California City Scoop: Construction Starts in Sacramento

Before the COVID-19 crisis, the value of new contracts was expected to fall 1%

Declines had been forecast for residential and non-building; an increase had been expected for non-residential.

City Grill

Shaun Sleeth
Senior Vice President Operations
McCarthy Building Cos.

The COVID-19 pandemic is driving the Sacramento market by putting “essential projects” in the spotlight. “During the early shelter-in-place mandate, the construction industry was forced to adapt quickly in safety practices, remote work and innovating to keep projects moving,” Sleeth says. “Our project teams are working closely with clients to adapt well in this new environment.”

In Sacramento’s education sector, McCarthy’s focus has been to resequence and expedite construction to minimize disruptions when campus activity resumes. At the same time, Sleeth says it’s important to adjust traditional approaches with new milestone markers. “Our [UC Davis Health Eye Center] project was able to hit a key groundbreaking milestone with a virtual celebration, which felt much like a traditional event,” Sleeth says.

Meanwhile, enhanced telecommuting practices have allowed further migration from the Bay Area to Sacramento, as people seek more affordable and less-dense living sites. “Our community’s growth will continue to push the development of critical educational and health care infrastructure,” Sleeth says.