Download December 2006

Newsletter – Articles from the Office of Facilities
SEPTEMBER 2010
Safety and Security Improvements
As you walk the Main and Downtown campuses at night, you will notice some newly installed light fixtures and a brighter campus
overall. This is a direct response to concerns raised by the UTSA community about nighttime security. With the support of campus
leadership, the Office of Facilities teamed up with the UTSA Police Department and Safety Office for solutions, and implemented a
Safety and Security Improvements project using special funding (LERR). First, lighting engineers studied both campuses and
identified dark or poorly lit entrances, paths and parking lots. A design was then drawn that directed the installation of additional
lighting fixtures and the increased brightness of existing fixtures. With the completion of these improvements this summer, both
campuses are now beautifully and safely lit.
AUGUST 2010
Sombrilla Skylight Refurbishment
UTSA’s iconic Sombrilla skylights and shade panels have had a facelift. The original 315 skylights, each one a 10 foot square, were
replaced with a non-yellowing acrylic. Some of the structural steel was also replaced to improve safety and eliminate water leaks.
The comprehensive refurbishment will be completed on August 13, 2010—substantially ahead of schedule.
JULY 2010
East Parking Garage
Construction on a third multi-level parking garage on the UTSA Main Campus is expected to begin in March and to be completed in
July 2012. The East Garage will be located on a portion of parking lot 4 north of the Main Building. The map below denotes the area
that will be closed during the construction process.
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The parking facility will be capable of supporting up to 1,200 spaces with room for a customer service center, as well as a coffee
kiosk and Spirit Shop within the facility. Constructed to support the university’s future needs, the garage will offer faculty, staff and
student permit parking, as well as paid daily visitor and event parking. The $30 million project will be paid with parking permit and
short term parking revenues.
FEBRUARY 2010
Facilities recently completed several projects, including:
Lighted metal sculptures at the new Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) building. (photo)
Science Building: Chemistry teaching labs and Physics Microscopy Center. (photo)
NOVEMBER 2009
MS Renovation & Infill
The MS Renovation & Infill project will be home to Business Auxiliary Services (BAS) which is comprised of Parking, Transportation,
UTSACard Office, and Auxiliary Services contract management. Currently, divisions are located at Physical Plant and the UC. This
new location will allow the entire BAS team to be housed centrally and offer adequate lobby spaces for customer transactions
including Parking Permit/Citation payments, UTSACard issuance, and general BAS assistance.
The new structure, located at ground level on the west side of the Multi-Disciplinary Studies Building, includes a covered entry with
planters and a stainless steel shade structure unique to the campus. While the new exterior is designed to blend with the existing
MS Building, the interior will have a contemporary feel that includes oversized ceramic tile floors and a linear metal ceiling. The
lobby will include kiosks for students.
AUGUST 2009
The Applied Engineering and Technology (AET) Building is nearing substantial completion. Furniture installation and
department move-ins will take place over the next few months. Three of the ground level classrooms will be readied early to
provide much needed space for Fall 2009 classes. Construction operations will continue in the rest of the building. The entire
building is scheduled to be fully functional and ready for use in Spring 2010. Students, faculty and staff are asked to exercise caution
when they are in the building and around the construction zones.
JULY 2009
Combined Science Facilities Renovations
A $23M Combined Science Facilities Renovation (CSFR) project is underway on West Campus that will completely renovate 26,250
square feet of the Physical Science and Life Science Buildings and provide new biology, chemistry and physics labs. The project
includes new plumbing and electrical, lab service equipment, fire sprinklers, fire alarm and security systems, plus upgrades to meet
ADA standards. Aesthetic improvements include new window openings to each lab, new interior finishes and laboratory furniture,
new sidewalks and landscaping, and the addition of an entry tower and some metal roofing to match the adjacent Margaret Batts
Tobin Building.
JUNE 2009
Bicycle Parking on the Paseo
If you ride a bicycle on campus, you can now park it in style. Two new bike parking areas were constructed at the center of campus
that will accommodate over 200 bicycles. Located along the UC Paseo near the MS Building and the PE Building, these attractive new
areas provide shade, seating and soon-to-be-completed landscaping and were constructed with field stone and brick pavers to
match Paseo construction. With a growing number of students riding bicycles on campus, adding bike parking is a priority.
