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Back to the Doctor’s Office: As Telehealth Declines, Demand for In-Person Care Drives a Medical Real Estate Shift

The Hoyt Organization

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual healthcare saw a historic surge. But now, a new trend is emerging: patients are returning to their doctors' offices — and they’re doing it in droves. According to new data from the Center for Telehealth and e-Health Law (CTeL), telehealth use has entered a steady decline since its peak during the pandemic. With the expiration of emergency policies that once expanded access to virtual care, analysts project a staggering 12 million telehealth appointments will be lost annually. This shift is placing renewed importance on brick-and-mortar medical practices—and driving an urgent need for physical medical office space in urban hubs across the country. “This isn’t just a statistical dip — it’s a fundamental shift,” says Kurt Hackett, Vice President of Asset Management at Rethink Capital, which owns and manages the Medical Pavilion at 939 Ellis Street in San Francisco. “We're seeing patients of all types of medical disciplines re-emphasize the value of in-person care, and providers are responding by ramping up their physical presence.” A Premier Option in San Francisco's Healthcare Corridor At the heart of the resurgence of in-person care is the Medical Pavilion at 939 Ellis Street, a premier medical office building situated in San Francisco’s vibrant healthcare corridor along Van Ness Avenue. Nestled close by Sutter Health’s CPMC Van Ness Campus, the Pavilion offers a strategic, central location for healthcare providers looking to expand or relocate to a high-demand urban market. “939 Ellis Street is perfectly positioned for providers who need immediate access to hospital systems, public transit, and city and suburban population,” says Hackett. “It checks all the boxes for modern medical delivery.” The property features: Proximity to top-tier health systems and medical campuses Full and partial floor suites to accommodate a wide range of medical uses Infrastructure designed to meet today’s clinical and compliance needs On-site parking, and mass transit accessibility What’s Driving the In-Person Comeback? Several factors are contributing to the retreat from telehealth and the renewed interest in physical appointments: Clinical Limitations of Virtual Care: While video consultations offer convenience, many conditions — such as orthopedic and cardiac issues, cancer care, and urological disorders — require physical examinations, lab work, and imaging that simply cannot be done remotely. Insurance Reimbursement Reversions: As emergency-era policies sunset, insurers are reverting to pre-COVID reimbursement models which often favor in-person visits. This reimbursement structure creates an incentive for providers to bring patients back into the office. Digital Fatigue: After years of Zoom meetings, online learning, and virtual appointments, both patients and providers are reporting burnout with screen-based interactions. Trust and Patient Experience: Research continues to show that face-to-face care fosters stronger patient-provider relationships and improves long-term treatment outcomes—something digital platforms have struggled to replicate. Investment Strategies Follow the Trend For real estate investors and healthcare providers alike, the shift back to in-person care is shaping portfolio decisions in key metro markets like San Francisco, where aging medical stock and strong population density make modern medical offices particularly attractive. “Providers are increasingly seeking newer, well-located facilities that reflect the current standards of care,” Hackett explains. “Our goal at the Medical Pavilion is to offer not just square footage, but an ecosystem where quality care can thrive.” A New Era of Care Delivery As the pendulum swings away from virtual-first healthcare, the demand for high-quality, strategically located medical office space is expected to grow — particularly in regions like the Bay Area, where healthcare innovation and patient demand continue to intersect. For providers seeking to adapt and grow in this changing environment, properties like the Medical Pavilion at 939 Ellis Street represent a unique opportunity: the chance to be part of San Francisco’s healthcare future, right in the heart of its medical corridor. For leasing inquiries at 939 Ellis St., contact Trask Leonard, president and CEO of Bayside Realty Partners at tleonard@baysiderp.com. About Medical Pavilion at 939 Ellis Street: Positioned in the Van Ness medical hub, Medical Pavilion at 939 Ellis Street is a purpose-built medical office building offering flexible, large-scale space options for healthcare users, with direct access to public transit, nearby hospitals, and the city’s primary healthcare corridor. It can accommodate a range of specialties. It boasts a scenic rooftop terrace and available parking. Contact Details Leeza Hoyt +1 310-343-3197 llhoyt@hoytorg.com Company Website https://939-ellis.com/

June 26, 2025 08:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Clarion Partners Makes First Investment in Bozeman, Montana Market

