Engineer calls for big shift in design and construction

By KATIE ZEMTSEFF

Guy Battle says sites and climates are unique so buildings must be designed to take advantage of local conditions.

Construction spending falls more than expected

Construction spending fell more than expected in May, a sign the problems facing the nation's builders are far from over.

UW offers workshops for area contractors

The University of Washington wants to get to know a bunch of new contractors and will get started this month by holding two workshops.

Fire destroys Renton apartments

A spectacular fire that broke out Tuesday night in a five-story apartment complex under construction in the Highlands neighborhood of Renton sent up a smoke plume visible for miles.

Spokane yards get tested for asbestos

Crews are testing residential yards near W.R. Grace's former insulation factory in Spokane for asbestos fibers that can cause cancer.

Upcoming Projects

• 5 Vancouver units, retail, restaurant
• Bothell stormwater pipe
• Olympia sewer pipe upgrades
• Washougal environmental learning facility
• Ridgefield discharge line
• Hoquiam terminal improvements
• Vancouver-area parking lot improvements
• Spokane County office, warehouse
• Liberty Lake church
• 2 Lynnwood hotels

Pending home sales up for 4th straight month

Pending home sales rose in May for the fourth straight month, spurred by low prices and a first-time homebuyers tax credit, fresh evidence that the housing sector may be recovering.

New Border Patrol HQ put on hold

Plans for new U.S. Border Patrol headquarters in the Olympic Peninsula have been put on hold because of budget issues.

McKinstry buys Vancouver's Electrix

McKinstry of Seattle has bought Vancouver electrical contractor Electrix. Terms of the deal, announced yesterday, were not disclosed.

Grandview dump to be cleaned up

The Environmental Protection Agency says the owners of a central Washington property where an illegal pesticide dumpsite was found will clean it up.