May 2026
The Spotlight
Learning Curve
K-12 projects face higher requirements, tighter budgets
As the school year nears its end, construction crews are gearing up for an intense summer of executing fast-tracked renovations and completing entirely new schools in time for fall.
On top of those demands, clients and project teams in Maryland’s K-12 market are grappling with other growing challenges. Tight budgets, high construction costs and long planning timelines mean teams need to expand their skills in value engineering, supply chain management and efficient (even inventive) design. At the same time, some projects require teams to meet heightened sustainability levels or deliver uncommon programming space.
Trend Watch
Expertise, discipline needed to contain energy costs
From rising electricity rates to expiring energy incentive programs to the implementation of Maryland’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), construction clients and their project teams are wrestling with a shifting array of challenges as they try to contain energy costs.
Behind the Build
Blakehurst Retirement Community
The renovation of Blakehurst Retirement Community was driven by one clear and lofty goal: Add a new layer of elegance — and a few wow factors — to an already topline retirement community.
Foundation Focus
BC&E Foundation News Round Up
• BIT Workshop hosted Howard County Public Schools students for another hands-on experience into construction careers.
• More than $22,000 in grants will help provide construction trades training to young people.
MEMBER BRIEFS
Design Collective plans massive office renovation
In Baltimore, a huge and uncommon office transformation is underway.
Crews are conducting a gut renovation of the 1.1 million-square-foot former Social Security Administration Metro West building. After the vacant property was acquired by private developers, the State of Maryland arranged to lease 550,000 square feet of office space that would be specially outfitted to serve as a central location for the Department of Health.
SCIF Summit explores growing security needs and best practices
More stringent data security requirements, growing needs to upgrade SCIFs (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities) and the spread of cloud computing and AI prompted DAVIS Construction and Arium A/E to organize a SCIF Summit for the second year running.
BC&E welcomes two new members
Building Congress & Exchange is pleased to welcome new members Nanehi Networks LLC and RTM Engineering Consultants.