Clarion Partners

Clarion Partners, LLC, a leading real estate investment manager, is partnering with Wentworth Property Company to develop Highmark, a new 162-unit townhome and apartment community in Bozeman, MT. Located in a Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) on 8+ acres in the broader South University District master-planned neighborhood, Highmark is bringing high-quality rental housing options to one of the most rapidly growing micropolitan areas in the U.S. Leasing began in April 2025, and the project is scheduled for completion in late 2025. Inclusive of a broad range of unit styles, from single bedroom apartments to 3-story townhomes, the community, situated less than a half mile from the Montana State University campus and less than two miles from Downtown Bozeman, offers a variety of living accommodations for families and students alike. “Bozeman offers an unparalleled outdoor lifestyle as well as proximity to a growing education and technology employment base,” said Clarion Partners Managing Director Jason Glasser. “The development of Highmark will add a variety of new housing options in a popular area where home prices have become increasingly unaffordable.” Units feature 10-ft ceilings, modern kitchens with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, wood-vinyl flooring, ample storage, full size washing machines and dryers, and individual yards and balconies for the townhomes. Community amenities include a clubroom, fitness center, package locker room, outdoor gathering area, hot tub, dog park, pet spa, and over 300 parking spaces. Clarion is currently invested in 170 properties (nearly $8 billion in GRE) in areas designated as QOZs and owns an additional 734 properties (over $38 billion in GRE) in submarkets neighboring U.S. QOZs. 1 About Clarion Partners Clarion Partners, an SEC registered investment adviser with FCA-authorized and FINRA member affiliates, has been a leading U.S. real estate investment manager for more than 40 years. Headquartered in New York, the firm maintains strategically located offices across the United States and Europe. With over $73 billion in total real estate and debt assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to 500 institutional investors across the globe. For more information visit www.clarionpartners.com. 1 As of December 31, 2024 Contact Details Chris Sullivan +1 917-902-0617 chris@craftandcapital.com Company Website https://www.clarionpartners.com

June 23, 2025 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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New Alvarez & Marsal Report on Tariff Impact Highlights the Imperative for Companies to Use Current Turmoil as License to Radically Improve Operations

Alvarez & Marsal Consumer and Retail Group

Apparent calm masks deeper volatility – inaction now is high risk Delay will show up in future quarterly reporting Quantify total tariff exposure and identify equivalent cost cutting opportunities This moment of crisis should not be wasted The Consumer and Retail Group of Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M CRG) today released a special report, Tariffs & Turmoil – Never Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste, which urges retailers to take bold, immediate action as global trade policies shift and economic pressures mount. The report challenges companies to break free from “wait-and-see” or “wing it” paralysis and seize the current disruption as a strategic reset. “We are in a false moment of calm, but July 9th is right around the corner. While the latest quarterly results may not yet show the impact, companies that fail to act now will see tariffs hit hard in the quarters ahead,” said Joanna Rangarajan, Managing Director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group and co-author of the study. “They should be looking to identify every opportunity to improve and fortify operations, as those who successfully came out of Covid did.” Co-author Michael Prendergast, Managing Director in Alvarez & Marsal’s Consumer and Retail Group, noted: “What we are seeing is a shell-shocked level of inactivity. Companies need to use this tariff crisis as an opportunity to do the hard work of getting their SG&A numbers down by 15 to 20 percent. Looking at pricing, reaching out to vendor bases and shifting country of origin are no longer enough. This is the perfect moment for management teams to refocus on optimizing their inventory, speeding up calendaring, and ultimately assessing their total cost of tariffs so that they can work toward an equivalent level of budgetary savings.” The report lays out nine areas in which retail companies should be focusing to navigate tariff twists and turns successfully, including: Relentlessly reduce costs across the entire organization Fuel innovation and growth initiatives that differentiate Double down on product winners that drive value Price intelligently to spark demand without sacrificing margin Adopt a fast fashion calendar mindset to increase agility Make decisions at lightning speed – favor action over perfection Reshape sourcing strategy for flexibility and long-term advantage Optimize supply chains for efficiency and responsiveness Establish a cross-functional command center with clear accountability To download a pdf of Tariffs & Turmoil – Never Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste, please visit: https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/insight/tariffs-turmoil-never-let-a-good-crisis-go-to-waste/ The Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group (CRG) is a management consulting firm that tackles the most complex challenges and advances its clients, people, and communities towards their maximum potential. CRG combines the best of A&M’s broader firm's bias toward action and practicality with deep consumer and retail industry experience. CRG partners with businesses across a wide range of categories including Food & Beverage, Beauty & Personal Care, Grocery, Mass Merchandise, and Apparel & Footwear to drive significant performance improvement. Contact Details David Schneidman dschneidman@alvarezandmarsal.com Company Website https://alvarezandmarsal-crg.com/

