Tag Archives: Construction

Raba Kistner Infrastructure, Inc: Independent Quality Assurance on I-15 Utah County Corridor Expansion (CORE) Project

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Raba Kistner_ logoCORE project _ Raba KistnerHonors and accolades rolled in during all of 2013 for the I-15 CORE project in Utah. Dubbed “The Billion Dollar Baby” by Utah Construction & Design, the $1.725 billion I-15 CORE project in Utah finished almost six weeks ahead of time and $260 million under budget, while keeping existing lanes open to traffic for most of construction. No other billion dollar-plus public highway project in the nation has ever been completed in the time it took to build I-15 CORE (less than 36 months).  I-15 CORE included 24 miles of freeway reconstruction and widening, 10 interchanges and 63 bridges. Four of the bridges were constructed off site and moved into place over weekend closures.

Raba Kistner Infrastructure played an important role performing Independent Quality Assurance during both the design and construction phases. We acted as the owner’s (UDOT) representative, inspecting and testing over 4.0 million cu yds of material.

Using Raba Kistner Infrastructure’s proprietary web-based software program called ELVIS – Electronic Laboratory Verification Information System – to track and retain all information related to Quality Assurance kept the project moving quickly.

“Information was entered into ELVIS daily, allowing for almost real time review of the information,” said Clark D. Prothero, P.E., Vice President of Raba Kistner’s Utah office. “This in turn gave all the parties involved the information needed to monitor and close issues in a timely fashion, allowing for a successful, early completion of the project.”

 

Article originally published in Raba Kistner Infrastructure Quality Delivers e-newsletter by Nancy Parker.

 

Volunteer Spotlight – Golf Tournament Chair: Adam Harris, Frost

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Harris_AdamAbout the Company: Adam Harris is Assistant Vice President and Commercial Real Estate Manager at Frost Bank. Managing the complex business of the bank’s commercial real estate customers takes a lot of drive, but making sure everyone gets the personal service for which Frost Bank is known is more important. Whether managing portfolios, underwriting loans, or providing financing for retail, industrial, office, and multi-family construction, Harris understand that integrity is key – and growing and maintaining trustworthy relationships is what really builds a community.

About the Program: The Golf Tournament combines networking and entertainment for businesses and their clients. The day includes golf, prizes, a silent auction and much more. Various levels of sponsorships are available and provide an excellent marketing opportunity for member businesses.

Personally Speaking: Adam is a graduate of the North Chamber’s 2012 Leadership Lab class. His volunteer work with the North Chamber demonstrates the strength of his civic and personal business commitments. “The North Chamber plays a vital role in connecting local businesses in the community through efforts to advocate for business and education, recognize deserving leaders, and provide professional development,” he says. “The golf tournament is a great way to get out and enjoy a fun-filled day, and socialize and network with other members and to help support the North Chamber of Commerce,” Harris says.

PeopleFund and Capital One Bank team to provide financing for new Accion Texas corporate campus

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Accion logo colorAccion Texas will soon begin construction on its new corporate campus in San Antonio at 2015 W. Martin Street.  The new campus consists of four buildings. The centerpiece is a 13,100-square-foot headquarters complemented by a 1,897-square-foot business incubator center, a 1,400-square-foot workshop and training building as well as a 1,000–square-foot café which will be used as a culinary learning center.

Accion Texas President and CEO Janie Barrera and volunteers have spearheaded the project and initial fundraising since a multi-million-dollar capital campaign was announced in June 2012.  The capital campaign was awarded a $1.3 million grant from the United States Economic Development Agency.  In addition, approximately $1.4 million in grants and gifts have been raised from other benefactors.

Although the capital campaign is doing very well, Accion is short of its goal needed to begin construction.  However, recognizing the community impact of the project and also the successful history of Accion, PeopleFund and Capital One Bank were able to complete a creative financing solution that closed on December 30, 2013 to allow Accion to immediately begin construction.

The financing included a $6.1 million New Market Tax Credit (NMTC) allocation from PeopleFund with a tax credit equity investment and leverage loan from Capital One Bank.  Capital One also provided a $3.5 million construction loan.

“With our rapid growth, we have run out of space. Now we have funding in place to promptly build the entire campus as a single project,” Barrera said. “We thank PeopleFund for awarding its NMTC to us and to Capital One for providing construction financing to allow us time to complete our capital campaign.  Now our goal will be to continue our capital campaign to raise the remaining funds.”

On Sept. 17, the three organizations committed to the project. According to PeopleFund President and CEO Gary Lindner, “We seek to place our NMTC credits in high impact non-profit community projects located in severely distressed census tracts. Accion Texas is a great organization and a perfect fit for a NMTC investment.”

