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Construction

Detroit Construction Firm Teams with Program to Empower Women & Girls via Hard Hats

2024-12-03

In Detroit, a remarkable construction company has launched its second annual Hard Hats for Detroit charity initiative, which comes to a close on Giving Tuesday. This program holds a special significance as it aims to uplift local women and girls by collaborating with renowned Detroit artists to create one-of-a-kind hard hats. Nicole Jarecz, a well-known fashion artist in Detroit and a graduate of the College of Creative Studies, expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative. "I wanted to showcase all these beautiful women," she said, with Detroit buildings in the background and words like "impact," "sisterhood," and "creativity" adorning the hard hats. Jarecz was thrilled to be a part of this year's effort and did her research to select a woman organization in Detroit that she believed in. "They tend to help women who are homeless or in a crisis situation, and many of these women are young moms with little children. That really touched me," she added. Sachse Construction chose three local artists to represent three different nonprofits, and each will receive the proceeds from the highest online bidders. Jill Brack, the Vice President of Engagement at Sachse Construction, emphasized the importance of women supporting women in the construction industry. "We build apartment buildings, shopping malls, and hotels like the one we're standing in now, but what we're really proud of is building community," she said. In addition to supporting local women, two other nonprofits will also benefit. India Solomon's hard hat is supporting BasBlue, which fosters creativity and leadership in young women. Olivia Guterson's hat supports the Empowerment Plan, which provides employment, education, and empowerment to people experiencing homelessness. Each artist was excited to use their creativity to raise awareness for these great causes. "It feels really good to give back and to use my artwork for something good in the city," said Jarecz. You can bid on the hats until 5 p.m. on Tuesday by clicking here.

Detroit's Construction Industry Unites for a Worthy Cause

Uplifting Local Women and Girls

The initiative by the Detroit construction company is dedicated to uplifting local women and girls. Through partnerships with Detroit artists, unique hard hats are designed, each with meaningful messages. Nicole Jarecz's involvement showcases the power of art in making a difference. These hard hats not only serve as protective gear but also symbolize the support and empowerment of women. It's a powerful way to bring attention to the needs of local women and girls and inspire change.

Artists like Jarecz are using their creativity to make a tangible impact. By choosing to work with organizations that help homeless women and young moms, they are showing that art can be a force for good. The hard hats become a visual representation of the community's commitment to supporting those in need.

Building Community through Construction

Sachse Construction's role in this initiative goes beyond just building physical structures. They are building community by partnering with local artists and nonprofits. The construction industry is often seen as a male-dominated field, but this initiative highlights the importance of women's participation. By choosing three local artists to represent different nonprofits, Sachse Construction is showing that everyone can contribute to building a better Detroit.

The apartments, shopping malls, and hotels they build are not just buildings; they are part of a larger community. The proceeds from the online bids will go towards supporting these nonprofits and helping them continue their important work. It's a win-win situation where construction and community building go hand in hand.

Using Creativity to Raise Awareness

Each artist involved in the Hard Hats for Detroit initiative is using their creativity to raise awareness for three great causes. India Solomon's hard hat supports BasBlue, which focuses on fostering creativity and leadership in young women. Olivia Guterson's hat supports the Empowerment Plan, which provides essential services to those experiencing homelessness.

The artists' work is not only visually appealing but also serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness. By attaching these causes to the hard hats, they are bringing them to the forefront and inspiring others to get involved. It shows that art has the ability to touch people's hearts and make a difference in the world.

If you're planning to fly out of Columbus during the holidays this year, you'll notice some significant changes. The blue shuttle lot at John Glenn Columbus International Airport will be closed to new parkers starting from December 9th. This closure is part of the preparations for the construction of the airport's new $2 billion terminal. Meanwhile, the airport's red shuttle lot will undergo a 2,550-vehicle expansion to accommodate additional parkers. In 2025, there will be further changes in airport parking with the opening of a new temporary cellphone lot. Construction on the new terminal is scheduled to begin in early 2025, with the goal of opening it by 2029. According to the release, the airport's terminal project includes a planned 5,000-space parking garage connected by an elevated pedestrian bridge. The new terminal will have 36 gates, including one that can handle large international flights, and will be capable of handling 13 million passengers per year. The existing terminal, which opened in 1958, will be demolished once the new terminal is operational. These changes will undoubtedly have a profound impact on local air travel and parking arrangements.

