Swinerton Builders (Swinerton) has broken ground on a $5.5 million medical office building in Pineville. The 8,000-square-foot facility will be home to Charlotte-based Metrolina Dermatology, an expanding practice providing comprehensive dermatology medical, surgical, and aesthetic care throughout the Carolinas. Construction is expected to be completed early spring 2026.  “Swinerton is known for delivering quality healthcare environments on-time and within budget,” states Carly Morris, project executive, healthcare market lead, Swinerton’s Carolinas Division. “Some of our most rewarding projects are those that positively impact the health and well-being of our neighboring communities – particularly high-growth markets, such as Pineville, with limited medical specialties. Our team’s understanding of the intricacies and unique challenges of a healthcare build has resulted in a rich history of successful collaborations with other industry leaders.”  Located on a 1.15-acre site at 10425 Good Sell Court, the one-story building features 11 exam rooms, two aesthetic rooms, four Mohs exam rooms, one Mohs lab, a sterilization room, four provider offices and up to five medical assistant/nursing stations. A welcoming lobby and waiting area, along with several bathrooms, an employee breakroom and general storage for IT and utilities, complete the amenity offering. An asphalt parking lot offers space for 40 to 50 cars.  “What is particularly exciting about this project is the intentional environmental design by Nelson Worldwide Architects and Cornerstone Architecture,” explains Morris. “Instead of a traditional sterile medical or hospital aesthetic, Metrolina sought a calming, welcoming environment that not only offers comfort but also reminds patients of the importance and relevance of self-care,” says Morris. The facility features an eye-catching entry with wood slat walls and a drop ceiling with chandelier along with a reception counter. Luxury vinyl flooring and crown molding complete the design throughout the upscale facility.  In addition to its general contractor and construction manager duties, Swinerton’s master builders are self-performing concrete footings and slab, the installation of drywall, acoustical ceiling tiles, doors, finishes and hardware (DFH) and specialty work. “We take a collaborative approach by self-performing certain elements where it makes sense, helping to keep projects efficient and cost-effective,” says Morris. “Combining our master craftspeople with our expert trade partners allows us to maintain strong communication and deliver outstanding quality.” In addition to Swinerton’s roles, LJB Engineering serves as the structural engineer, while Kimley-Horn provides civil engineering services.  The new Metrolina Dermatology location represents the latest in several healthcare projects completed by Swinerton’s Carolinas division. Most recently, the team completed two renovation projects for UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital. Swinerton is also supporting the expansion of Vera Whole Health, an award-winning primary care service provider, into Virginia. Nationwide, Swinerton has completed more than $5 billion in healthcare construction projects.  Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, the Carolinas Division has constructed more than $700 million of commercial environments. The dedicated team of over 70 construction leaders specializes in corporate interiors, office, healthcare, education, restaurants and hospitality, multifamily, civic and mass timber construction.  Swinerton Builders provides commercial construction, construction management, design-build, and self-perform services throughout the United States. Founded in 1888, Swinerton is 100% employee-owned and is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it serves—proudly leading with ownership, integrity, leadership, passion, and excellence. Swinerton has 24 nationwide offices in Spokane and Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Sacramento, Fairfield, Fresno, Concord, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego, CA; Honolulu and Maui, HI; Denver, CO; Dallas and Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; Summit, NJ; and New York, NY. For more information, please visit swinerton.com.

Parks Associates today announced the new white paper Achieving Turnkey Connectivity: Elevating the Total Multifamily Experience, in partnership with Xfinity Communities, with research showing that 41% of apartment renters expect their internet service will be ready-to-go from the moment they move into a property.  The white paper, developed in partnership with Xfinity Communities, a division of Comcast Corporation serving multifamily properties, examines how properties can enable turnkey property readiness and a seamless move-in ready experience for residents. It addresses the growing challenges from vendor fragmentation and best practices for simplifying smart tech implementation.  "With today's renters skewing older, more family-oriented, and often working remotely, robust digital infrastructure is a requirement," said Kristen Hanich, Director of Research, Parks Associates. "Consumers are interested in a variety of amenities, some of which, like security cameras around the property, controlled access to the property, and in-unit security systems, demand robust property connectivity."  The white paper also notes that while technology offers many benefits, fragmentation across the proptech ecosystem has created a variety of challenges for many owners and operators, on-site staff, and residents. In Parks Associates' 2024 study of MDU owners and operators, participants reported working with an average of 21.5 smart building partners.  "Today's renters expect more than just four walls – they expect instant, reliable connectivity the moment they walk through the door," said Ilan Eframian, VP, Xfinity Communities. "At Xfinity Communities, we're proud to help property owners meet that expectation with turnkey solutions that elevate the resident experience and simplify operations. Seamless day-one internet isn't just a convenience – it's how we help properties stand out and keep residents happy from the start."  Other data points highlighted in the research:  Resident who already have experienced bulk internet are much more interested in it – with 45% considering internet directly available from their property or community "highly important" and some 65% considering internet available at move-in "highly important."  As of 2025, roughly half of apartment renters are 45+ years of age.  Some 60% live in households with other people. Roughly half own pets.  60% of multifamily owning or operating companies have managed WiFi in at least part of their footprint, with 13% reporting full penetration across their portfolios.  Nearly 50% of apartment residents rated internet available at move-in a top consideration when searching for a new home.  If a resident is dissatisfied with the smart tech, NPS drops to an average of -39.  "To achieve long-term success, owners and operators will need to exceed resident expectations for seamless connectivity while reducing complexity," Hanich said. "They will also need to lay the groundwork for smart building innovation to improve operational efficiency and deliver future-ready asset performance."