Capital One Bank, led by its Austin Market President and Commercial Banking Executive, Mike Perrine, also played an essential and pivotal role in making this financial deal a reality. “New Market Tax Credits transactions represent an example of how federal resources and local know-how can work together to support revitalization of underserved areas,” said Perrine.  “Capital One Bank has partnered with Accion and PeopleFund on a number of their important community programs, and that makes this latest transaction even more special.”

PeopleFund
Peoplefund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Established in 1994, it is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA certified lender. PeopleFund provides business loans up to $250,000 to Texas businesses that lack access to traditional financing. It also provides clients business assistance and education. 89% of loans are to a target market of minority, women, and veteran business owners and those residing in low to moderate income census tracts. Over 50% of loans go to startup businesses and high social impact nonprofits. Through access to capital and education, PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability to build healthy small businesses.

Capital One
Capital One Financial Corporation (www.capitalone.com) is a financial holding company whose subsidiaries, which include Capital One, N.A., and Capital One Bank (USA), N.A., had $206.9 billion in deposits and $289.9 billion in total assets as of September 30, 2013. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Capital One offers a broad spectrum of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses and commercial clients through a variety of channels. Capital One, N.A. has more than 900 branch locations primarily in New York, New Jersey, Texas, Louisiana, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. A Fortune 500 company, Capital One trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “COF” and is included in the S&P 100 index.

Accion Texas
Established in 1994 in San Antonio as a nonprofit organization, Accion Texas Inc.’s financial and business-support services help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses, stabilize and increase their incomes, create employment and contribute to the economic revitalization of their communities.  Accion has the nation’s largest microloan portfolio and is committed to providing capital to entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources. Since its inception, Accion Texas has disbursed 14,000 loans totaling more than $152 million and now operates in eight states – Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas.  For more information, visit www.acciontexas.org or call 1-888-215-2373.

Unprecedented expansion plans unveiled for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Methodist50thLOGOmethodist childrens hospital logoProject to include two new patient towers, expansion of adult and children’s emergency departments, neonatal ICU expansion and parking garage addition 

Methodist Hospital today announced its largest construction project in its history, which will expand the footprint of the Methodist Hospital campus by 445,000 square feet. Cost for the expansion will exceed $200 million and includes renovations and expansions for Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital. Construction begins in 2014 and will continue through 2017.

MH Expansion Site Plan

“With a 50-year track record of as the most preferred hospital in the region, it’s important to continue to meet the needs of our community, our employees, and our physicians,” said Gay Nord, chief executive officer of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital. “Our landmark expansion includes upgrades to substantial areas and services across Methodist Hospital and Methodist Children’s Hospital to include the addition of two new patient towers, expansion of women’s services and neonatal ICU, and expansion of emergency services as well as surgical services.”

“We’ve built a reputation for providing exceptional health care to the people of San Antonio and South Texas,” she continued. “Now it’s time for us to embark on the largest construction project our organization has ever undertaken.”

Highlights of the project include:

Methodist Hospital

  • Expansion of the Methodist Hospital Central Tower with a new entrance making the campus even more convenient for women having babies at Methodist Hospital. More women deliver babies at Methodist Hospital than any other hospital in San Antonio.
  • Expansion of the adult emergency department to 48 treatment rooms.
  • Expansion of the sub-level surgical pre-operating and post-operating areas and an additional nine story parking garage, partially underground, which will allow easy patient access from the parking garage to surgical suites.

Methodist Children’s Hospital

  • Expansion of Methodist Children’s Hospital Emergency Department to 40 beds. Methodist Children’s Hospital has the busiest children’s emergency department in the nation.
  • Addition of a six story patient care tower and new entrance for Methodist Children’s Hospital.
  • Expansion of Methodist Children’s Hospital’s Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), resulting in 94 beds. The hospital currently has one of the largest NICUs in the region.

More than 90 percent of the patient rooms will be all private rooms, for the comfort and convenience of patients and their families.

MH-Central-Tower-Renderings

MHS-Children's-Hospital-Renderings-final

“Congratulations to Methodist Hospital for its vision in recognizing the changing health care needs of our community and for their continued efforts to meet the challenges of our growing region,” said Ron Nirenberg, City Council representative from District 8. “This investment in our city is not only an economic generator, but also a commitment to excellence in health care for the benefit of San Antonio and South Texas families.” The expansion will increase jobs on the Methodist Hospital campus by eight percent.

