As we close out this week, we're turning our attention to the construction industry. Looking around at what's been going on we found some good news, some interesting news, and some fun news.
U.S. homebuilder confidence soars to its highest level in almost a decade. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo builder sentiment index reaches its highest mark since the pre-recession housing boom of ten years ago. At a mark of 62, it is the highest number since the index hit 68 in October of 2005. The index has consistently been above 50 (a number that indicates builders believe sales conditions are good) since July 2014. This consistent performance demonstrates the gradual rebound in the sale of new homes.
Papal visit benefits construction jobs in Philadelphia. A lot of preparation goes into a visit from one of the world’s most influential people. Just ask the city of Philadelphia, as they get ready for a visit from Pope Francis on Saturday, September 26. Philadelphia has created a custom, 100-foot wide stage for the Pope's visit, featuring a 100-foot wide and 90-foot long arch to cover the stage. With a 3,000 person team, the project required 40,000 feet of truss, 30 miles of cable, 28 miles of audio cable, and 15,000 feet of construction fence.
You never know what you will dig up, as construction workers in Frankfurt, Germany will attest to. While working in the city's western Roedelheim district, workers uncovered the skeletons of 200 soldiers believed to be from Napoleon’s Grand Army. It is thought they died in battles fought near Frankfurt while retreating from Russia in 1813.
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