Layton Construction Executive Vice President Cris Bryant discussed the growth and emerging trends across the Mountain West and Southwest in a report published October 30. Bryant expressed optimism regarding sectors such as healthcare, residential construction, and aviation infrastructure in states including Colorado, Idaho, Utah, and New Mexico.
In New Mexico, Bryant noted increased investment in technology, healthcare, and higher education, specifically mentioning the University of New Mexico School of Medicine expansion in Albuquerque. Colorado is experiencing a healthcare boom, with Bryant noting that major healthcare systems are planning, building, or completing projects. Examples include an orthopedic-focused facility with CommonSpirit Health and a freestanding emergency department being built in Castle Pines for AdventHealth. While Colorado has seen a slowdown in traditional office and tenant improvement markets, demand remains strong in areas like Salt Lake City, Texas, Florida, and Nashville.
Idaho is identified as a strong market for healthcare, aviation, and residential construction. The state is seeing the development of the Residences at Wilson Creek, which is expected to become the largest build-to-rent community in Idaho with 251 units. Bryant also highlighted the expansion of the St. Luke's Boise Medical Center. Layton Construction has maintained an office in Boise for more than 20 years, having completed projects such as Boise State's Syringa Hall.
Technological innovation is reshaping construction methods, with Bryant noting the significant impact of artificial intelligence on preconstruction, estimating, and project management. The company utilizes Doxel technology on major healthcare projects to monitor productivity and quality. Additionally, modular construction and prefabrication are gaining momentum. Bryant cited work on the University Health Retama Hospital in San Antonio as an example where modular approaches can improve schedule performance, production efficiency, and labor management compared to traditional methods.
Layton Construction is a privately held national general contractor headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. Founded in 1953, the company operates from 16 strategic offices and employs more than 2,200 professionals across various markets, including hospitality, multifamily, and industrial sectors.
