 –1.0 –3.6 PARTICLEBOARD: UNDERLAYMENT ” Thick MSF 904.37 +6.1 –29.1 GYPSUM BOARD: REGULAR ½” MSF 448.63 +5.9 +29.0 ROOFING INSULATION Unfaced SF 11.20 +7.2 +37.6 WALL INSULATION Unfaced SF 10.22 –1.1 +22.4 BLS PRODUCER PRICE INDEX: APRIL Gypsum building products manufacturing JUNE 1981=100 391.6 –0.9 +9.7 Softwood Lumber 1982=100 270.9 –1.2 –38.9 Plywood 1982=100 281.5 –0.2 –23.9 ITEM %MONTH %YEAR SOURCE: ENR As of April 2019, ENR is publishing BLS producer price index numbers for lumber products 1992=100 1992=100 MONTHLY PRICES FELL 0.5%, WHILE YEARLY PRICES DECLINED 28.9%. PRICES INCREASED 5.9% FOR THE MONTH, AND ARE UP 29% FOR THE YEAR. MONTHLY PRICES FOR LUMBER DECLINED 0.2%, WITH YEARLY PRICES DOWN 23.5%. MONTHLY PRICES FOR PARTICLEBOARD HAVE INCREASED 6.1% SINCE MAY. –