In today’s daily news about construction, we will look into the planned expansion of the UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR). Hempcrete is finally allowed by the US Regulators for US Homes. Residents of Boyle Heights rally against a plan to convert the Sears Building into homes for the homeless. Paxton Access is in the process of constructing its new headquarters in Greenville County, South Carolina.
UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies to expand
Original Source: UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies plans major expansion
UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) in Loveland is expanding to fulfill northern Colorado’s health care requirements.
The extension will include a new tower, a comprehensive cancer center, an expanded emergency department, and additional imaging and cardiac areas. The project will raise the hospital’s bed capacity from 187 to 283, with room for 319.
“We’re pleased to expand our services in one of the state’s fastest-growing areas,” said UCHealth President and CEO Elizabeth Concordia. “We must address the community’s requirements now and in the future.”
Needs grow
Weld and Larimer counties were among the top five for population growth from 2010 to 2020. Weld’s population climbed 30% during that time. Larimer grew by 19%. Colorado has fewer hospital beds per 1,000 people than the U.S. average due to population growth. Kaiser Family Foundation: States average 2.38 beds per 1,000 population. Colorado has 1.91 beds, the 8th-fewest among states and DC.
Our hospitals in northern Colorado have been running at or near full capacity for years, and this investment will allow us to continue serving our growing region, said hospital CEO Kevin Unger. We’re excited about developing a cancer center and expanding our cardiac and imaging capabilities.
Expanding
Project will include:
- Trauma-surgical, medical-surgical, and surgical-ICU patients will use a 5-story tower.
- Both the north medical office building and the new tower have a cancer center. High-dose radiation therapy is currently provided in metro Denver. It will include a new gynecological oncology clinic, a linear accelerator, and a medical oncology clinic and infusion facility.
- The ER will have 49 rooms and a new entrance.
- Two electrophysiology labs and two cardiac catheterization labs will be added.
- CT, ultrasound, MRI, and an interventional radiology suite will be added on the hospital’s east side.
- Expand patient and staff parking.
Design is underway. UCHealth will start construction in 2023. The cancer center will open in mid-2024 and the new tower in 2026.
Careful
The hospital, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, was recently named a Level I trauma center, making it northern Colorado’s only one. Level I hospitals give northern Colorado residents access to top-level emergency and trauma care close to home. MCR is also a primary stroke center. This grade is given to programs that can provide timely, advanced stroke care.
Fortune/IBM Watson Health designated it a Top Hospital in 2020. U.S. News & World Report placed it second in Colorado in 2021. MCR was also recognized for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair; heart attack; aortic valve surgery; heart bypass surgery; heart failure; transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR); maternity care; kidney failure; back surgery (neuro and orthopedics); stroke; hip fracture; hip replacement; pneumonia; and urology.
US regulators allow hempcrete for homes
Original Source: Regulators finally approve hempcrete for US homes
Eco-friendly building materials are awesome.
Last month, the International Code Council (ICC) approved hempcrete, a mixture of hemp stem wood and lime, for housing infill.
The US Hemp Building Association (USHBA) proposed the amendment in January and advocated for it.
Hempcrete, which is popular in Europe, can now help Americans insulate their homes in an eco-friendly way. The new policy applies to one-, two-, and townhouses.
As an architect, including hemp lime in the building code is vital, said Anna Konopitskaya, who helped design the USHBA application. “It will allow architects like me to specify this product in any US town,” she said.
What’s hempcrete?
Before we move on, let’s discuss the material.
Hempcrete is a mixture of lime and hemp hurds. Known as “shiv,” hurd is the hemp stalk’s woody core. Hurds resemble wood chips.
Hempcrete’s recipe is easy: 4 parts hemp hurd to 1 part lime binder. One part water. From there, hempcrete bricks are made.
Why is it eco-friendly?
Hempcrete is greener than typical concrete construction. How?
- Manufacturing typical concrete accounts for 8% of all carbon emissions worldwide.
- The hemp plant absorbs more carbon as it grows than hempcrete production emits.
- It’s drier than cement.
- Hempcrete is a good thermal insulator, saving us money on heating and cooling.
- Also, hemp grows quickly, needs less room than trees, and stores twice as much carbon as most trees. Experts say hemp might reverse most of global deforestation’s effects.