June 18, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Kryton International Urges Durable Concrete Standards as Data Centers Face Mounting Infrastructure Risks

The Hoyt Organization

As the demand for high-performance data centers surges around the world, Kryton International, the global leader in waterproofing and durability solutions for concrete, is calling attention to a growing threat to uptime and asset longevity: concrete degradation. With operators increasingly adopting robotics and automation within their facilities, the need for ultra-durable, waterproof concrete is no longer optional — it’s critical. According to Forbes, the average cost of a data center outage has soared to over $9,000 per minute, with some incidents exceeding $1 million per hour. Seemingly minor infrastructure failures — such as a hairline crack in a concrete slab that leads to water ingress — can escalate rapidly, damaging sensitive servers and power infrastructure. Even small leaks that do not fully penetrate can corrode the internal steel rebar and trigger a full collapse of concrete walls, cable trays, raised floors, power conduits, or cooling lines. “Concrete is often treated as a static component of a data center, but in reality, it is a dynamic and vulnerable part of the facility,” said Kari Yuers, President & CEO of Kryton International. “Traditional concrete is prone to microcracking, water penetration, and abrasion — all of which can lead to costly damage, downtime, and reputational risk for operators.” This risk is amplified by the massive volumes of water used to cool today’s data centers. Many large facilities use millions of gallons of water daily to regulate temperature — Google alone reported using over 5 billion gallons of water across its U.S. data centers in 2022. As cooling systems circulate water through and around concrete infrastructure, the potential for seepage and structural degradation grows — especially when relying on outdated or inadequately treated concrete. Additionally, the implementation of robotics to handle racks within the facility – an increasingly more common practice within the data center industry – subjects the concrete to abrasion from wheeled traffic cycles. Kryton’s Krystol Internal Membrane™ (KIM®) and Hard-Cem® admixtures provide industry-leading protection by making concrete self-sealing, waterproof, and resistant to abrasion — even under the heavy loads and constant movement associated with robotic systems. “Data centers are expanding to handle the processing power of AI systems, and the modern, high-efficiency warehouses are increasingly being driven by robotics,” said Yuers. “That shift demands a new standard in concrete performance — one that resists not just time, but moisture and abrasion.” The need is growing as hyperscale and edge data centers expand into regions with high water tables, such as Texas and the Southern U.S.; seismic activity; or wide seasonal temperature swings — all of which increase the risk of concrete deterioration. Once a water leak occurs, not only is there potential damage to electronics, but entire operations may grind to a halt for remediation and equipment replacement. By integrating Kryton's innovative admixtures at the time of construction, operators can avoid costly shutdowns, eliminate reliance on external waterproofing membranes, and ensure long-term operational resilience. Key Advantages of Advanced Concrete Solutions in Data Centers: Moisture Protection: Waterproof concrete helps eliminate the risk of seepage and moisture migration through floors and below-grade walls, which is especially vital in facilities with raised floors or sensitive power and cooling infrastructure. Long-Term Integrity: Abrasion-resistant concrete stands up to the high traffic and mechanical wear caused by heavy equipment, maintenance operations, and cable tray installations—ensuring longevity without the need for frequent repairs. Energy and Cost Efficiency: By mitigating risks of structural damage, corrosion, and mold growth, advanced concrete formulations reduce the need for costly repairs, operational disruptions, and energy losses from compromised insulation systems. For more information about Kryton’s concrete durability solutions for mission-critical infrastructure, visit www.kryton.com. ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary KrystolÂ® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://www.kryton.com/

June 10, 2025 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

Clarion Partners Welcomes MEI Industrial Solutions to the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center

