Letter from the Editor

Top Projects: the ‘Feel-Good’ Issue?

By Scott Blair

Scott Blair

For 10 years I have been involved, in one way or another, in the ranking of the top project starts in Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. Yet never before have I seen this relatively simple list of projects carry so much meaning, reflecting the hopes of an industry for an end to the recession.

Researching Top Projects has always been labor intensive, but straightforward. Using the McGraw-Hill Construction Network, interviews with project teams, internet searches and good old-fashioned detective work, we root out and profile the biggest projects. Sometimes no amount of persuasion will get project participants talking, so we have to go with the public information available at press time. We’ll even drive by project sites to scrounge for first-hand observations and take photos through chain-link fences.

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This year has been different. It seems like everyone is eager to share with us and you the readers the news about their latest mega-project. Where in the past some owners and developers were more guarded in releasing construction costs, sizes and other key project details, the current climate seems to be encouraging a more open information policy, perhaps to reassure investors and the public that their projects are healthy and on track.

Prior to starting my research, I had assumed this year’s crop of projects would be more modest in size, yet the 60 projects total $9 billion in construction activity, close to the $10 billion total of 2007’s largest project starts.

While A/E/C firms have always strived to serve their clients effectively and efficiently, there seems to be a renewed sense of purpose and pride among the designers and builders of this year’s projects. For some, it is make it or break it time, and these projects are making the difference, pulling them through these tough times.

Scott Blair
Senior Regional Editor