Methodist Hospital opened in 1963 as the pioneer facility in the now world-renowned South Texas Medical Center with 175 beds and a staff of 272. Today, the hospital has 882 beds and employs 3,538 staff members with total annual salaries of $186 million.

Methodist Children’s Hospital opened in 1998 as the only hospital in the region built exclusively for children. It is the most preferred children’s hospital in the region and the largest provider of pediatric health care south of Dallas and west of Houston, serving children throughout south, central and west Texas.

SAWS M/WBE Program disparity study

By North SA Chamber Editor
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180x150-SAWSSan Antonio Water System is currently embarking on a Minority and Woman-owned Business Disparity Study to help determine its utilization of Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs). This study is part of the ongoing effort by the Board of Trustees and SAWS staff to ensure proper minority representation in contracts of all types that are awarded by SAWS. The Disparity Study will help to determine the availability of M/WBE businesses in the San Antonio area that are ready, willing, and able to contract with SAWS, and determine whether there are any gaps between M/WBE availability and the percentages of these firms utilized by SAWS.

To conduct this study effort, SAWS selected MGT of America. This firm will conduct telephone interviews with engineering firms, construction companies, and trade organizations in the San Antonio area. Here’s where we need your assistance: Starting the week of November 18, 2013, MGT of America will begin these telephone interviews. The interview will consist of 11 short questions that are critical to the success of this study, and will help gauge whether M/WBEs may be experiencing any barriers in doing business with SAWS. When a representative from MGT of America calls, we ask that you help us by participating in this short survey. Your honest feedback is critical, and the survey is completely confidential.

If you should have any questions regarding the survey or SAWS M/WBE Program Disparity Study, please contact Marisol Robles, SMWB Program Manager, at 210.233.3420 or Marisol.Robles@saws.org

Significant changes taking shape in Terminal A: renovation project moving forward

By North SA Chamber Editor
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icon-SAAS_horizontalWith phases 1 and 2 complete and progress continuing throughout Terminal A, passengers are already enjoying amenities that improve the travel experience.

IMG_7962Gates 11-16 have been updated with new wall finishes, lighting and ceiling treatments. New seating is in place with electrical and USB outlets on the chair for an enhanced customer experience.  The restrooms and the flooring in the area have also been updated and new way-finding signage and flight information display boards have been installed.

ta baggage renderingTwo thirds of the Terminal A baggage claim has been updated with finishes like those used in Terminal B. Additionally, the baggage claim area is being equipped with improved way-finding signage, visual paging, flight boards and an art feature.

Visitors to the airport will soon see changes to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint. Reconfiguration and expansion of the queuing area is planned for quicker and more efficient processing of passengers.

During construction, the area is also set to temporarily relocate to allow for installation of new flooring. Airport officials are recommending passengers arrive early for flights as they may experience longer wait times during this transition.

Improvements are also taking shape in the ticket lobby.  Airline ticket counters areas are being updated with additional improvements to include new escalators and refurbishment of the elevators. To minimize interruption to passengers and tenants, the terminal renovations have been phased and have primarily occurred at night.

In addition to the Terminal A Renovations, San Antonio International is introducing new concepts for the concession and retail program. HMS Host International, the prime concessionaire for the airport, is managing the mix of local and national brands.

LaTapenadeAuntie Anne’s Pretzels and Cinnabon both operated by a San Antonio franchiser opened in May and La Tapenade, a Mediterranean-styled Café and Mission City Ice House opened in June. La Gloria, a local favorite owned by Johnny Hernandez, a San Antonio chef and the owner of catering company True Flavors is also included in the concession package and is set to open next month.  Hernandez is a joint-venture partner with HMS Host on several of the establishments.

Other outlets included in the program are The Fruteria, and national brand, Steak ‘n Shake. The only operator scheduled to be retained in the new arrangement, Famous Famiglia Pizzeria, is scheduled to begin improvements next month.

The new restaurants consist of well known national brands, local flavors and include new concepts unique to San Antonio International Airport. The restaurants are set to open in phases and will coincide with the Terminal A renovations.

Raba Kistner Facilities/Project Control Make the Starting Line Up for Redevelopment of Kyle Field

By North SA Chamber Editor
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Raba Kistner Facilities/Project Control was selected as Program Manager for the Texas A&M Kyle Field Redevelopment in November 2012. Since that time, they have been working on the Phase I Re-development Plan, which incorporated conceptual planning, logistics, schedule and budget creation. Kyle field will become the largest stadium in the Southeastern Conference now that university regents have approved the $450 million redevelopment plan. The stadium’s capacity will increase from 82,589 to 102,500 seats in the expansion. The renovation will begin after the 2013 football season and should be finished for the 2015 season.

kyle field render

The team will continue to play in the stadium during construction. A new façade for the stadium will be built, with new exterior plaza areas that will accommodate tailgating and stadium access. Interior improvements will feature increased chair-back seating, more suites, boxes and premium seating with club areas. The latest game day technology, wider concourses, more restrooms and better concession areas describe more of the improvements.