Clarion Partners

New York, NY – May 29, 2025 – Clarion Partners, LLC, a leading real estate investment manager, welcomes MEI Industrial Solutions (“MEI”) to 500 Denmark Drive, a newly constructed 322,000-square-foot Class A building located within the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center (“TRIC”). MEI Industrial Solutions (formerly MEI Rigging & Crating) is a leading provider of rigging, machinery moving, industrial storage, millwrighting, crating, export packing services, and specialized transportation services across the nation. The company has leased 161,200 sq. ft. of space, representing approximately half of the building. 500 Denmark is part of a larger development of over 1 million square feet of Class A warehouses at the TRIC, considered to be one of the largest industrial parks in the world. “We’re pleased that MEI Industrial Solutions has chosen to include 500 Denmark Drive as part of its regional West Coast logistics expansion,” said Clarion Partners Managing Director Jason Glasser. “As a high-growth and desirable submarket conveniently located near major transportation routes, Reno continues to offer industrial users like MEI a compelling value proposition.” The new facility significantly expands MEI’s operational footprint in Northern Nevada and enhances MEI’s service capacity with secured indoor and outdoor storage space, joining MEI’s nationwide network of 50+ facilities across 24 states. In addition, the facility is well positioned to serve the company’s data center and manufacturing customer base nearby. Clarion Partners acquired 500 Denmark Drive on behalf of a commingled fund in July 2024. Surrounded by numerous data centers as well as national tech, big box, and e-retailer tenants, the acquisition expanded Clarion’s existing Reno-area industrial footprint of over 1.7 million sq. ft. It also marked Clarion’s first entry into Sparks, NV - one of Reno’s most active submarkets and an active Federally designated Qualified Opportunity Zone (“QOZ”). Clarion is currently invested in 170 properties (nearly $8 billion in GRE) in areas designated as QOZs and owns an additional 560 properties (over $30 billion in GRE) in submarkets neighboring QOZs. 1 Clarion Partners, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser with FCA-authorized and FINRA member affiliates, has been a leading U.S. real estate investment manager for more than 40 years. Headquartered in New York, the Firm maintains strategically located offices across the United States and Europe. With $73.1 billion in total real estate and debt assets under management, Clarion Partners offers a broad range of real estate strategies across the risk/return spectrum to approximately 500 institutional investors across the globe. Clarion is scaled in all major property types and was an early entrant into the Industrial sector. The Firm’s global industrial team manages a ~1,000 property portfolio in the U.S. and Europe consisting of more than 250 million square feet. Clarion Partners is an independently operated specialist investment manager of Franklin Templeton. More information about the firm is available at www.clarionpartners.com. Franklin Resources, Inc. [NYSE:BEN] is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. Franklin Templeton’s mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California-based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over $1.5 trillion in assets under management as of April 30, 2025. Contact Details Chris Sullivan +1 917-902-0617 chris@craftandcapital.com Company Website https://www.clarionpartners.com

June 09, 2025 04:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Shumate Engineering Presents Breakthrough Hybrid Dry Adiabatic Cooling Design, Passes Key Benchmark

