Latest news with #modularconstruction
Mail & Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
A new chapter in the life of the glitzy Ritz hotel
Legendary: At its height, The Ritz had a classy revolving restaurant on its top. (Supplied) If you've ever driven through Sea Point in Cape Town and caught a glimpse of that tall, skinny building towering above Main Road, then you already know her. She's hard to miss at 23 storeys high, 80 metres tall, with sleek curves and a shiny skyline presence that still steals the show even when she's asleep. I'm talking, of course, about The Ritz Hotel. She's bold and legendary. And now, after standing empty for nearly seven years, she's finally been sold. Yes, the grande dame of Sea Point has officially changed hands in what insiders say was a deal worth anything from R240 million to R300 million. An international family-owned hospitality group has taken over from another family business that owned the property for decades. It's a big moment,not just for Cape Town real estate, but for everyone who remembers The Ritz for what she once was, and who dreams about what she could still become. And as someone obsessed with buildings, their stories and the strange, beautiful crossroads where the two meet, this one feels personal. Construction of The Ritz wrapped up in 1970, and even then, it was considered futuristic. The way it was built was ground-breaking for its time — literally. The hotel's rooms, including the bathrooms, were all prebuilt off-site using modular construction methods — a technique that feels modern even by today's standards — and dropped in, one by one, from the top of the structure. It was a bold, efficient way to construct a high-rise hotel in a prime location, and it earned the project a string of awards in the early 1970s. The original owner, Barney Hurwitz — a pharmaceutical mogul — was no stranger to risk or innovation. He was the man behind the vision and the money. But he also knew when to let the professionals run the show. In the mid-1980s, he contracted Protea Hotels to manage and market the building, and that's when The Ritz began its golden years. Under the watchful eye of general manager Alan Romburgh and his deputy, John Watson (who would later manage The Peninsula), the hotel thrived. The energy was electric. Celebrities stayed. Sports stars partied. And the two nightclubs on the ground floor — Paschas and In-Excess — became legendary spots on Cape Town's nightlife map. In-Excess, tucked away in the basement, was known for its wild energy, bold music and fashionable crowd. These were the years when The Ritz was a social magnet. A place to be seen. A place that hummed with the energy of the city. But perhaps the most poignant story ever told about The Ritz doesn't involve celebrities or champagne — it involves a president and a view. More specifically, Nelson Mandela's view from the top. After his release from Victor Verster Prison, Mandela stayed at The Ritz for more than two months. The manager at the time told me something that still gives me goosebumps: Madiba made his own bed and tidied his own room every day. He was reported as the only guest to ever do this daily. He rose at 4.30am and went for walks along the Sea Point promenade, flanked by his security. When he returned, he'd sit and have tea with the hotel manager. He once spoke about how, during his years on Robben Island, The Ritz was the one building that stood out on the mainland skyline. Sitting in the hotel years later and looking back at the island that once held him prisoner must have been an emotional full-circle moment. That story alone captures what this building means to Cape Town. It's more than bricks and mortar. It's memory. Legacy. Layers of lived experience. At its peak, The Ritz boasted two penthouses and 213 hotel rooms, with a legendary fine-dining restaurant called Top of the Ritz. The crown jewel that looks like a spaceship. The restaurant revolved. It made a full 360-degree rotation every hour, offering diners a moving feast of Atlantic views, city lights and Table Mountain silhouettes. Sydney Joseph was its first manager and was the place to celebrate life's milestones. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the general manager was Bernard MD Cassar, a name that many in the industry will recognise. He graciously gave me his time to talk about those years, and I want to thank him here. Under Bernard's management, The Ritz was running at more than 80% occupancy. They even had a weekend special where you could stay for just R19.50. Can you imagine? But, like many grand hotels, The Ritz also had her darker chapters. Over the years, she became infamous for a series of tragic events, including a number of suicides. There are heartbreaking records of guests leaping from bathroom windows. And in one particularly chilling case, the hotel made front-page news for seven consecutive days after an axe murder took place in room 1803. Even so, the building soldiered on. Protea Hotels eventually stepped away and The Ritz became independently managed again. At one point it was operated by a company called African Sky, run by Gustav Krampe, himself a former food and beverage manager from the Protea team. The hotel underwent several refurbishments. In 2006, the iconic revolving restaurant was reopened. And