For more information on this project, please contact Paul Hawryluk, Senior Program Manager, at phawryluk@rkci.com or Gary Hall, Project Executive, at gary@projectcontrol.com.

RABA KISTNER, Inc. Announces the Acquisition of Project Control of Texas, Inc.

By North SA Chamber Editor
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raba kistner logo

Project Control (2)The Board of Directors of Raba Kistner, Inc. announced that as of April 29, the company has acquired San Antonio-based Project Control of Texas (PCT), Inc. Project Control will become a division of Raba Kistner Facilities, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raba Kistner, Inc., but will maintain its name while still performing the program management services that have made Project Control a well respected name in the construction industry. The purchase includes all of PCT’s holdings, including PC Sports, LLC, Project Control Houston, LLC, and Project Control Entertainment, Inc.

The Raba Kistner companies have been great colleagues with PCT for almost their entire history, providing Engineering, Environmental and Quality Assurance services on numerous PCT projects. The firms have built very strong personal and professional relationships and have successfully partnered together to provide services on many complex and demanding projects.

As part of Raba Kistner Facilities, Project Control will help lead and expand the Program and Project Management services already being delivered by Raba Kistner. Leaders from both companies think this new affiliation gives PCT a substantial platform for growth, with additional expertise now available in-house, attractive to a wider reach of clients.

William Raba_High Res_ColorSince its beginning in 1968, Raba Kistner has cultivated a strong presence and reputation in Texas, which has allowed the company to expand its multi-disciplinary services. In the last 10 years, the company has doubled its number of employees and almost doubled its billings. “We are on track to grow that much again by 2018,” said William Raba, President of Raba Kistner, Inc. “We saw acquiring Project Control as a prudent way to expand Raba Kistner’s existing capabilities in the Program Management field due to their excellent reputation and well-known, experienced staff. “

PCT CrittendenAccording to Bob Crittenden, Chief Executive Officer of Project Control, PCT has been a recognized leader in Program Management Services and was a pioneer in the field almost from their beginning in the late 1970’s. PCT is one of the largest privately owned Program Managers in their field of service. PCT has worked on projects all over the United States, including many “Fortune 50” clients, completing more than $6 Billion in total projects. Recent projects include the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky; the Pinnacle Bank Arena and West Haymarket Entertainment District in Lincoln, Nebraska; and the Nustar Corporate Headquarters in San Antonio, to name just a few.  Other local clients include Valero Energy Corporation, Frost and Broadway Banks and Security Service Federal Credit Union. “Over 50% of our projects are either repeat business or direct referrals from previous clients, which we attribute to our level of service,” said Crittenden.

Raba Kistner’s innovative approaches and experienced professionals have also been widely recognized within the profession. They are the largest privately owned firm of their type in the Southwest part of the United States. For 18 years, the company has ranked as a “Top 500 Firm” by Engineering News-Record, and has been consistently ranked as one of the top firms for both Engineering and Environmental services in the Southwest.  In both 2011 and 2012, Raba Kistner received the prestigious “Best of State” Award for Civil Engineering in the State of Utah and has been  recognized as “Engineer of the Year” by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) for the last three years. In addition to San Antonio, Raba Kistner has offices in Austin (2), Brownsville, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, New Braunfels, McAllen, Utah, New York and Mexico.

Founded in 1968, RABA KISTNER Inc., is an Engineering News-Record “Top 500 Firm,” operating in ten different markets in Texas, Utah, New York and México. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Raba Kistner provides project management and oversight services; facilities assessment and rehabilitation;  construction materials engineering, testing, and observation; geotechnical engineering, testing and pavement consulting; geology and environmental engineering and consulting; and infrastructure oversight and quality management programs. For more information on the Raba Kistner companies, please visit www.rkci.com.

Project Control, a San Antonio-based company started in the late 1970s, provides owner representation and program and project management services for commercial and industrial construction. Project Control’s managers represent an owner’s best interests on all development issues and alleviate the demands of day-to-day management responsibilities and technical issues associated with major construction projects. PCT’s core competencies include due diligence, feasibility, reporting, budgeting, scheduling, contractor selection, project delivery and value analysis. Learn more online at www.projectcontrol.com.

