Texas A&M – San Antonio Completes Central Academic Building

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Texas A&M – San Antonio Completes Central Academic BuildingThe largest university in Texas just got bigger. Texas A&M – San Antonio, a campus whose student body has grown by over 200 percent in the last five years, opened the doors of its new central academic building in the South Side of the city late last year. The 170,750 square-foot building is home to a new auditorium, as well as four floors of classrooms, science labs, and lecture halls.

Just three years ago, the San Antonio campus consisted of a single multi-purpose building. Today, that number has quadrupled. The campus was founded in part to support the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s initiative to enroll 630,000 students in college by 2015. Currently, Texas A&M – San Antonio’s enrollment stands at roughly 4,500 students. By 2025, the campus hopes to have 25,000 students enrolled.

School officials are optimistic about the school’s expected growth, both for the benefit of the student body and the city in which the campus resides. According to an article published by My San Antonio, “Most of [Texas A&M – San Antonio’s] students are from the city’s South and West sides – areas that officials believe will grow by hundreds of thousands of residents by 2030. Many are the first in their families to go to college.” In total, nearly 75 percent of the student body is composed of first-generation college students.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to make a contribution, however small, to the growth and development of this up-and-coming campus. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield – the original, reusable door protection system.

FBI Completes New Regional Headquarters in Miramar, Florida

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FBI Completes New Regional Headquarters in Miramar, FloridaThe Federal Bureau of Investigations has maintained a significant presence in South Florida from their central field office in Miami Beach since 1985. Agents have spent the last thirty years investigating cases concerning everything from counterfeiting schemes to insurance fraud and child pornography in the Sunshine state. After three decades, the bureau had outgrown its regional offices and has since consolidated their operations to a new 475,000 square foot facility in nearby Miramar.

The new headquarters is comprised of a series of buildings constructed on a sprawling twenty acre plot of land. The complex’s design is not only visually striking, but also environmentally sound. It was constructed in accordance with LEED certification standards, and is oriented in an east-west direction in order to minimize solar heat gain from the harsh Floridian daytime sun exposure. Rainwater capture structures, in addition to a water reclamation system, are expected to cut water consumption in the mammoth structure by as much as 95%. Wetlands in the vicinity of the facility were also restored during the construction process.

All told, the project cost $156 million, nearly $40 million less than the original projected cost of construction. It was designed by the Chicago-based architecture firm Krueck and Sexton, and built by Hensel Phelps Construction of Colorado. At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to make a contribution, however small, to the completion of this enormous undertaking. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield – the original, reusable door protection system.

In Seattle, Mixed-Use Project Revitalizes Neighborhood

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post3Constructed on the site of the former Ballard Library, the Ballard West Mixed-Use Building constitutes the latest initiative in Seattle’s ongoing effort to provide its citizens with affordable, environmentally friendly housing options.

The six-story building, in addition to housing over a hundred workforce and affordable housing units, will also be the new home to nearly ten thousand square feet of commercial space. City officials are hopeful that the building will be a boon to the economy of Ballard – a neighborhood which has struggled to combat homelessness for years.

The building was designed with LEED Certification in mind. Likewise, it features a number of innovative features that promote efficient energy use and environmental sustainability. The innovative heat recovery system uses warm air drawn from an underground parking garage to supplement the building’s water heaters. A green roof provides insulation from solar gain and further reduces the energy load required to maintain its internal temperature.

The 200-foot long structure was constructed in three distinct sections in an effort to make it blend seamlessly with the existing architecture in the neighborhood. The project, which began in 2011, was finally completed at the end of 2014.

The Ballard West Mixed-Use building represents a paradigm shift in modern American civic planning. This holistic approach to urban design aims to provide residents of the neighborhood with cost effective spaces in which to work and live without sacrificing construction quality. By housing commercial and residential space within the same four walls, the mixed use ethos also has the potential to dramatically reduce fuel consumption among the building’s residents.

It’s been exciting to follow this project from conception, and play a small part in its completion. We hope that in the future more cities will emulate Seattle’s efforts to provide its citizens with forward-thinking housing options such as the Ballard West Project. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 123 Door Shield – the original, reusable door protection system.

