World's Largest Solar Project Comes to Nevada

The Nevada Commission on Economic Development (NCED) has unanimously granted more than $13 million in business incentives over the next 10 years to SunEdison of Maryland for an 18 megawatt solar photovoltaic plant to be constructed in southern Nevada. The project is being developed by Powered by Renewables (PBR) of Nevada and SunEdison of Maryland.

The 18 MW project almost doubles what is currently the world's largest PV project (10 MW) located in Germany. Construction on the Clark County plant is expected to begin in July 2006.

PENTA Building Group Purchases New Building

To accommodate its anticipated growth and expanding operations, the PENTA Building Group has purchased a new office building located on Longley Lane in the South Meadows area. The 4,253-sq.-ft. building is located near the existing PENTA Reno office.

The PENTA staff will be moving into their new office in May 2006 after the
completion of the tenant improvements that PENTA is constructing with members
of the Reno subcontracting community.

Blakely Johnson Ghusn is providing architectural services for the project.

Newest Phase of the District at Green Valley Ranch Underway

Pre-leasing and construction are underway for approximately 51,300 sq. ft. of office-over-retail space in the newest phase of American Nevada Co.'s The District at Green Valley Ranch, with occupancy scheduled for the second quarter of 2006. It will consist of six buildings with an additional 104,500 sq. ft. of lifestyle-retail product.

The second phase of The District is being constructed on a 20-acre parcel at the southeast corner of I-215 and Green Valley Parkway. Whole Foods Market is under construction and set to open in the first quarter of 2006 along with a variety of other lifestyle retail shops.

During business hours, a tram will link both phases of The District, enabling pedestrians to traverse Green Valley Parkway. The first phase was completed in 2004.

The architecture and landscape palette of the second phase is identical to the first phase and will carry the same level of quality. It will also feature a public plaza, which will serve as a venue for outdoor concerts and events. The plaza will be reminiscent of an east coast urban park, with mature trees, lush plantings, ample seating and lawn-covered spaces.

Local Architect Awarded Contract
for Clark County Senior Center Project

JVC Architects recently announced the Las Vegas-based firm has been contracted by Clark County Real Properties to design the Sandy Valley Senior Center. In a town where the population totals nearly 2,000, the large activity center will provide a welcome space for many residents in Sandy Valley, Nev.

The local architecture firm will draw the plans to the 3,100-sq.-ft. center located in southwest Nevada near the Nevada-California state line. With more than 12 percent
of the town's population age 65 and older, the Sandy Valley Senior Center will offer a convenient location for meetings and activities for the senior population. JVC began work in January and estimates completion in spring of 2007. Roy Burson, AIA, principal in charge at JVC, and Project Manager Alain Rivard will manage the project.

The contract is valued at $1.7 million.

Fluor to Begin Construction of Power Plant in Nevada

Fluor Corporation announced that it will begin construction of a 200-megawatt, coal-fired power plant in Nevada for Newmont Mining Corporation. Value to Fluor for this work is $400 million.

Under terms of the contract, Fluor will perform engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning services for the plant, which will be located in Eureka County, Nev.

The project is expected to achieve the commercial operation date, a key event for the project, in 2008. When complete, the plant will use the best emissions control technology currently available, and is designed to exceed the EPA's new stringent standards for plant emissions.

CORE to Build New Medical Office Building

CORE Construction has been contracted by US Oncology to construct a 16,700-sq.-ft. medical office building which will serve as a cancer center.

The construction project, located at 7445 Peak Drive, will consist of a single story building with wood frame exterior and roof, plaster finish with aluminum storefront, interior metal framed walls and extensive casework, as well as a concrete vault for medical equipment, significant HVAC, plumbing and electrical. The contract is valued at more than $3 million.

Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2006 and for completion in late 2006.

Carpenter Sellers is the architect of record for the project.