The Hoyt Organization

In a major breakthrough for the data center industry, Shumate Engineering, a leading full-service MEP engineering firm specializing in mission-critical data center environments, has launched its new cooling design, which is proven to significantly reduce power and water consumption. Hybrid-Dry/Adiabatic-Cooling (HDAC), a patent-pending design, was presented last month at AFCOM’s Data Center World conference in Washington, D.C., to hundreds of industry insiders who agreed with the system. HDAC utilizes both wet and dry cooling techniques within a closed loop, has the potential to disrupt the sector – just as its grappling with the proliferation of artificial intelligence. “With the need for massive computing power taking hold around the world, the data center industry is booming right now; however, the power and water needed to cool the racks and keep them functioning has limited its progress,” said Daren Shumate, PE, founder and managing principal of Tysons, Va.-based Shumate Engineering. “Major data center projects backed by the biggest names in tech have resorted to drastic measures to meet this demand, including the construction of high-density data centers that span city blocks and recommissioning nuclear power plants, but our cooling design manages to use half of the power and less than 10 percent of the water compared to traditional data centers – offering a massive savings of natural resources and billions of dollars in costs.” This hybrid-dry adiabatic (HDAC) design was presented by Shumate and R. Stephen Spinazzola, PE, director of mission critical services at Shumate Engineering at the AFCOM conference. They explained how to get power usage effectiveness (PUE) for a hyperscale data center in the mid-Atlantic region – typically higher than 1.2 – down to a range between 1.1 to 1.06 PUE, depending on the ratio of traditional air cooled versus direct liquid cooled equipment. They followed up the presentation with a successful test at Baltimore Aircoil Company's testing facility where the system met all specific design requirements, including: Maintaining 68 deg F fluid supply temp up to 60 deg F ambient dry bulb Maintaining 90 deg F fluid supply temp up to 82 deg F ambient dry bulb Maintaining 90 deg F fluid supply temp up to 81 deg F ambient wet bulb “We are incredibly pleased with the performance of our HDAC design,” said Spinazzola, the creator of the design who already has six patents in his name. “This test verifies our claim that this system uses approximately the same water an air-cooled chiller system uses when combining on site and electrical power plant water use.” The timing couldn’t be more relevant. As global demand for high-performance data centers surges — driven largely by the exponential growth of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing — cooling infrastructure has become a critical bottleneck. Shumate Engineering's groundbreaking solution addresses both the energy and environmental challenges associated with traditional evaporative and mechanical cooling methods. “Our new hybrid system is a game-changer,” Shumate said. “By dramatically reducing both energy and water consumption, we're enabling data center operators to scale up AI and high-density workloads sustainably and cost-effectively. It’s an engineering solution that meets the moment.” Unlike conventional systems that rely heavily on water-based evaporative cooling, Shumate Engineering’s HDAC design combines advanced dry cooling principles with prescribed adiabatic enhancements, optimizing thermal performance without compromising environmental responsibility. The result is a scalable, modular system that not only meets the intense thermal demands of AI-driven computing but also reduces operational costs and environmental footprint — a critical consideration as data centers face growing scrutiny over resource usage. “Considering that a typical ChatGPT query used 10 times more power than the average Google search, the future of computing demands a future-ready infrastructure,” Spinazzola said. “Our HDAC system keeps pace with technological advancements while meeting aggressive sustainability goals – cutting power usage in half and using just a sip of water." About Shumate Engineering Shumate Engineering is a full-service MEP engineering firm specializing in mission critical, data center environments. Its ever-growing roster of engineers have collaborated on many projects — from the namesakes of northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley” and the rapidly growing DMV housing market to new prospects in Richmond and beyond. The team’s game-changing Hybrid Adiabatic Fluid Cooler - which uses half as much power and 90 percent less water than traditional cooling systems for AI data centers - is set to be approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this summer. Learn more at shumateengineering.com. Daren Shumate, Founder and Managing Principal of Shumate Engineering, boasts many accomplishments in data center design including is an engineering icon the Smithsonian Institution’s main data center in Herndon, eBay’s chief 26-megawatt Tier E structure in Utah, the NSA’s High Performance Computing Center in Ft. Meade, and the Fannie Mae-owned data center in Urbana that was the first of its kind to attain LEED. He is a licensed electrical engineer in more than 20 states and lives in the Washington, D.C. area. Steve Spinazzola, Director of Mission Critical Services for Shumate Engineering, offers more than 42 years of experience in both mechanical design and project management on corporate, mission-critical, educational, health and science, retail, and institutional projects. His game-changing Hybrid Adiabatic Fluid Cooler - which uses half as much power and 90 percent less water than traditional adiabatic cooling - is set to be approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office this summer. ### Contact Details Shumate Engineering Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://shumateengineering.com

