And the award goes to…

ULI Development of Excellence Awards was a true success last night. A wonderful evening of crystal chandeliers, fine dining, networking, and rapping? Last night’s event may have been edgier than award ceremonies have been in the past, but let’s be honest, it was funny! The rap performance by the event’s emcee, Tripp Crosby, got people talking but mostly laughing. Awards were given to 1315 Peachtree Street, Shops Around Lenox, the Commerce Club and two prestigious individual awards to Helen Tapp and A.J. Land, Jr.

The real winners may have gone home with shiny trophies, but when you consider that we all networked with some of the best Real Estate professionals in the Southeast… I think we all walk away a winner. Thank you ULI Atlanta for another exciting night.

Our table proved to be the life of the party: Allison, Richard, and Terry (FrontDoor Communities), Amy (Lubert Adler), Jim (Tishman Speyer), Scott (Crescent Resources), Rush (Lavista Associates), Tyler (Wells Fargo), Adam and Jennifer (Fortis Engineering Solutions)

Greener Georgia | better energy better economy

Georgia, currently listed as the 29th greenest state among the country by Forbes.com, is hopeful in becoming a more energy conscience state. The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) held a conference in Savannah last week, in hopes of advancing in renewable energy. GEFA provides incentive programs, informational sessions, and conferences, like the one in Savannah, to motivate companies and individuals to choose greener alternatives.  A recent article by Wes Hudson in ABC’s Real Talk discusses the GEFA conference and how “the level of expertise displayed by GEFA regarding Georgia’s land-based wind energy and solar power resources and potential for economic development were phenomenal”. The funding and initiative programs provided by GEFA to Georgia companies and organizations has brought about great job opportunities and will continue to do so.

The opportunity for economic growth from these investments will not alone pull Atlanta out of its current slump, but it will certainly help. And if Atlanta is looking to get out of the red we are going to have to think green as companies, organizations, and as individuals.

graphic created by US Green Bldg Assoc.

Breaking Ground at Rock Eagle Science & Technology Park!

For the Putnam Development Authority Fortis has been providing Landscape Architecture and Construction services for the new Rock Eagle Science & Technology Park. The project, partially funded by a $500,000 grant from Georgia One,  consists of 130-acre tract of land planned for 21 parcels to be marketed for small to medium-sized technology companies. Putnam Development Authority wanted to bring attention to the entryway in order to market to potential tenants. Fortis’ Landscape Architect, Rick McAllister has already designed the entry feature located just off of Hwy 441.

In May of this year, Putnam County Development Authority and other local affiliations showed up to the ground breaking ceremony. Far Left you can see our very own, Rick McAllister, Chris Adams & Adam Shaifer giving a helping hand with the first dig toward the future of Technology Park.

Bisnow Takes On Hot Sustainability Topics

Since hosting several green events in New York, Dallas, and Washington, DC., Bisnow held a Sustainability Summit in Atlanta at the Westin in Buckhead this morning. The event focused on several sustainability topics including current issues, government incentives, and what to expect from the green movement in the future. However, while agreeing on several common grounds one hot topic in particular seemed to bring some tension to the room, Atlanta’s public transportation issue.

When asking what advice each speaker would give to the Mayor in trying to make Atlanta one of the top ten cities for sustainability, public transportation came up as a major issue. Though a few felt that transportation in Atlanta was too far gone, several panel and audience members spoke for investing in the future of transportation and addressing the issue rather than avoiding it. As a green conscience company, Fortis is proud to have an office location directly across from the Chamblee MARTA Station.

Representing Fortis was our own Landscape Architect, Rick McAllister LEED; Civil Engineer, Dan Gibbs LEED; and Marketing Administrator, Jennifer Russell, whom attended the event this morning. Overall, the event was a success in bringing together companies with a common cause to encourage taking advantage of more sustainable opportunities for old and new developments.

Truett-McConnell College Expands & Fortis Takes On Civil Engineering Services

Located in Cleveland, Georgia, just outside of Helen, Truett-McConnell College sits on 286 – acres of rolling hills, where recently the board of trustees approved the largest expansion in the campus’ history.  As a result, Fortis was selected to team up with Design Development Architects and Focus Design Builders to bring three developments to the private Baptist College; Miller Building addition, Dining Hall addition, and a brand new Residence Hall.

For these three buildings, Fortis will be supplying civil engineering services from schematic design and stormwater design to construction documents and permitting services. Project manager, Daniel Gibbs says, “[He] is enthusiastic about the opportunity to help expand the new college, and with the current state of the economy it is nice to see that in areas of Georgia education is still a priority and developing to accommodate for expected growth.”

Fortis Expands Resort Design Services to Achasta

Fortis is pleased to announce that it will supply engineering solutions for the residential golf community of Achasta, developed by Reynolds Signature Communities. Fortis will be providing planning and civil engineering services for the master planned neighborhood located in Dahlonega, Georgia.  July 1^st Fortis and Achasta signed a joint agreement for Fortis to provide schematic designs for all 3 phases of Achasta’s new development. In preparation of new growth, Achasta plans on extending its infrastructure to accommodate future expansion.

Currently, Fortis is working with Reynolds Signature Communities for Phase 9C of Achasta, a project that entails civil engineering services including lot, road and utility design. Now Fortis continues to provide engineering solutions through conceptual planning, plat/ zoning services, surveying services, civil engineering services and construction administration. Among several of the civil services are utility plan, erosion control, road plan & profiles, and storm & sanitary profiles.

While Achasta continues to grow, Fortis continues to fulfill the land development needs of this growing community.

To see photos and learn more about this gorgeous golfing community visit the Achasta website, we highly recommend it!

Fortis Earns New Civil Engineering Project in Johns Creek

After much anticipation, Fortis signed an engineering proposal with the Communities of Wellington Homeowners Association (HOA) on June 8th. The project began immediately, starting with the topographic surveying phase for the street and culvert collapse on Dam Road. After delivering due diligence services earlier in the year, Fortis will continue to fulfill the HOA’s needs by providing several civil engineering services, such as; engineering design, storm water management study & design, and permitting.

Fortis Engineering will be working with Carey Land Survey, as well as, BB&J, who will be providing environmental services for the project. Fortis is looking forward to this opportunity and expects to complete the designs for the removal and replacement of the culvert and road crossing within a short time frame.

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