APRIL 2009
Sprucing Up Campus Borders
Facilities has been busy sprucing up the edges and entrances to the 1604 campus. The goal of this ongoing vegetation management
project is threefold: 1) improve the visibility of campus buildings; 2) open natural areas to limited use; and 3) reduce cedar (juniper)
populations which are encroaching on native species and decreasing the biodiversity of flora and fauna on campus. The end result:
Better views. Fostering of native plants. Protection of wildlife. Improved natural areas for all to enjoy. (Photos: Before and After)
MARCH 2009
MS Renovation and Infill
March 2, 2009 – A major addition and renovation to the MS Building is scheduled to begin in early March 2009. This construction
will have an impact on operations and activities inside the MS Building, due to the size and complexity of the project. Ingress and
egress to the building will not be significantly affected; however, pedestrian traffic flow outside of the building must be temporarily
diverted to the west side of construction and onto the adjacent sidewalks at UC III. The new area (approximately 5,800 square feet)
will house offices for operations and support of Business Auxiliary Services, Parking & Transportation, and Card Services. Project
completion is expected in late August 2009.
FEBRUARY 2009
New Office Space at University Heights
January 21, 2009 – A newly built-out 9,753 square foot office space at the University Heights Technical Center, located at 5723
University Heights Blvd. Building II - Suite 400, is the new home for over fifty UTSA employees from the Development and
Communications departments of UTSA University Advancement who join folks from the Monterey Building at the Downtown
Campus, John Peace Library and Main Building. In Phase II of the project, more employees from Legal Affairs, Audit & Compliance,
Undergraduate Studies, Telephone Services, Student Information Systems (SIS), Enterprise, and the Art Curator department will
move to Building IV of the same University Heights Center later this Spring. A third phase includes a renovation of the existing UTSA
lease space at Building II, Suite 500. The renovated suite will provide additional space for the Human Resources department and
some of the Financial Affairs offices.
DECEMBER 2008
Renovation in Progress for Tomas Rivera Center and Student Athletic Tutoring
The ground level east wing of the Multi-Disciplinary Studies Building is currently being renovated to house the Tomas Rivera Center
and to provide new facilities for Student Athletic Tutoring. The project will provide office space and ancillary support areas,
including work areas, classrooms, a computer lab, and expanded restrooms. This institutionally managed project is scheduled for
completion in April 2009.
NOVEMBER 2008
UTSA PROJECTS EARN AWARDS
The Physical Plant Building renovation drew special attention last month. The Associated Builders and Contractors/South Texas
Chapter presented an "Excellence in Construction" award to the project’s general contractor, Alpha Building Corporation. The award
selection panel named the renovation as the top project in the "Under $4 Million" category.
The Laurel Village Student Housing and Roadrunner Café Addition project was also in the limelight. Constructed by SpawGlass and
managed by OFPC, this project met the stringent criteria by the Nominating Committee and was awarded an “Excellence in
Construction” trophy at the 2008 Excellence in Construction Awards Gala held in Houston, November 10th.
OCTOBER 2008
Engineering Building - Phase 2
The Engineering Building Phase 2 is approximately 60% complete. Installation of the stone façade is complete on the east and south
sides and will begin soon on the north and west sides. The building now has electrical power and the air conditioning systems are
being started and tested. The BSE doors on the west side of the building on the 2nd level will be closed beginning 11/20/08 so that an
overhead canopy can be installed between the BSE and EB2. The BSE entry doors will be re-opened on 12/13/08. A covered walkway
will be installed for emergency egress from the building.
John Peace Library Renovations
Construction has started on the first phase of the John Peace Library renovations. The first phase consists of new furniture, lighting,
and interior finishes on the second floor. Minor renovation work will start on the fourth floor of the library in November. Phase one
work is scheduled for completion in March 2009. Future phases of renovation include new furniture, lighting, and interior finishes on
the third floor and the addition of special collections and stacks on the fourth floor.
FEBRUARY 2008
South Parking Garage
The end of March 2008 will see the completion of the new South Parking Garage located in the center of the UTSA campus, adjacent
to the Science Building (SB), Biosciences Building (BSB) and Parking Lot 6. This 4-story garage will accommodate 481 parking spaces,
including 9 handicap-accessible and 46 compact. Amenities include two hydraulic elevators, security and communication facilities,
and a manned ticket office. This structure also adjoins the new South Thermal Energy Plant, built to accommodate the increased
energy capacity required as the campus continues its dynamic growth.