in 2014, a large-scale renovation began to bring her back to life. At its height, The Ritz had all-round luxury. (Supplied) The Ritz had glitz, and she had glam. And then, she had the drama. In 2016, a new chapter seemed ready to begin. Celebrity couple Nicky van der Walt and Lee-Ann Liebenberg took over the lease of the building. Their company planned a dramatic relaunch, featuring R110 million in renovations, a fresh restaurant concept (Casa) with celebrity chef Bertus Basson, a champagne lounge backed by Dom Pérignon, and a nightclub with performances by Black Coffee. The dream was alive. The promise was seductive. But the fairytale unravelled quickly. Despite hosting a flashy launch party, the hotel never actually reopened. The landlord cancelled the 20-year lease agreement after nearly two years of no rent being paid, despite the R1.3 million a month rental obligation. The matter went to court. Nicky's company demanded R20 million in damages from the landlord. Then, in a twist worthy of a soap opera, Nicky resigned from his own company, and the saga ended with them vacating the property. Since then, the hotel has stood still and silent. Now, in 2025, The Ritz has finally been sold. Time for a new chapter. A hospitality group has stepped up to continue writing her story. Their portfolio of laid-back luxury, top hotels around the world is sure to make a statement with their latest acquisition in the Mother City. OKU Hotels is a Spanish hospitality brand best known for its beach resorts in Spain, Greece, Ibiza and Turkey. The brand is backed by Westfort Capital, a hotel investment fund that focuses on resort properties, as well as Alychlo NV, the private investment company of Belgian Marc Coucke. The website, under the coming soon tab, says: 'The team at OKU Hotels are constantly searching for opportunities to develop new OKU's, from Bali to Miami to the Maldives, our family is expected to grow soon – watch this space.' Whatever OKU decides to do with this site can only add value to Sea Point. The ground-floor retail spaces were more recently managed by Excellerate JHI, but the rest of the building has been dormant since July 2018. This sale marks more than just a transfer of ownership; it's the start of a reinvention and reimagining. She deserves it. Concrete isn't cold — it holds stories. And The Ritz is one of those places where personal history, architectural brilliance and urban identity intersect. Buildings aren't just structures; they're time machines, memory banks, cultural mirrors. I write about concrete because it's a language — one of ambition, legacy and the power of place. Got your own memories of The Ritz? Please share them with me. Ask Ash examines South Africa's property, architecture and living spaces. Continue the conversation with her on email (
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 5, 2025) - DDC Developments, a Miami-based leader in eco-friendly modular construction, announced a significant corporate milestone: a 200% year-over-year increase in inquiries for its patented hurricane-resistant, energy-efficient modular building systems. In direct response to this unprecedented growth, the company is launching a national expansion initiative, establishing a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility to scale production and meet surging demand across the United States. DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The new facility, set to open later this year, will significantly boost DDC Developments ' production capacity, enabling the company to serve a broader range of commercial, residential, and institutional projects nationwide. This expansion marks a pivotal step in DDC's strategy to deliver resilient, sustainable construction solutions to markets facing increasing climate risks and a forecasted "above-normal" 2024 storm season, as projected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "Our 200% surge in demand is a clear signal that the market is urgently seeking faster, greener, and more resilient building solutions," said Danilo Dominguez Cruz, Founder and CEO of DDC Developments. "The new manufacturing hub will allow us to accelerate project delivery and support communities nationwide as they adapt to evolving climate challenges." DDC Developments' modular systems are engineered to exceed Florida's stringent building codes, utilizing stay-in-place insulated panels made with 40% recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). These panels provide superior insulation, reduce heating and cooling demands by approximately 30%, and are rated to withstand winds exceeding 200 mph, surpassing Category 5 hurricane standards. The company's technology reduces build times by up to 60%. It lowers labor costs by 40%, offering developers and investors a rapid return on investment, with many projects reporting ROI within six months. The company's national expansion is further supported by ongoing partnerships with ESG-focused investment firms, reinforcing DDC's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction sector. For more information about DDC Developments' expansion and modular construction solutions, visit or contact Danilo Dominguez at danilo@
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing Facility
Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - July 5, 2025) - DDC Developments, a Miami-based leader in eco-friendly modular construction, announced a significant corporate milestone: a 200% year-over-year increase in inquiries for its patented hurricane-resistant, energy-efficient modular building systems. In direct response to this unprecedented growth, the company is launching a national expansion initiative, establishing a 50,000 square-foot manufacturing facility to scale production and meet surging demand across the United States. DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing FacilityTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The new facility, set to open later this year, will significantly boost DDC Developments' production capacity, enabling the company to serve a broader range of commercial, residential, and institutional projects nationwide. This expansion marks a pivotal step in DDC's strategy to deliver resilient, sustainable construction solutions to markets facing increasing climate risks and a forecasted "above-normal" 2024 storm season, as projected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). DDC Developments Announces 200% Surge in Demand and Launches National Expansion with New Manufacturing FacilityTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: "Our 200% surge in demand is a clear signal that the market is urgently seeking faster, greener, and more resilient building solutions," said Danilo Dominguez Cruz, Founder and CEO of DDC Developments. "The new manufacturing hub will allow us to accelerate project delivery and support communities nationwide as they adapt to evolving climate challenges." DDC Developments' modular systems are engineered to exceed Florida's stringent building codes, utilizing stay-in-place insulated panels made with 40% recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS). These panels provide superior insulation, reduce heating and cooling demands by approximately 30%, and are rated to withstand winds exceeding 200 mph, surpassing Category 5 hurricane standards. The company's technology reduces build times by up to 60%. It lowers labor costs by 40%, offering developers and investors a rapid return on investment, with many projects reporting ROI within six months. The company's national expansion is further supported by ongoing partnerships with ESG-focused investment firms, reinforcing DDC's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the construction sector. For more information about DDC Developments' expansion and modular construction solutions, visit or contact Danilo Dominguez at danilo@ Cannot view this video? Visit: Contact Info:Name: Danilo DominguezEmail: danilo@ DDC DevelopmentsPhone: 305-915-0002Website: To view the source version of this press release, please visit Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Inicia sesión para acceder a tu portafolio Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información Se produjo un error al recuperar la información
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Backward integration drives Sobha Realty's expansion and project efficiency
Backed by more than four decades of engineering and real estate expertise, Sobha Realty stand out in the UAE's highly competitive property market through its fully backward-integrated model. 'Sobha Realty is the first developer to pioneer this business model in the UAE, and the only major real estate player that is fully backward integrated in the region,' said Francis Alfred, Managing Director of Sobha Realty. 'This is spearheaded by Sobha Modular Industries and complemented by an integrated operational network. The luxury developer adopted a strategic approach by identifying key construction bottlenecks—such as bathrooms, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) modules, facades, and other critical elements. These insights formed the basis of the backward-integrated model, allowing for greater control, efficiency, and scalability. 'Our rapid success in implementing these technologies has paved the way for expanding modularisation across more areas of the construction process,' said Alfred, who is helming the company's evolution towards factory-based modular construction, sustainable building methods, and end-to-end operational self-sufficiency. 'Modular construction is rapidly emerging as the new norm, and we believe it will become mainstream in the near future,' he noted. Alfred said the company is currently testing volumetric modular construction, which will allow it to offer fully modular solutions for various geographies. 'As building codes and approvals for modular construction continue to evolve in the UAE, we are optimistic about the prospects of fully modular buildings,' he said. He added that the company continues to invest in research, prototyping, and capability-building to manufacture and deliver complete modular solutions. On the business front, the company is expanding its footprint both within the UAE and internationally. Following its successful entry into the Umm Al Quwain (UAQ) emirate with the launch of Sobha Siniya Island in 2024, Sobha Realty announced its next phase of expansion through the new Downtown UAQ project. 'Furthermore, we are entering the Abu Dhabi market as part of our commitment to shaping the UAE's luxury real estate landscape,' stated Alfred. 