Joeris General Contractors sees continued growth on the North Side

By North SA Chamber Editor
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If there’s any question about whether growth has slowed in North San Antonio, consider the number of north side construction projects currently underway by San Antonio-based Joeris General Contractors. Joeris, which specializes in K-12 and higher education facilities, retail and healthcare, has active projects in all three sectors.

Joeris is currently building NEISD Middle School #14 at Bulverde Road; NISD Cielo Vista South Elementary School at I-10 West; and UTSA (1604Campus) North Paseo Building. The company was also recently awarded major renovation projects for NEISD’s Reagan High School and Nimitz Middle School. Reagan’s $30 million project includes new athletic fields and facilities, a new science building and additional parking. The $24 million dollar project at Nimitz includes major additions and renovations across the campus.

Joeris’ north side “construction boom” has been ongoing for the last 10 years. During the past decade, the 46-year-old award-winning company has completed NEISD Heroes Stadium, two additional NEISD middle schools, and one NISD middle school. Additional projects have included the new Agriscience Magnet Facility and High School Arts and Athletics additions at Madison High School, and the UTSA Plaza Del Norte Building at the 1604 campus.

On the retail front, Joeris will soon begin construction on its fourth San Antonio-area Wal-Mart, which will be located at Nacogdoches and Thousand Oaks. Since 2003, Joeris has also built three north side H-E-B stores (Alon Market, Stone Ridge Market and HEB #32 at Bandera & 1604), as well as three shopping centers – Stone Ridge Market, Ventura Plaza and Stone Oak Plaza.

And the healthcare industry shows positive growth as well. On March 18, Joeris and project partner J.E. Dunn Construction will celebrate a “topping out” ceremony at North Central Baptist Hospital located in Stone Oak. The project includes the addition of 6 floors to the existing structure, making way for a greatly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2013.

Joeris attributes its success to an experienced and professional team, and a long track record as a leader in sustainable and on-time construction. More than 90 percent of its projects come from repeat customers.

The company’s strong reputation has allowed Joeris to expand outside of San Antonio, too. In 2011, they began construction projects in Houston, Dallas and West Texas, and opened a Dallas-Fort Worth office in 2012.

For more information, visit www.joeris.com.

Joeris General Contractors sees continued growth on the North Side

By North SA Chamber Editor
Posted on by Email to a Friend

PrintIf there’s any question about whether growth has slowed in North San Antonio, consider the number of north side construction projects currently underway by San Antonio-based Joeris General Contractors. Joeris, which specializes in K-12 and higher education facilities, retail and healthcare, has active projects in all three sectors.

Joeris is currently building NEISD Middle School #14 at Bulverde Road; NISD Cielo Vista South Elementary School at I-10 West; and UTSA (1604Campus) North Paseo Building. The company was also recently awarded major renovation projects for NEISD’s Reagan High School and Nimitz Middle School. Reagan’s $30 million project includes new athletic fields and facilities, a new science building and additional parking. The $24 million dollar project at Nimitz includes major additions and renovations across the campus.

Joeris pic UTSAPlazaDelNorteBldg

Joeris’ north side “construction boom” has been ongoing for the last 10 years. During the past decade, the 46-year-old award-winning company has completed NEISD Heroes Stadium, two additional NEISD middle schools, and one NISD middle school. Additional projects have included the new Agriscience Magnet Facility and High School Arts and Athletics additions at Madison High School, and the UTSA Plaza Del Norte Building at the 1604 campus.

On the retail front, Joeris will soon begin construction on its fourth San Antonio-area Wal-Mart, which will be located at Nacogdoches and Thousand Oaks. Since 2003, Joeris has also built three north side H-E-B stores (Alon Market, Stone Ridge Market and HEB #32 at Bandera & 1604), as well as three shopping centers – Stone Ridge Market, Ventura Plaza and Stone Oak Plaza.

Joeris pic HEB32

And the healthcare industry shows positive growth as well. On March 18, Joeris and project partner J.E. Dunn Construction will celebrate a “topping out” ceremony at North Central Baptist Hospital located in Stone Oak. The project includes the addition of 6 floors to the existing structure, making way for a greatly expanded Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2013.

Joeris attributes its success to an experienced and professional team, and a long track record as a leader in sustainable and on-time construction. More than 90 percent of its projects come from repeat customers.

The company’s strong reputation has allowed Joeris to expand outside of San Antonio, too. In 2011, they began construction projects in Houston, Dallas and West Texas, and opened a Dallas-Fort Worth office in 2012.

For more information, visit www.joeris.com.