June 03, 2025 04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

130 Years Strong: KDW Celebrates Extraordinary Legacy of Building Excellence

KDW

KDW, an award-winning Texas design-build firm, is celebrating an extraordinary milestone — 130 years of continuous, multigenerational family-owned operations. Since its founding in 1895, the company has grown from a reputable and respected East Texas construction business to Texas’ premier design-builder. "Celebrating 130 years in business is a rare and humbling milestone. It’s a testament to the enduring relationships we’ve built along the way,” said KDW Co-founder and CEO Keith Dalton. “We are profoundly grateful to the clients who have trusted us to bring their visions to life. Their partnership and friendship have fueled our growth, inspired our innovation, and sustained our legacy that began with a simple promise: to go beyond for every client. We carry that promise forward with pride and purpose, with a commitment to deliver every project with excellence and integrity for generations to come.” In 1895, the Kingham family established its first construction company in Nacogdoches, Texas, where it shaped the infrastructure of East Texas, building schools, hospitals, churches and several Stephen F. Austin State University buildings. In 2004, the business entered a new era with the launch of Kingham Dalton Wilson, Ltd. (KDW), a strategic partnership between the Kingham family, Keith Dalton and Welcome Wilson Jr. that brought together their respective years of experience with forward-thinking practices needed to meet the needs of global and domestic companies. Today, KDW operates from offices in Houston, Austin and Nacogdoches, supporting clients in commercial and industrial sectors with an integrated, single-contract design-build model staffed by in-house architects, in-house designers and multidisciplinary building professionals. KDW is a one-stop partner for global, national and local businesses alike. Its portfolio of more than 2,500 projects includes award-winning work for Elin Energy and Waaree Solar, state-of-the-art manufacturing and logistics facilities for Goya Foods, Sika and MAN Energy Solutions, advanced recycling centers for Balcones Resources, and destination venues such as Typhoon Texas Waterparks and the Fredonia Hotel. The firm has built more than $1 billion in projects since 1895 but recognizes its true impact in its long-standing relationships. By prioritizing open collaboration with clients, design partners and trade professionals, KDW establishes the foundation of trust and transparency that leads to successful completions. Learn more about KDW’s legacy at KDW.com. About KDW KDW is a full-service design-build firm with offices in Houston, Austin, and Nacogdoches. A fifth-generation family-owned business, KDW has simplified the construction process for global and domestic clients for 130 years, with projects spanning industrial, manufacturing, cold storage, food & beverage, commercial, lifestyle and interiors. Its team of over 100 multi-disciplinary experts ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and beyond client expectations. For more information about the company’s culture of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to its people, visit KDW.com. Contact Details Jessica Poulalier jessica@centerreachcommunication.com Company Website https://kdw.com/

May 27, 2025 10:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Rebuilding LA: Steel Frame Construction on the Rise Amid Push to Fireproof Homes

The Hoyt Organization

MAY 1, 2025 – In the aftermath of January’s wildfires that swept through 40,000 acres causing $250 billion in local economic damage, destroying more than 16,000 structures and affecting thousands more, builders and city officials, alike, are analyzing construction practices to incorporate materials that won’t burn. At the top of the list? Steel frame construction. Steel has emerged as the primary option for homebuilders who need to adhere to new standards in wildfire zones and keep insurance costs at bay for those who will ultimately live there. The steel-framing industry, itself, is projected to grow to more than $58 billion by 2033, up from $35 billion in 2023, according to Spherical Insights. “This year’s fires were a heartbreaking tragedy on a horrific scale, and sadly much of damage could have been contained if it weren’t for the overuse of wood and drywall that are so quick to ignite when impacted by flying embers,” said Scott Acton, CEO of Forté Specialty Contractors, a seasoned design-build veteran whose unique expertise combines residential projects with high-profile hospitality and theme park developments that must adhere to stringent fire safety standards. Acton advocates for more steel-frame home designs, which are much more durable in the event of a natural disaster or the wildfires that are occurring at an alarmingly regular place in California. The losses incurred have gotten so catastrophic that the insurance premiums moving forward will likely soar at a rate that will displace many Californians and exacerbate the state’s affordability crisis. “Due to its resilience and durability, steel home construction has been growing in popularity for the luxury markets along the coast, but it is quickly becoming the preferred option for developers of all housing types because traditional building practices have gotten so dangerous and costly,” Acton said. “Developers of multifamily housing are increasingly specifying steel framing to accelerate build times, simplify quality control and deliver fire-resistant buildings that meet the demands of urban living. Along with the protection from fire, steel frame houses are also less susceptible to damage from earthquakes, high winds or flooding.” Steel-frame homes are also less likely to be infested with pests, termites and mold compared to wood. They are faster to assemble because the steel is often pre-fabricated off-site, which reduces on-site labor time. Plus, steel is highly recyclable, making it a more environmentally friendly choice compared to wood, which requires deforestation for production. In addition to pest resistance, speed to market, and recyclability, building with steel framing also delivers substantial saving on insurance. Recognizing steel as non-combustible, insurers can offer premium discounts of up to 75 percent on builder’s risk policies, according to the Steel Framing Industry Association. These average savings reflect steel’s superior fire resistance and loss history, translating into more predictable underwriting and lower overall risk costs throughout both construction and occupancy. The strength and integrity of steel creates more room for designer creativity as well. Despite steel’s relative material cost being higher than lumber, Acton notes that this is a huge value-add in luxury markets such as Malibu and the Palisades, where wider interior spaces and higher ceilings are in demand. ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary KrystolÂ® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com About Forté Specialty Contractors: Founded in 2010, Forté Specialty Contractors is a Las Vegas-based specialty construction company that specializes in design build projects rooted in the experiential theming and entertainment world. Forté expanded its services to include a luxury home building division, which today includes a portfolio of homes in Las Vegas and on the East and West coasts. For more information, please visit fortedesignbuild.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Contact Details Forte Specialty Contractors Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://fortedesignbuild.com/

