The Cutting Edge of Construction Tech
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Real Estate Bisnow (South FL)
Allen Matkins (Trends) LSFL

The Cutting Edge of Construction Tech

The current South Florida construction boom isn't quite like before, Suffolk Construction VP in the Southeast John Planz tells us. The industry is seeing the benefits of emerging tech, on and off jobsites, putting them to uses unimagined during the last building cycle. (It's only a matter of time before construction looks like it did in The Jetsons.)

“These technologies allow for better connectivity among team members and trade partners,” John says, and it goes far beyond the use of BIM, which has been the industry buzzword for quite a while now. “We're experimenting with new technologies, such as 3D printing and the use of drones, and more importantly, how these tools talk with one another.”

On the company's Jade Signature and Met 3 projects in Miami (both condo developments), the construction team is using what Suffolk calls a “SmartBox”—a large, portable touch screen that allows trade partners to instantly access the current BIM model right on the jobsite. “It's greatly enhancing our approach to jobsite safety, quality control, scheduling, and overall communication,” John explains.

Drones are also taking the sky in the service of Suffolk. The company's recently used the unmanned flying machines on a number of projects, including Sinai Residences in Boca Raton and Dunbar High School in Fort Myers, as well as Met 3 (pictured). John says that clients appreciate the accuracy these images provide. It's something they can view from any location, at any time, and feel like they're present at the jobsite.

BEYOND (Mercantil) SFL
Hitt (Eli) SFL
Bisnow (RawSpace-Crowd) WS

West Palm Beach Poised for More High-rises

An acre and a half of waterfront land traded hands, one of the last parcels that overlooks Currie Park and the Intracoastal Waterway in the North End of West Palm Beach. CapasGroup president Brad Capas tells us this deal and other recent trades in the immediate area point to new potential development from West Palm Beach's CBD north along the Flagler Drive Corridor into the North End. What might tip the balance is the new plan proposed by the Community Redevelopment Agency and city officials to permit development of up to 15 stories, as opposed to the current four stories, and establish overall development guidelines for the area.

“The pending rezoning is getting closer,” Brad says. “The goal is to create a cohesive design for a pedestrian-friendly district that will extend from Old Downtown Northwood all the way to the waterfront.” He adds that West Palm Beach's CDB is already very strong, as evidenced by the recent sale of CityPlace Tower for more than $500/SF, and the ground breaking of other residential and hospitality properties this year. Brad and Cushman & Wakefield's Mark Pateman repped the seller of the land, WCI Communities, in disposition of the asset to a private investor.

CohnReznick (Field) SFL
Bisnow (Niche-White) HALF

Artist Creates Brickell Facade

Artist Julian Schnabel at work on creating the façade of the Brickell Flatiron sales and design gallery, which will have its grand opening during Art Basel in December. The pink façade features a large-scale painting set on broken ceramic plates, a medium preferred by the NY artist. Besides the sales and design gallery, Julian has also been commissioned to design the building's lobby and public spaces, which will be integrated with his original artwork and furnishings. Once complete, the 64-story Brickell Flatiron, developed by CMC Group, will offer 548 residences.


15 Days Until the Top Under 40 Developers / Investors
Meet in Miami

The top developers and investors under the age of 40 descend on the Ritz Carlton in South Beach for Bisnow's first annual "Ascent" multi-day summit. See who's attending and apply to be considered for one of the few remaining spots here.


Crain's Names Bisnow to
Fast 50!

Crain's New York Business just named Bisnow No. 38 on its annual list of the city's 50 fastest-growing companies. We are overwhelmed with gratitude for this recognition. Among other fun facts, you'll learn that our CEO Ryan Begelman sojourned to Burning Man in August in search of inspiration for our (almost) never boring events and publications. (We promise we won't start pumping patchouli into our morning conferences.) We'd like to thank each of our 600,000 subscribers for your support and look forward to finishing off 2014 with top-notch events and actionable, edgy articles.


If you want to live in a small residence, you should look for a condominimum. Send ideas and suggestions to dees.stribling@bisnow.com

 
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