5 must reads for the AEC industry today: October 13, 2020

1. Miami Beach Convention Center renovation and expansion completes (BD+C) 
"The project was designed with the goal of making Miami Beach Convention Center the most technologically-advanced center in the U.S. and to provide upgraded show needs and increase the potential for the city to market the center on an international basis. Achieving this goal involved complex renovations and replacements of virtually all the building’s electrical and mechanical operating systems."

2. Majority of contractors fear long-term business implications of COVID-19, according to Construction Executive survey (ABC) 
"While many contractors have not yet seen drastic impacts to their business, as construction was in many areas considered an “essential” service, the long-term implications are concerning. Seventy percent of contractors did not expect the construction industry to stabilize until at least 2021, while an additional 10.4% say they believe it may never reach pre-pandemic levels."

3. Guidance offered for K-12 schools to support students with asthma (BD+C)
"The Center identified four primary categories where environmentally healthy purchasing can help reduce irritants and allergens that contribute to asthma. The guidance addresses cleaning products, filters, furniture, rugs, and markers and paints."

4. Hotter than ever, construction tech still has plenty of flaws, experts say (Bisnow)
"Building information modeling, or BIM, and other construction technologies have only grown in importance to developers, architects and contractors amid the coronavirus pandemic. But the construction industry's adoption of new construction tech isn't without its speed bumps, panelists said during Bisnow's BIM and future of construction and development webinar."

5. JPMorgan targets $700 million for residential-development fund (Bloomberg via National Real Estate Investor)
"The fund will seek to deliver annual returns of 13 to 15 percent after fees by developing single-family and multifamily rentals outside gateway markets."