The new parking garage is part of a continuing goal of UTSA to increase the number of parking facilities available on campus. The
completion of this project, along with the forthcoming parking associated with the Sam Barshop project will have a positive impact
on this need. As construction operations demobilize here, students are asked to avoid the remaining adjacent construction areas
and use caution when in proximity of the project.
Roadway and Parking Expansion
The Sam Barshop Boulevard roadway expansion project, now under construction, will greatly enhance north/south connections
between Loop 1604 and UTSA Boulevard. This will reduce traffic demand on Walter Brennan Ave. When the new roadway is
completed in late June 2008, Sam Barshop Blvd. will connect West Campus Road with George Brackenridge Blvd.
The roadway was designed in conjunction with the Expansion of Parking Lot 12 – which provides approximately 500 new parking
spaces on the west campus and is also in progress. Sam Barshop Blvd. will hug the east edge of the parking lot expansion. The
combined projects will provide improved access and much needed parking for everyone, including participants and spectators at
academic and athletic events, students, faculty and staff.
DECEMBER 2007
University Center Expansion Project (UC - Phase 3)
The University Center Expansion Project is just a few months away from the long awaited July 2008 completion date. One of our
finest new buildings on campus, this 59,100 square foot building will provide space for Student Leadership and Cultural Programs
and a 600 seat Ballroom, and includes a commercial grade kitchen, shared conference and meeting rooms, study areas, offices,
student lounge spaces, a large game room, and a sandwich and coffee shop.
Students, faculty, and staff should be aware of construction barricades and heed all warnings throughout the area. As the project
continues to take shape, several adjoining spaces will be closed due to construction. The Paseo (between the existing UC and the
new UC expansion) will be partially closed for several months to make way for the construction of two elevated walkways that will
connect the new expansion structure to the existing University Center. The covered walkways at ground level will remain open for
pedestrian traffic. In the future, the south end of the construction site (between the new parking garage and the new UC expansion)
will also be closed for various site improvements. Notices will be issued in advance of these closures.
NOVEMBER 2007
Engineering Building - PHASE 2
Construction has begun on a new $82.5 million engineering and biotechnology facility adjacent to the existing Biotechnology,
Sciences and Engineering Building (BSE). Completion is scheduled for Fall of 2009. The five-story, 150,000 square foot building will
be home to the fastest growing Engineering program in the state. This is an important step toward UTSA becoming a premier public
research university.
The state-of-the-art facility will have five large studio-style classrooms, with teaching laboratories and support spaces on the ground
floor. The first floor will house Biomedical Engineering; second floor will serve Electrical and Computer Engineering; third floor will
be the home of the Physics and Astronomy departments; the top floor is reserved for mechanical equipment and the roof plenum.
All floors will include faculty, post graduate, and post doctoral offices, support spaces and associated laboratories.
The architectural features of the building include two different colors of limestone block with inset bands of stucco below the roof
line and a clay tile roof. First floor will have double-paned windows with tinted low-e insulated glass and sun-controlled aluminum
canopies for maximum efficiency. An atrium on the building’s north entry faces the plaza on the north side, adjacent to the BioScience Building rotunda.
OCTOBER 2007
Additional Parking and Roadway Planned for UTSA Main Campus
The Office of Facilities is working with three architectural and engineering firms to design new parking lots, a north-south connector
road, and a water filtration basin to serve the 1604 campus. Design is complete for a 500 space expansion of parking lot 12, for a
new roadway to connect UTSA Boulevard and Loop 1604 across campus, and for a water filtration basin to capture runoff from the
new projects. Design of a 400 space expansion of parking lot 10 is nearing completion. All four projects should be put out for
competitive construction bids in the near future with completion estimated by early in calendar year 2008. The new lots will provide
an additional 900+ parking spaces for students, staff, and faculty. Shuttle bus routes will serve both new parking lots.
Renovation of Physical Plant
A large-scale renovation of the Physical Plant Building is in progress to accommodate the growing needs of the University of Texas at San
Antonio. This institutionally-managed renovation project, scheduled for substantial completion in November 2007, will transform this
32 year old building into a facility to accommodate growth and ensure the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. The renovated
building includes offices and support spaces for the new Police Department, Information Technology, and Parking and Transportation
Services and provides program space, a communications center, training rooms, locker rooms, access control, holding rooms and a
shared lobby.