Uncover the Transformative Changes at Columbus Airport

Blue Shuttle Lot Closure and Red Lot Expansion

The blue shuttle lot's closure is a major development as it prepares the way for the construction of the new terminal. This will have implications for those who typically park in this lot. On the other hand, the expansion of the red shuttle lot is a positive step to ensure there is adequate parking space available. It shows the airport's efforts to meet the increasing demand for parking during the construction period and beyond.

With the 2,550-vehicle expansion, more parkers will be able to utilize the red shuttle lot, providing them with a convenient option. This expansion also highlights the airport's commitment to providing seamless parking services during the construction phase and beyond.

New Terminal Construction and Its Implications

The construction of the new $2 billion terminal is a significant undertaking that will bring about numerous changes. With 36 gates, including one capable of handling large international flights, the new terminal is set to enhance the airport's capacity and connectivity. It will be able to handle 13 million passengers per year, which is a substantial increase from the existing terminal.

The inclusion of a 5,000-space parking garage connected by an elevated pedestrian bridge is a crucial aspect of the terminal project. This will provide convenient access for passengers between the parking lot and the terminal. It will also contribute to a more efficient and seamless travel experience.

Demolition of the Existing Terminal

The demolition of the existing terminal in 1958 is a symbolic moment that marks the beginning of a new era for Columbus Airport. It represents the airport's commitment to modernization and growth. The new terminal will offer state-of-the-art facilities and services, providing a more comfortable and convenient travel experience for passengers.

While the demolition of the existing terminal may cause some inconvenience in the short term, it is a necessary step towards the development of a more efficient and modern airport. It will allow for the implementation of new technologies and designs that will enhance the overall travel experience.

LebTown keeps you informed with its free newsletter every Thursday. Whether it's processing your signup or notifying you of completed projects, LebTown is dedicated to serving the community. With 119 active projects and 50 completed this year in the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Engineering District 8 region, covering multiple counties, there's a lot to share.

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Construction Highlights in 2024

In 2024, significant work was carried out. 27 bridges were replaced or repaired, and 171 roadway miles were paved. This extensive work showcases the dedication of the engineering district. For example, in Lebanon County alone, projects like the resurfacing of Route 2012/Route 2003 in Richland Borough and South Lebanon Township, and the intersection realignment project on Route 2001 in North Cornwall Township, demonstrate the ongoing efforts to improve the local infrastructure. A notable ongoing project is the installation of a cable median barrier and guide rails along major routes in multiple counties, which ensures enhanced safety.

Projects Completed in Lebanon County

This year, several projects in Lebanon County were completed. The Route 2012/Route 2003 resurfacing project cost $4 million, while the Route 2001 intersection realignment project was $1.8 million, and the Route 72 and Isabel Drive intersection improvement project was $1.2 million. These projects have a direct impact on the local community, making the roads and intersections safer and more efficient.

Projects in Progress and Bidding

Notable projects that are continuing this year include the installation of a cable median barrier and guide rails along Route 30, I-81, and Route 222 in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York counties, which costs $5.2 million. Additionally, projects like the Route 72 Ebenezer Road bridge replacement project in Swatara and Union townships ($5 million), the Route 4020 Fisher Avenue and I-81 ramps resurfacing project in Union Township ($2.3 million), and the Route 22 Allentown Blvd. structure rehabilitation project ($500,000) are making significant progress. The installation of CCTV and DMS devices along interstates in Cumberland, Dauphin, and Lebanon counties ($3.4 million) and the restriping of white and yellow edge lines along various state highways within District 8 ($1.5 million) are also important aspects of the ongoing construction work.Supporting LebTown means supporting local journalism. You can help make it sustainable by becoming a champion of local news. Whether through a one-time contribution or becoming a monthly or annual member, your support is crucial. If you have any questions or suggestions for future LebTown articles, reach out using our contact form.