Hempcrete is a bright spot in cannabis’ carbon footprint discussion. Indoor grow operations require a lot of electricity to power sodium lights and HVAC systems.
Other benefits of hempcrete?
Hempcrete is more than just eco-friendly.
According to Leafly, it’s “toxin-free, airtight yet breathable, mold- and pest-resistant, and almost fireproof.”
Finally, hempcrete controls humidity by absorbing and releasing moisture.
Next for hempcrete?
Starting in 2023, residential hempcrete will be legal.
Advocates may next seek hempcrete approval for larger residential and commercial construction. The International Building Code would govern this conclusion (IBC). In 2025, the hempcrete business can submit a revision to the IBC.
Boyle Heights residents protest the turning of Sears into a homeless shelter
Original Source: Boyle Heights residents protest proposal to turn Sears Building into homeless housing
Hundreds of Boyle Heights residents protested a plan to turn the historic Sears Building into a homeless shelter on Wednesday.
We reject this project and our insulting neighbors. Sofia Quinones of the East L.A. Boyle Heights Coalition said, “They don’t respect us.”
Developer Izek Shomof plans to turn the 26-acre property into a “life reconstruction center” that will house at least 2,500 people. Originally, 10,000 beds were planned.
The center’s website states it will offer mental health care, education, job training, and job placement.
The Rev. John Moretta of Resurrection Catholic Church said 2,000, 5,000, or 10,000 isn’t fair for these folks. “They need help.” Putting them in an apartment won’t address the situation. They need support.
Opponents fear the proposal will attract too many homeless people who won’t be eligible for treatment and end up back on the street.
Quinones: “We want the public to realize we have a housing issue.” “We do. We’re not against homelessness. “
They said their neighborhood has been neglected and needs a store and a theater. Quinones said neighborhood residents must go outside for these things.
The initiative needs approval from local officials, but none have indicated support so far.
Boyle Heights councilman Kevin de Leon told KTLA:
“I’m opposed until the developer can verify that their concept fulfills Boyle Heights residents’ needs.”
KTLA hasn’t spoken to the creators yet.
Paxton Access is developing a U.S. headquarters in Greenville
Original Source: Paxton Access is building new U.S. headquarters in Greenville County
Paxton Access, a security technology manufacturer, will develop its new US headquarters in Greenville County. The project is $10 million.
Paxton Access, based in the UK, offers innovative security solutions. The company offers IP, wireless, and battery-powered access control and video systems for global security.
Paxton Access will move its U.S. headquarters to 28 Global Drive in the Global Trade Park to facilitate growth.
In 2024, the new facility will open. Visit Paxton Access’ website to learn more.
QUOTES
Paxton Access’ new U.S. headquarters will be world-class. It shows our ambition and belief in Greenville as a hub for talent and North American market needs. We expect a rapid expansion of our technology manufacturing and associated services, creating local jobs. CEO Adam Stroud
“Global corporations like Paxton Access’ success in South Carolina demonstrates to the globe that companies can locate and expand here. Congratulations to Paxton Access on expanding to Greenville County.” Henry McMaster.
“South Carolina’s IT business is thriving, and we’re proud of Paxton Access. We welcome Paxton Access’ $10 million investment in Greenville and expect it will do well in our state. Harry M. Lightsey III
We welcome Paxton Access to Greenville and congratulate them on the news. As a security made simple company, Paxton Access will complement Greenville’s inventive attitude. We’re excited to celebrate their progress in our community. Knox White, Greenville mayor
“It’s great to see a multinational company develop U.S. operations in Greenville County because it shows we have the pro-business environment, top people, and other components they need to thrive. We applaud Paxton Access for expanding here and wish them continued success. Greenville County Council Chair Willis Meadows
Summary of today’s construction news
Overall, we discussed the planned expansion of UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies (MCR) in Loveland to meet the growing need for medical services in northern Colorado. Hempcrete is one of the eco-friendly building materials that has been approved for use in US homes by US regulators. On Wednesday, hundreds of people living in Boyle Heights protested against a proposal to convert the historic Sears Building into a refuge for the homeless. With the construction of its new U.S. headquarters in Greenville County, Paxton Access is increasing its footprint in South Carolina.