'On the international front, we have already expanded in key global markets, including the U.S. and Australia, as part of our long-term growth vision.' He credited Sobha Realty's fully backward-integrated model as a key enabler of the expansion, providing greater control over quality, cost, timelines, and environmental impact throughout the development cycle. 'We have always built and maintained our integrated ecosystem in the markets we operate, and we will follow the same approach as we grow into new regions,' he emphasised. Alfred also highlighted Mission 70:70, Sobha Realty's initiative to transform construction execution in the region by automating repetitive tasks and enabling skilled professionals to focus on high-value work. 'We aim to shift 70 percent of on-site work into a controlled factory environment by developing innovative offsite products,' he explained. 'This transition will enhance precision, improve quality, boost efficiency, scalability, and accelerate project timelines.' The second '70' focuses on optimising the workforce within the company's factories through lean manufacturing and automation. 'In a conventional setup, 100 workers may be required to run operations, but under Mission 70-70, we will operate with just 50,' he noted. 'We've already witnessed a remarkable impact through Sobha Modular, and with Mission 70-70, we are poised to expand this impact across multiple domains—driving large-scale change and setting new industry benchmarks.' Interview excerpts: Sobha has clearly invested heavily in its backward integration model. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) you use internally to assess the success and efficiency of this model over time? At Sobha Realty, our backward integration model is central to our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value. To evaluate its effectiveness, we monitor several key performance indicators: • Project Delivery Timelines: We track the adherence to project schedules, aiming for early or on-time completions. Thanks to our backward integration model, our projects are delivered on time as per the original project delivery plans. • Quality Assurance Metrics: We assess the quality of our projects through internal audits and customer feedback. At Sobha Group, we use German capabilities across our quality control team to ensure that all our projects adhere to and exceed the highest standards, both on the market level and internationally. • Customer Satisfaction: We regularly survey our clients to identify satisfaction levels, focusing on aspects like build quality, design, and overall experience. • Sustainability Benchmarks: Our commitment to sustainability is measured through rigorous certifications and assessments. Sobha One recently received the Middle East's first Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) certification from Singapore's Building and Construction Authority (BCA). It has also been awarded the Whole Life Carbon badge, underscoring the project's dedication to low-impact development and eco-conscious design. Several other projects are currently pursuing LEED certifications across various rating systems. Sobha Realty achieved an impressive score of 91 in the 2024 Annual GRESB ESG Assessment, marking a significant improvement from its 2023 score of 72. With backward integration comes a higher fixed cost base and greater CAPEX exposure. How does Sobha de-risk its model financially during periodic downturns in the real estate market? Real estate development is not an isolated industry, it requires extensive network support and supply chain related to different industries, including steel, glass, façades among many others. Sobha Realty recognises that connecting multiple industries with the real estate industry can carry some exposure to market fluctuations. However, our backward integration strategy is built with long-term resilience in mind. Each vertical within our ecosystem is established not only to support internal demand, but also to have the potential to operate as an independent profit centre. This reduces dependency on a single revenue stream and opens up opportunities to serve external markets. While the model is capital intensive, it allows us to keep liquidity within the group, streamline payment terms, and gain significant intangible benefits across the supply chain. Moreover, our fixed costs and capital expenditure are carefully planned based on projected volumes and long-term savings. We are also developing a 5–10-year roadmap for each business vertical to ensure diversification and greater protection against sector downturns. Many developers are still reliant on third-party contractors despite the risks. Why do you think the industry has been slow to adopt backward integration, and how does Sobha's model offer a sustainable long-term edge? Shifting to a backward integration model is a strategic move that requires extensive planning and investment from real estate developers. It involves high capital investment, careful operational planning, and expertise across various domains. Thanks to our backward integration model, we ensure: • Quality Control: Full oversight of design, materials, and construction ensures top-tier standards. Our quality efforts are spearheaded by German Master Craftsmen to ensure German quality — the golden