Parametrix of Auburn is a finalist in the American Council of Engineering Companies’ (ACEC) 44th annual Engineering Excellence Awards competition for managing the replacement of the Hood Canal Bridge in Kitsap County.

ACEC is the Washington-D.C.-based business association representing approximately 5,700 independent engineering companies throughout the United States. read more »

Home Depot Inc. is regaining momentum after belatedly tackling its biggest fix-it task to date: remodeling itself.

The world’s largest home improvement chain — which reported its first rise in sales at stores open at least a year since 2006 — is redesigning the way it ships merchandise to stores, answers customers’ questions, and showcases its wares on the Internet. read more »

Signature Woodworks is an independent, locally owned company, recently held a ribbon cutting ceremony to announce its Gig Harbor showroom.

It is focused on providing its customers with exciting, fresh ideas and products that they can enjoy in the home. The real heart of Signature Woodworks is its people.

It is their consistent commitment to excellence in design, product selection, installation and customer service that truly sets it apart.

A group of state attorneys general and banking regulators predict a devastating acceleration of foreclosures unless policy makers step up efforts to assist homeowners.

The State Foreclosure Prevention Working Group issued a report that cited disturbing trends including a rising tide of delinquent mortgages outpacing servicer outreach and loss-mitigation efforts. The report also offered recommendations for action. read more »

Tim Ryan Construction, Inc. (TRC) of Poulsbo was awarded the tenant improvement contract for Kitsap Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine located at 19917 7th Ave. NE in Poulsbo. The project architect is Morss Medical Architecture of Bainbridge Island. The new facility will provide over 6,400 sq. feet including offices, exam rooms and monitoring rooms.

Contact TRC at (360) 779-7667 for more information.

Steve Krecker and Mark Timmerman, owners of two Port Orchard heating and air conditioning (HVAC) companies, Air Masters Inc. and Mark Air, have merged the two firms to provide the best possible service to the residents and businesses of the Kitsap Peninsula.

Located at 3210 SE Mile Drive in Port Orchard, the new firm has 13 employees specializing in residential and light commercial heating and air conditioning, commercial refrigeration and maintenance contracting. read more »

After more than a year of not spending money on their homes, consumers began refurbishing their kitchens and painting their living rooms in what appears to be the early stages of a comeback for the home improvement industry.

Home Depot and Lowe’s, the nation’s largest home improvement retailers, posted better-than-expected earnings this week. They said that they did not have to turn to discounts as much as they did last year, and that some customers splurged on higher-priced goods and services like carpet installations. read more »

The official ground breaking took place Friday at Kitsap Mall, outside of Kohl’s.

Mike Hale, president, expects to be open for business July 4th. “We think that great beer and nice food go together like a horse and carriage and look forward to convincing others to leave the wine behind,” said Hale.

The 7,869-square-foot restaurant will be located at the north end of the center next to Kohl’s. In preparation for the construction of the restaurant, two current retailers moved to new locations. read more »