CEMEX's 15th International Building Awards Recognizes San Jose, CA Project with Global Award - CEMEX's 15th International Building Awards Recognizes San Jose, CA Project with Global Award - CEMEX USA

Houston, Texas - November 9, 2006

The U.S. architects and builders of the Santana Row project in San Jose, Calif., were recently recognized as some of the best in the world at the 15^th Annual CEMEX International Building Awards held in Monterrey, Mexico on November 3, 2006. At the event, attended by approximately 800 architects, builders, and engineers from 24 countries around the globe, Dave Holley, Managing Director of Design Build Services of RJS & Associates accepted Third Place for the Accessibility Award for the Santana Row Project.

This Accessibility Award is given to the top three projects that best use the access and circulation solutions, combined with special facilities, to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities, is able to use the structure. It recognizes the spirit of solidarity in the construction of works that help to make every location in the community open and accessible to all members of society.

The Santana Row project competed against 62 other building projects representing structures in Austria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Malaysia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, and Venezuela. The projects were selected by a jury of 27 judges for awards in the categories of Housing, Institutional/Industrial, Infrastructure, Accessibility, and Sustainable Building.

The Santana Row project used CEMEX building materials to combine high-end residential, office and retail in a charming and unique architectural style. The $700 million project created a city-within-the-city of San Jose, Calif. Town square areas provide spots for sidewalk vendors and park-like settings for relaxation and conversation. The development includes 1,200 residential units, local and national restaurants, cafes, high-end clothing stores, a food market, and a hotel. The structures were designed to appear as if they were built at different times, in different eras, yet the complex generally follows an Old World theme. The mix of residential over retail and underground parking makes for residents an ideal urban living experience. Part of this experience is due to the design - the post-tension concrete provides reduced building volume and is an excellent acoustical barrier. More than 37,000 cubic yards of CEMEX concrete were used to construct post-tension decks that support parking and residences above retail areas. Since nothing like this has been built in America, developer Federal Realty Investment Trust researched urban areas in Spain to help identify key factors for a vibrant street environment. Santana Row was designed by Architects Sandy & Babcock. The Concrete Contractor was RJS & Associates, and the General Contractor was Bovis Lend Lease.

The builders and designers of the Santana Row project were originally selected and awarded the Infrastructure Award at the inaugural U.S. CEMEX Building Awards held in May 2006. At the U.S. event, three projects were awarded in each of the categories of Housing, Institutional/Industrial, or Infrastructure projects. The top recipients were selected by three U.S. architects, and were chosen for their use and application of concrete, innovation, execution of the project, architectural or structural design, urban concept and the attention and respect for the environment the builder, architect or engineer displayed. From this selection, the top projects advanced to compete globally in the CEMEX International Building Awards.

One of the goals of CEMEX is to promote social awareness of the fragile balance of the environment and to respect the special needs of people with disabilities. The special prizes seek to acknowledge the social responsibility of projects that are designed and constructed in accordance with the principles of Sustainable Building and of Accessibility Congruence. The winners are selected from all the projects participating in the three categories of the international competition.

CEMEX is a growing global building solutions company that provides high quality products and reliable service to customers and communities in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Commemorating its 100^th anniversary in 2006, CEMEX has a rich history of improving the well-being of those it serves through its efforts to pursue innovative industry solutions and efficiency advancements and to promote a sustainable future. For more information, visit www.cemexusa.com.

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