Welcome to this week’s edition of TheJobWalk! Your weekly construction briefing that nails the sweet spot between building insights and industry news. Whether you’re on-site wrestling with blueprints or safely perched in the office, we’ve got the content to inform you for the day. Let’s get to work!

PROJECTS

Project Announcement: $1 Billion Boeing Expansion in South Carolina

Last month, it was announced that Boeing will be investing $1B in expanding their 787 Dreamliner production campuses in North Charleston, South Carolina. The expansion is part of Boeing's plan to increase its production rate to 10 airplanes per month by 2026. The project is expected to create 500 jobs and is expected to be completed in 2027.

• Client: Boeing

• General Contractors: TBD

• Award: Aviation

• Value: $1 Billion

• Location: North Charleston, South Carolina

Amazon’s $11 Billion Data Center Investment Plan in Georgia

Last week it was revealed that Amazon Web Services (AWS) will be investing $11B into data centers in Georgia to expand their infrastructure. In October of last year, AWS purchased 118 acres in Douglas County and another 430 acres in Covington. This investment is set to create 550 well-paying jobs within AWS along with a large amount of construction jobs as well.

• Client: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• General Contractors: TBD

• Award: Data Center

• Value: $11 Billion

• Location: Georgia

Project Update: $18.4 Billion Rio Grande LNG Terminal

In 2023 Bechtel Corporation began constructing the massive $18.4 Billion Rio Grande LNG Terminal on a 984 acre site in Brownsville Texas. The first LNG train will be operational in 2027, with more to follow in the coming years. It is estimated to be fully operational by 2029. When fully operational, it will produce 27 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas per year, capable of powering 26 million US households.

• Owner: NextDecade

• Investor: Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), ADNOC Group, TotalEnergies

• EPC Contractor: Bechtel Corporation

• Sector: Industrial/LNG

• Value: $18.4 Billion

• Location: Brownsville, Texas

Major Project Announcement: $1.5 Billion S Concourse Evolution Project

HENSEL PHELPS is leading the $1.5 billion modernization of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This project will transform the airport's 350,000 sqft international hub, originally built in the 1970s, into a state-of-the-art facility. It will include seismic upgrades, modernized electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems, and expanded retail, dining, and lounge spaces to enhance the passenger experience. Construction begins in 2026, with completion expected by 2034.

• General Contractor: HENSEL PHELPS

• Engineering: AECOM & Jacobs

• Design Team: HOK

• Sector: Aviation

• Investment Value: $1.5 Billion

• Location: Seattle, Washington

NEWS

Microsoft Pours $80 Billion into Data Centers to Lead AI Revolution

Microsoft plans to invest $80 billion in fiscal year 2025 to expand its global data center infrastructure, with over 50% of the funds allocated to U.S.-based facilities. This massive investment supports the growing demand for AI and cloud services, including training advanced AI models.

In fiscal year 2023, Microsoft spent $33 billion on its cloud infrastructure, highlighting a significant 142% year-over-year increase in planned spending. The company aims to maintain its competitive edge in the AI market, where global AI-related data center investments are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25% through 2030.

Sourced widely from Facilities Dive - Coverage on Microsoft's surge in AI and cloud data center investments, SiliconANGLE - Detailed analysis of Microsoft's fiscal year 2025 investment plans, The UNN - Focus on Microsoft's $80 billion commitment to AI and data centers and  Market Research Reports - Statistics on the projected growth of AI-related data center investments globally.

Energy Infrastructure: Progress vs Sustainability

The growing electricity demands of AI data centers are driving a surge in natural gas power plant construction across the United States. Projections indicate up to 80 new plants may be built by 2030, aiming to address the energy needs of AI technology. While this expansion supports technological growth, it raises concerns about meeting climate targets due to the continued reliance on fossil fuels. (Financial Times)

Despite progress in renewable energy investments, the energy sector faces significant challenges. Companies like Berkshire Hathaway are grappling with the operation of coal-fired power plants, which remain a major source of emissions. This highlights the complexities of transitioning from traditional energy sources to sustainable alternatives while balancing economic and environmental priorities. (Reuters)

These developments show the challenges of advancing infrastructure to support new technologies while pursuing sustainability goals. The construction of natural gas plants and the hurdles in renewable energy adoption reveal the need for innovative solutions and policy adjustments to address energy demands without compromising environmental objectives. (Reuters)

WORLD

Abu Dhabi's $6 Billion Solar & Battery Storage Facility

Led by Masdar, this new facility will generate 1 GW of continuous renewable power. Spanning 90 square kilometers, the project combines 5.2 GW of solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity with 19 GWh of battery storage to provide around-the-clock clean energy. The facility, expected to begin operations by 2027, will supply enough electricity to power 200,000 homes and displace 2.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.