SEPTEMBER 2007
LAUREL VILLAGE
This Fall, approximately 200 students moved into the newly constructed Laurel Village Student Housing (Phase I). This new housing
project was built to accommodate the growing student population and fills the increased demand for on-campus living. Phase II of
Laurel Village is also underway. Construction of an additional 472 beds and ancillary service spaces will be completed for the 2008
fall semester. While this expansion is progressing, students should be extra careful around construction areas and use the sidewalks
and crosswalks. When ground construction work near the tennis courts is completed, an additional pathway to the various campus
buildings will be provided.
RECREATION AND WELLNESS CENTER
The highly anticipated Recreation and Wellness Center Expansion opened its doors just in time for the new school year’s Fall
Convocation. President Romo and other official dignitaries used the recently completed facility to showcase the various amenities
in the Recreation and Wellness Center. Phase 1 of the project includes basketball courts, a large exercise and weight room area, and
an indoor running track. In addition, the outdoor pool and sand volleyball areas are due to be completed in late September and
come complete with a floating river. Phase 2 is already underway with the renovations of the administration offices for the
Recreation Center. In Phase 3, construction will continue on the MAC (Multi-Activity Center) Gym, racquetball courts, and a
smoothie bar and lounge in the Recreation Center. This great facility is scheduled to be completed in entirety, by the end of this
year. As always, students, faculty and staff are asked to avoid the construction areas and use caution when visiting the center.
Improvements Continue at Convocation Center
The Convocation Center, one of the first buildings constructed on the UTSA 1604 campus, is undergoing important life, health, &
safety upgrades. A new fire sprinkler system and smoke evacuation system was installed earlier this summer, and replacement of all
telescopic seating is currently underway. The new fire protection upgrades provide an enhanced level of protection for those who
attend events in the Convocation Center as well as for faculty, staff, and students who routinely work or participate in sporting
events. The new bleachers, including enclosed storage with fixed seating on top, will provide increased handicap seating locations,
wider aisles and lower step heights, new more comfortable molded seating, and enhanced operation of the opening-&-closing of the
telescopic mechanism. The lower two units of telescopic seating are already installed, and completion of upper units and fixed
seating areas planned by early October.
Student Pathway Eases Trek to Classes
A new crushed stone pathway was recently completed connecting Chaparral Village with parking lot 1B and the sidewalk leading to
the Convocation Center and West Paseo. The stone pathway was installed by Office of Facilities to improve an eroded and rocky dirt
trail that offered the quickest route from housing to classrooms. The eleven-foot wide path provides a safer, easier, and more
attractive natural connector across a popular pedestrian trail.
AUGUST 2007
JPL Renovations
Renovations on the first floor of the John Peace Library Building (JPL) began in June 2007. Sabinal Construction Company is
renovating approximately 14,000 sq. ft. for Student Financial Aid and the Registrar’s Office. This construction work is part of a
comprehensive plan to centralize student services on the 1604 campus. The Student Financial Aid renovation is scheduled to be
completed in November 2007. Completion of the Registrar’s Office renovation is scheduled for June 2008. Students, faculty, and
staff are encouraged to use caution in the JPL building and should avoid the construction areas.
MAY 2007
Roadrunner Café Addition
Construction on a 7,000 square foot addition to the Roadrunner Café will begin in August. The café expansion will add a third dining
area, additional servery space, food services storage, and additional toilet rooms. The project is scheduled to be completed prior to
the beginning of Fall Semester 2008 to coincide with the completion of the Laurel Village student housing project.
APRIL 2007
Multidisciplinary Studies Building Renovation
Renovations on the second floor of the Multidisciplinary Studies Building (M.S.) began in April 2007. David & David Construction Co.
is renovating approximately 6,200 sq/ft in the M.S. for Admissions which will relocate from JPL. An additional 2,000 sq/ft. in the
M.S. will be renovated for Orientation and Transition Services. They will move from the University Center. UTSA’s Visitors Center
will also move to the M.S. from the Business Building. All three renovated areas, part of a comprehensive plan to centralize student
services on the 1604 campus, provide increased floor space and will be accessible from the Sombrilla and M.S. second floor
breezeway. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007. Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to use
caution in the M.S. Building and should avoid the construction sites.