standard in the real estate industry. • Timely Delivery: Sobha Realty's model eliminates delays originating from external suppliers' failure to meet delivery timelines. The latest example is the early handover of Creek Vistas Grande in Sobha Hartland, where residents received their keys six months ahead of schedule. • Innovative Designs: In-house capabilities enable unique, custom-built developments. Sobha Group proudly employs over 500 in-house designers and architects. • Sustainability: We ensure green building practices throughout our supply chain. • Backward integration also protects our operations from global supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures. By relying on our in-house manufacturing units, we reduce dependency on external vendors and service providers. We leverage locally available raw materials and operate within a self-sufficient supply ecosystem. As a result, we ensure uninterrupted progress and deliver projects on schedule, all while upholding the highest standards of quality. With over 40,000 workers under direct employment, how does Sobha manage labour productivity and cost optimisation without compromising on quality or timelines — particularly during market slowdowns or lean phases? At Sobha Realty, we recognise that an evolving workforce and rapid technological advancements require forward-thinking solutions that enhance efficiency and drive engagement. Our people-driven initiatives leverage smart technology to streamline processes, upskill employees, and create a seamless work experience. In line with our commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, we have introduced the Sobha Skill Hub, our proprietary learning management system. This platform offers a wide array of courses and training modules, ensuring employees have access to relevant learning resources that help them develop critical skills and stay ahead in the industry. These efforts, coupled with our constant drive to engage and motivate our people, help us maintain our competitive edge in terms of quality and delivery across business cycles. As a testament to our efforts, Sobha Realty has been re-certified as a Great Place to Work for 2025–2026, and this recognition is a reflection of what we hold most dear: our people. How does Sobha Realty embed sustainability into its developments? Sobha Realty's robust backward integration ensures seamless communication and consistent sustainability messaging across all entities. This approach enables the development and implementation of optimal designs that deliver maximum sustainability impact. Our in-house development, design, construction, and FM teams lay the foundation for sustainability standards at the early stage of every project, which result in high performance and climate-resilient developments and masterplans. All new developments within Sobha Realty's portfolio – including the masterplans – are pursuing global green building certifications, by embracing a judicious blend of active and passive strategies, including energy efficient designs and technologies, water saving solutions, as well as cutting-edge indoor air quality and HVAC systems. Each development reflects a deep respect for the environment by thoughtfully integrating both mitigation and adaptation measures. Currently, more than 25 upcoming projects are pursuing green building certification, and all future projects and masterplans are well positioned to achieve the highest levels of sustainability. The use of sustainable materials, low-carbon technologies, and an effective waste management system contributes to circularity in our construction processes and aligns with the UAE's circular economy policies. Our backward integration model targets the completion of 70 percent of site-related works at the factories, which significantly reduce the environmental footprint of each project. For example, our Sobha Modular Facility minimised on-site impact by delivering ready-to-install aluminium facades and bathroom pods. This approach not only reduces waste and material transport from multiple locations to the construction sites, but also positively contributes to the Whole Life Carbon footprint of our developments. (Reporting by Rajiv Pillai; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Wall Street Journal
02-06-2025
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
The Rush to Take Modular Homes Mainstream in Disaster-Ravaged Areas
After Jerry Camarillo's childhood home in Altadena, Calif., burned down, he was determined to rebuild the one-story, midcentury ranch house exactly as it was before the Los Angeles wildfires. That all changed with one look at the home's insurance policy, which would cover only a fraction of the $700,000 estimated cost to rebuild. Then he stumbled across Hapi Homes, a company that builds prefabricated homes as pieces in factories and then assembles them on-site. The company said it could build a home for $200,000 less than the cost of traditional construction, and do it in less than half the time. The new home would look and feel the same as it did before the fire, Hapi Homes pledged. Camarillo was sold. 