Aligned with the UAE's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the facility highlights the country’s leadership in renewable energy. The project will create thousands of jobs and stimulate the local economy, positioning the UAE as a global leader in sustainable energy. With its combination of solar power and advanced energy storage, this facility will become one of the largest renewable energy projects worldwide. (Masdar)

TECH SPOTLIGHT

HoloBuilder Platform Developments

HoloBuilder is a transformative platform in construction management, offering 360° visualization of sites for real-time progress tracking and virtual tours. By enabling stakeholders to remotely monitor developments, it enhances transparency and collaboration. This technology is particularly relevant in 2025 as construction projects become more globalized and teams increasingly rely on remote communication to streamline workflows. (HoloBuilder Official Site, ForConstructionPros)

Construction leaders like Hensel Phelps and BAM Construction leverage HoloBuilder for quality control, as-built documentation, and advanced visualization. The platform integrates seamlessly with tools like BIM and drones, enabling AI-powered analytics for progress estimation and change detection. This future-focused approach aligns with the industry's emphasis on automation and data-driven decision-making, reducing errors and delays. (HoloBuilder Blog, KHL Construction)

HoloBuilder also offers cost and time savings by minimizing on-site visits and rework. Companies such as Gray Construction use it to virtually guide clients through projects, showcasing its scalability and efficiency in meeting the demands of the modern construction landscape. (Gray Insights, HoloBuilder Blog)

The Rise of Eco-Friendly Construction

Sustainable materials and green technologies are transforming the construction industry, driven by the sector’s substantial environmental impact. The industry accounts for 39% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with building materials like cement responsible for 8% alone. Using alternatives like carbon-neutral concrete and recycled materials can reduce emissions by 30%.

The US Green Building Council reports that LEED-certified projects have risen 19% since 2020, reflecting increased demand for energy-efficient buildings. The global market for green construction materials is projected to grow from $264 billion in 2021 to $523 billion by 2031, supporting a shift toward eco-friendly and resilient construction practices. (Green Building Council, Forbes, EY Reports, Allied Market Research)

QUICK FIRE ROUND

Your quiz questions for this week:

What are “Shear walls” are designed to do?

A. Carry vertical loads only // B. Improve insulation // C. Resist lateral forces (wind, earthquake)

A “live load” on a structure includes:

A. Permanent walls // B. Moveable objects and occupants // C. The roof structure itself

What does “BIM” stand for?

A. Building Information Modeling // B. Basic Inspection Manual // C. Building Interior Maintenance

What is the aim of using a pilot hole?

A. Insert anchors // B. Guide a larger drill bit or screw // C. Ventilate studs

In construction scheduling, “critical path” is:

A. The shortest path on-site // B. Tasks that are optional // C. The sequence of tasks that determines the overall project duration

Check out the answers at the bottom.

WEEKLY FUNNY

THIS WEEK’S HOT JOBS

1. Electrical Superintendent, Data Centers, Traveling

2. Mechanical Superintendent, Data Centers, Traveling

3. MEP Superintendent, Data Centers, Traveling

4. Quality Manager, Data Centers, Traveling

5. MEP Project Manager, Data Centers, Traveling

6. MEP Superintendent, Healthcare, Southeast US

7. MEP Project Manager, Healthcare, Southeast US

8. Mechanical Engineer, North Carolina

9. Superintendent, Healthcare, Texas

10. Electrical Project Manager, Commercial, Texas

REFLECTION

This week’s question to ask yourself..

What are my long-term career goals?

🚧Answers

Q1 C. Resist lateral forces (wind, earthquake) // Q2 B. Moveable objects and occupants // Q3 A. Building Information Modeling // Q4 B. Guide a larger drill bit or screw // Q5 C. The sequence of tasks that determines the overall project duration

How many did you get?

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