May 01, 2025 01:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Rising Water Tables in the Southern U.S. Spotlight Need for Sustainable, Waterproof Concrete Solutions

The Hoyt Organization

May 1, 2025 - With rising water tables and an uptick in extreme weather events across the Southern United States, engineers, builders, and municipalities are turning to Smart Concrete as a long-term, sustainable solution to fortify critical infrastructure against flood risks, abrasion, corrosion and climate-related damage. Recent studies have shown that groundwater levels across states like Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and Georgia are increasing due to a combination of sea level rise, heavy rainfall patterns, and overburdened drainage systems. Consequently, there are higher likelihoods of flooding not just along coasts, but inland as well, putting foundations, stormwater systems, and essential infrastructure at increasing risk of failure. According to First Street’s 2025 National Risk Assessment, which projects a nearly $1.5 trillion dollar drop in property values from climate-related migration patterns, the nation’s most risky markets for climate-related property loss are all in Texas, including the metropolitan areas of Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Houston – all of which have experienced recent population surges amid increasing insurance costs associated with extreme weather. Smaller markets have been less resilient to these economic and environmental threats. For instance, in Jefferson County, Ala., the damage has already been done, triggering a 9.4 percent spike in climate-related insurance costs and a subsequent 25 percent plunge in population, the report found. Key infrastructure such as highways, airports and large-capacity garages are increasingly vulnerable to water-related corrosion in the South and that durable concrete is a viable long-term solution to those challenges, according to Patrick Kelly, Territory Manager – Central U.S. for Kryton International, a leading manufacturer of high-performance concrete. “It’s largely a threat from below,” Kelly said of the South’s rising water tables and increasing flood risks. “Traditional concrete structures can deteriorate rapidly when exposed to persistent water pressure, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical ingress. Our waterproof concrete technology is designed to combat these exact challenges while reducing the need for costly maintenance and repair.” Waterproof Concrete: A Sustainable Advantage Unlike surface coatings or short-term sealants, waterproof concrete is engineered at the mix level with crystalline admixtures that resist moisture intrusion from the inside out. When compared to traditional concrete, this internal waterproofing not only prolongs structural life but also contributes to sustainability goals by: Reducing carbon-generating material waste from repairs and replacements Improving lifecycle performance with lower initial carbon footprint Enhancing climate resilience in transportation, utility, and commercial infrastructure Waterproof concrete is increasingly being adopted in: Underground parking structures and basements Tunnels, culverts, and stormwater management systems Coastal and low-lying public works projects High-performance industrial facilities in flood-prone regions “With even more extreme weather on the horizon, future-ready construction starts with resilient materials,” said Kryton International’s Vice President for Product Development, Kevin Yuers. “Waterproof concrete isn’t just a product — it’s a strategy for climate adaptation.” ABOUT KRYTON Kryton International Inc. is the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture and has been waterproofing concrete structures with its proprietary KrystolÂ® technology since 1973. Kryton has won awards for innovation, manufacturing, best place to work, and entrepreneurship. Kryton is an active member of the American Concrete Institute, International Concrete Repair Institute, American Shotcrete Association, and many other thought-leading organizations. Kryton exports its products to more than 50 countries globally. www.kryton.com Contact Details Kryton International, Inc. Andrew King +1 914-513-6895 aking@hoytorg.com Company Website https://www.kryton.com/

May 01, 2025 10:19 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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