'This makes rebuilding possible,' he said. Companies that use modular construction, 3-D printing or other nontraditional methods have existed for decades on the fringe of home building, often tainted by an association with lower-quality construction and previous missteps. Now, these companies are trying to break into the mainstream by offering a faster and less costly alternative for rebuilding in cities ravaged by natural disasters. Many of the thousands of displaced homeowners in Los Angeles, Hawaii and the Southeast are giving these businesses a look. Victims of hurricanes, wildfires or other disasters can be desperate to rebuild, but their insurance payouts are often well short of what is needed to cover traditional construction costs. 'Homeowners in a moment of crisis want to try something different,' said Jason Ballard, chief executive of ICON, a company that makes 3D-printed homes. ICON uses giant 3-D printers to squeeze layers of concrete into the framing for a house. The company received hundreds of calls about building projects in disaster-prone areas, including from Los Angeles homeowners and developers after this year's fires, Ballard said. Now, the Texas-based company is rearranging its expansion strategy to target disaster-prone markets such as California and Florida. Modular builder Samara is working with billionaire developer Rick Caruso's rebuilding nonprofit, Steadfast LA, to offer dozens of free modular homes to low-income residents who lost their homes in the Los Angeles fires. And the Los Angeles Mayor's office is having conversations with more than a dozen alternative builders to explore nontraditional construction options. 'Disasters are actually going to be the turning point' for the wider adoption of factory-built housing, said Vikas Enti, chief executive of Reframe Systems. 'That's what we're betting on.' Enti's Massachusetts company builds homes in robotic, artificial-intelligence-powered microfactories. It is planning to build a California microfactory 18 months earlier than initially scheduled, he said, and to hire local Los Angeles employees to meet the postwildfire demand. Offsite-factory construction can accelerate the building process because fewer workers are required and materials are often purchased in bulk. The shorter timeline can sharply reduce carrying costs for a project. And in disaster areas, where many builders are competing for construction labor and materials, factory-home manufacturers have an edge because they can access less crowded supply chains in other cities and states. After the 2023 wildfires in Maui, Hawaii, more than 100 modular companies flooded the Hawaiian market. State officials alongside the housing nonprofit HomeAid Hawaii commissioned five modular vendors to help build 450 temporary housing units for displaced residents. None of these modular companies had worked in Hawaii previously. But their emergency entrance into the market has made Hawaii's public officials more open to alternative competitors. 'As a public official, I'm now saying, 'Hey, we do have alternatives to typical construction,' ' said Joseph Campos II, deputy director at Hawaii's Department of Human Services. 'There can be a partnership with traditional construction trades.' That is a stark pivot from the decadeslong reputational problems plaguing the alternative-building industry. Off-site factory home construction has historically been used for lower-budget homes, leaving many people with the preconception that it tends to be of lesser quality. That stigma has been compounded by high-profile failures. 'Large companies have come out with really big promises,' said Michelle Boyd, the chief strategy officer at Terner Labs, a housing research nonprofit affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. 'And then they go belly-up.' In 2021, the tech construction startup Katerra filed for bankruptcy after raising nearly $3 billion from a host of notable backers such as SoftBank Group. Katerra vowed that it could use manufactured construction to turn home-building into a 30-day, assembly-line process. But the company had yet to figure out the nuts and bolts of that mass production before committing to projects. Some alternative builders are going to great lengths to rehabilitate their image. Hapi Homes, for example, invited Camarillo to tour the company's Utah factory that helped close the sale. 'I had to go see if this was real or just a scam,' he said. Still, the problems of alternative building stretch beyond a bad rap. Expanding these businesses to a national scale is difficult because of the expensive transportation costs that come with shipping entire homes from one place to another. Home builder Williams Rebuild, which intends to build between 120 and 150 homes a year for Los Angeles wildfire victims, is exploring whether building wall panels in a factory could help reduce the materials that need to be stored on-site, said Dan Faina, the company's president. 'If not at major scale, it definitely won't be cheaper' than building homes in bulk on-site, he said. 'I think the adoption rate is going to be substantially less than the excitement that's going behind it.' SoLa Impact, an affordable-housing developer based in Los Angeles, is supporting state legislation to expedite approvals for modular housing. SoLa CEO Martin Muoto said the acute housing shortage exacerbated by the wildfires could boost support. 'Never let a crisis go to waste,' he said. Write to Rebecca Picciotto at and Nicole Friedman at
