9446 Hilldale Drive, Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 221-3371 or (214) 221-3378 www.wiszco.com About our Pictures We chose a pictorial montage of U.S. Cityscapes as a theme for our website because we believe it best represents the construction industry. “Buildings and objects” are perhaps the most tangible representation of the construction industry as a whole. Additionally, buildings (in particular) represent the places where we, as people, collectively “live, work and play” (to paraphrase an often used expression by the real estate development community). More importantly, finished buildings and objects are the culmination of construction projects – and such projects are the by- product of the collective effort of a great many. In the end, all completed construction projects become a part of our community and eventually, the cities that comprise our great nation. Next time you’re in the “big city”, take a good look around and marvel at what the human spirit has been able to accomplish. In addition, we also chose a pictorial montage of U.S. Cityscapes since we provide our services on a nation-wide basis. When traveling throughout the United States, we often find ourselves in these great cities: Anchorage Located at the tip of the Cook Inlet, Anchorage is our nation’s northern-most city. It is by far, Alaska’s largest city comprising more than 40% of the state’s population. Only New York City has a higher percentage of state residents living in one city. Though field operations are centered on the north slope of Alaska, oil and gas production is the most visible industry in Anchorage. The development and completion of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline in 1977 fueled a massive building boom in Anchorage and other Alaskan cities. Completed at estimated cost of $8 billion, the Trans-Alaska pipeline (and related facilities) was one of the most challenging engineering and construction projects ever undertaken in the U.S. Anchorage is also home to several airlines and its airport is world’s third busiest airport by cargo traffic (trailing only Memphis and Hong Kong). Atlanta The eighth largest metropolitan area in the U.S. (and second largest in the Southeast), Atlanta is considered a top business city and major transportation hub. Not only does it have one of the larger contingents of Fortune 500 companies within its boundaries, Atlanta also claims the title of having the world’s busiest airport. Atlanta’s skyline is punctuated with many high-rise and mid-rise structures spanning multiple districts within the city and in the surrounding metro areas. The predominant architectural styles of Atlanta have been characterized as modern and post modern vintage. The Bank of America building is the tallest building in Atlanta (8th tallest in the U.S.) and one of only two buildings listed in the top 10 that are not located in either Chicago or New York. Atlanta is also one of only eight U.S. cities classified as a “beta world city” (which means it is deemed as an important node in the global economic system). 9446 Hilldale Drive, Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 221-3371 or (214) 221-3378 www.wiszco.com Boston Boston is one of America’s oldest cities and is sometimes referred to as the unofficial capital of New England. A city steeped in tradition and early U.S. history, Boston is also one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S. while at the same time also being the second smallest city from a geographical standpoint. Among major U.S. cities, only San Francisco is smaller in terms of total square miles. The Boston economy, one of the nation’s strongest and most diverse, is powered by a broad range of sectors that include insurance, financial services, banking, retailing, private equity/capital management, biotech and tourism. In addition, metro Boston is considered one of the largest “tech” sectors in the country. The Port of Boston remains the oldest continuously operated industrial and fishing port in the Western Hemisphere. Though Boston features many high rise buildings and its skyline is impressive, it only contains one building (John Hancock Tower) that is among the 50 tallest in the U.S. Regardless, Boston remains a visually impressive city with it wide range of buildings and structures (both new and historical). The Central Artery/Tunnel Project (more commonly know as the “Big Dig”) was the largest public works construction project ever undertaken in the U.S. Chicago This is my original hometown and is one of the truly great cities of the United States and the world. Chicago is also home to some of world’s most interesting buildings and recognizable landmarks. The city is a virtual case-study for design and construction and represents some of the finest architecture in North America. Perhaps no other city in North America can offer such a diverse collection of construction projects through its myriad of buildings, bridges and structures. Chicago is the only other city in the nation that can rival New York in terms of total high rise buildings, yet it is significantly smaller than New York. However, Chicago does contain four of the six tallest buildings in the U.S., including the Willis Tower (formerly known as Sears Tower), which remains the tallest building in the country. Chicago also offers a historic collection of museum and fine art facilities, convention center space and sports venues. It is also easily walk-able and provides visually stimulating images throughout the city, regardless of location. Cincinnati As the first major inland city in the country, Cincinnati is the largest metropolitan area in the state of Ohio and 24th most populous in the U.S. Early architecture of the city was influenced greatly by the large influx of German immigrants. Cincinnati is home to numerous structures that are noteworthy due to their architectural characteristics or historic associations. The University of Cincinnati not only has many noteworthy structures, it has home to one of the leading design and architecture schools in the country. The Great America Tower at Queen City Square (which is currently under construction) will be the tallest building in Cincinnati upon completion. Greater Cincinnati also has one of the higher concentrations of Fortune 500 firms on a per capita basis. 9446 Hilldale Drive, Dallas, TX 75231 (214) 221-3371 or (214) 221-3378 www.wiszco.com Dallas This is our home base and a vibrant city that is an ideal climate for business. Because our services are provided throughout the entire country, being centrally located in Dallas allows us to take advantage of Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport (one of only two major airport hubs located in the geographical center of the U.S.) and its access to direct flights to virtually every major U.S. market in about 4 hours or less. Dallas is also home to some very recognizable buildings and landmarks that showcase the cutting edge of design and construction. The newest addition to the Dallas/Ft. Worth landscape is Cowboys Stadium, the crown jewel of sports architecture and construction achievement in stadiums. Denver Known as the “Mile-High City” because its official elevation is exactly 5,280 feet above sea level, Denver sits at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, which serve as a stunning backdrop for this picturesque city. Denver’s impressive skyline is comprised of a number of unique buildings and structures, both modern and historic. Denver’s economy is diverse, broad-based and represented by many well-known organizations. In addition, the Denver metropolitan area employs more Federal workers than any city in the U.S., except Washington, D.C. Opened in 1995, Denver International Airport is our nation’s newest and largest airport (by square miles). It replaced DFW in 1974 as the last major airport to be newly constructed. The project served as a virtual design and construction showcase for building new airports, yet DIA was beset with problems almost from the very beginning and was completed 16 months behind schedule and nearly $2 billion over budget. Honolulu Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the only “incorporated” city in the State of Hawaii. Surprisingly to anyone who has yet to visit this travel and tourist destination, Honolulu is a very dense, busy and congested city. Honolulu also has more high-rise buildings than every U.S. city, except the big three of New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Known primarily for tourism and as the gateway for the entire Hawaiian Island chain, Honolulu’s economy is also well-diversified and represents a broad range of industries, including real estate, manufacturing, finance, insurance, banking, shopping, retail and recreation. Honolulu is also home to Pearl Harbor, which despite the infamous attack Dec 7, 1941, remains the Headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s Pacific Fleet. Honolulu is also the southern-most major city in the U.S. (roughly 400 miles south of Miami). Houston As the fourth largest city in the United States, downtown Houston contains the greatest concentration of high rise buildings as well as the tallest building west of the Mississippi River. While Houston contains a very broad and diverse demographic, it is perhaps best known as the energy capital of the world, where virtually all of the world’s major energy companies maintain an extensive network of operations. Houston’s broad-based economy has inspired a wide and diverse range of architectural achievements in its vast history. In addition to its impressive collection of high rise buildings, Houston is also home to outstanding facilities in fine arts, sports, university, aerospace and other public works. Though Houston’s “Astrodome” is now considered obsolete and its future is uncertain, it was once known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”.