Donna Vassar—a member of the Vassar education family—is planning a $300 million private retreat in the Nevada desert for world leaders. The Universitas Leadership Sanctuary project is intended as a getaway for overworked heads of state. Initial designs from London architects Douglas Patterson and Laurie Chetwood include a library, gardens, conference rooms, and living quarters to create an informal, neutral setting.
Joseph Dolinar, a longtime staff member at Goettsch Partners in Chicago, has been promoted to partner. Dolinar is the firm’s seventh partner. In his 27 years at Goettsch, he has worked on such noteworthy projects as the redevelopment of Soldier Field.
Because of growing demands for architectural and design services in central Texas, Gensler has opened an office in Austin. Office director James Furr and project manager John Mapes will head the outpost.
HOK Sport ‘s new Yankee Stadium is now at least $50,000 over budget, the cost spent excavating a Boston Red Sox jersey from the recently laid concrete foundations. Placed there by construction worker Gino Castignoli, the jersey was extracted to avoid hexing the Yankees and could result in charges for Castignoli, including criminal mischief.
The Alliance for Climate Protection—founded by former Vice President Al Gore—has created The We Campaign, a $300 million public advocacy effort to push for aggressive reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more at wecansolveit.org.
Geo, Mexico’s No. 2 housing developer, is teaming with government agencies, industrial firms, and shopping center experts to build six new cities in Mexico. Springing up in empty fields around the country, Geo expects this new venture to become 50 percent of the company’s business in the coming months.