MARCH 2007
Infill at MS Sombrilla
On February 19th, Facilities began constructing two areas on the east side of the Multi-Disciplinary Studies Building (MS). This
includes the installation of a storefront glass system in the MS Sombrilla (under the 2nd Floor Arcade) and will create approximately
3,800 square feet for the Tomas Rivera Center's Math/Writing Lab and Supplemental Instruction. Construction is expected to be
completed June 13, 2007.
FEBRUARY 2007
University Expansion III
UTSA & contractor Spaw Glass are about to begin construction of University Center Expansion III. This $33.3 M capital building
project, designed by Perkins + Will Architects, consists of three principal elements: New Construction for University Center program
areas, the renovation of existing University Center program areas, and life safety upgrades in the existing University Center that will
bring the entire facility up to current code requirements. The New Construction portion will provide space for Student Leadership &
Cultural Programs, a 600-seat Ballroom, shared conference and meetings rooms, study areas, and student lounge space. Project
completion is scheduled for June 2008.
JANUARY 2007
Laurel Village Construction Update
Construction of Laurel Village broke ground on 12/18/06. UTSA’s 680-bed housing development is located west of the parking
garage at the intersection of Walter Brennan and Margaret Tobin. The first phase of the project will include 208 beds for Fall of
2007. The second phase--472 beds and an expansion to Roadrunner Café--will be completed the following year, to better serve
UTSA’s resident students.
DECEMBER 2006
East West Connector Road (East Campus Drive)
Planned completion January 15, 2007. This roadway will connect Lot 13 with Rhoderick Key Road to create an express shuttle route.
James Bauerle Road Extension
Planned completion December 2006. This extension to James Bauerle Road will create an access controlled service road
connection to Lot 4 behind the Main Building.
NOVEMBER 2006
Recreation and Wellness Center – Phase II
The RWC-II is 124,710 square feet of new space and 14,505 square feet of existing renovated space. Interior exercise, fitness and
team sport facilities are complemented by outdoor swimming pools and team sport facilities. Anticipated completion is spring 2008.
OCTOBER 2006
Parking Garage No. 1
This 148,026 square foot four-story structure is designed to contain 479 parking spaces at the heart of the 1604 campus to meet
the growing demand for parking. Anticipated completion is prior to Fall 2007.
Thermal Energy Plant 2
The Energy Plant is a 16,716 square foot single-story structure designed to contain one chiller and one boiler for immediate use and
five additional chillers and two additional boilers for future use. The Energy Plant will provide sufficient capacity to meet all of the
heating and cooling demands generated by the new Recreation Wellness Phase II and all future facilities constructed on the 1604
central and west campuses. Anticipated completion is prior to the Spring 2008 and that all depends on whether or not
SEPTEMBER 2006
James Bauerle Road Extension
This project creates an access-controlled extension from James Bauerle Road north to Parking Lot 4, behind the Main Building, and
closes entrances from James Bauerle into Lot 8 to improve traffic flow. Construction is underway and anticipate completion is midDecember 2006.
East-West Connector Road
This project will create a roadway and pedestrian walkway from Rhoderick Key Parking Lot (Arts Bldg) to Parking Lot 13 on the east
side of campus. This roadway will allow for express shuttle service between these two lots which should greatly improve
utilization of Lot 13. Construction will begin early September and is expected to be complete by spring 2007 semester.
APRIL 2006
Laurel Village Construction Update
Construction for Laurel Village, UTSA’s 680-bed, Phase II housing development, has been temporarily placed on hold. The recent
construction climate in San Antonio and south Texas created a demand on area contractors and subcontractors that contributed to
no bidder participation for this project. Business Affairs, in conjunction with Student Affairs, is exploring opportunities to re-package
Laurel Village with an expansion to Roadrunner Cafe in an effort to better serve UTSA’s resident students.
Physical Plant Building Renovation
The Police Department, the Parking & Transportation Services, and Technology Services are expected to join Telephone Services in
the Physical Plant Building once design and renovations are completed for the 20,000 square foot building. Programming and design
for the new ‘tenants’ will begin soon, and once completed, a projected construction completion date will be announced. It is
anticipated that Student Affairs will utilize the space to be vacated by the Police and Parking departments in the MS Building for core
learning and teaching facilities. More specific plans for the vacated MS and Sciences Building space will be finalized in the near
future. Additional details will be provided as they come available.