Facebook Completes Second Phase of Altoona Data Center

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post2Mark Zuckerberg’s social networking behemoth has recently completed the second phase of its data center facility outside of Des Moines, Iowa. The 476,000 square foot building is the new home of countless photos, status updates, and pieces of personal information submitted by Facebook’s 1.3 billion users. Brice Towns, manager of the new data center, aptly described the enormous facility as the place where “your ‘likes’ are living,” in a recent interview with the Des Moines Register.

Facebook isn’t the first tech giant to set up shop in the plains of Central Iowa. In 2007, Google completed work on a similarly huge data center in nearby Council Bluffs. Microsoft is also currently in the process of building a $1.1 billion data center in West Des Moines. When the four stage project is complete, Microsoft’s data center will house a staggering 1.16 million square feet of server space.

And now, onto the question that’s likely on everyone’s mind. Why Iowa? Are they running out of room in Silicon Valley? Are these servers corn fed? Not exactly.

But they are wind fed, and Iowa has plenty of wind. In fact, Iowa leads the country in wind power production. In 2013, 27% of Iowa’s electricity was generated by wind turbines.

You see, servers get hot – particularly when you put a few thousand of them in a room together. In many data centers, server temperatures are regulated with costly, inefficient water cooling systems. In Iowa, however, the wind alone is sufficient to keep the servers cool. The air cooling facilitated by the Iowan plains is so efficient, that on some days the data center staff has to turn on the heat to keep the servers humming along in their optimal thermal butter zone.

But Iowa’s ample wind supply isn’t the only thing drawing big tech companies to The Hawkeye State. Iowa also has a great deal of undeveloped land, and a relatively low risk of natural disasters. In addition, a 2007 piece of state legislation grants tax breaks on the sale and use of the computer equipment needed to keep data centers such as these running. Clearly, Iowa’s transformation into a Midwestern tech hub is no accident.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have done our part, however small, to help facilitate the completion of this massive undertaking. Stay tuned for more!

Construction Protection Systems and 2015

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post1This past year was a great one for Construction Protection Systems and our customers, and we aim to make 2015 even better. Throughout the past 12 months, our products have served a wide range of clients throughout the country, with our 200 series and protector door shields helping to keep costs low for countless projects.

 

Looking ahead at the coming weeks and months, we have several goals. First and foremost, we want to continue to improve our products and services for our existing clients. You are the ones who have made Construction Protection Systems the success it is today, and we continually strive to improve your experience. You can continue to count on the reliability of our protection shields, and we can’t wait to hear about how they aid you in 2015.

 

Of course, we are always looking to expand our business and reach new clients. Whether you are interested in our services, or you know someone who may benefit from our products, we would love to hear from you. Take some time to browse our site to learn more about our door shields, and as always, feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions. We are dedicated to providing unparalleled customer service, and a member of the Construction Protection Systems team is always available to provide you with the information and service you deserve.

 

We are excited for 2015 and all that it will bring, and we hope that you will join us as we continue to evolve and improve the products that we offer. Keep checking back with our blog for all the latest news and updates regarding our door shields!

Construction Protection Systems Year in Review

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Another year gone and another on its way. And what a year it’s been, here at Construction Protection Systems! Our products have been saving companies both money and karma from California, to Texas, to Florida. Here’s a quick round up of what we’ve been up to this year, as well as what we’re looking forward to in the next.

 

 

Santa Monica High School Science and Technology Center, Santa Monica, CA

Marriott Edition Miami Beach Seville Hotel, Miami, FL

SMU Commons Student Housing, Dallas, TX

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN

Rincon Center, San Francisco, CA

Texas A&M Central Academic Building, San Antonio TX

U.S. Federal Office Building (FBI), Miramar, FL

California Maritime Academy, Vallejo, CA

Verizon Data Center, Rocklin, CA

Marine Corps Air Center, Yuma, AZ

Sony Studios Support Center, Brea, CA

Banning Justice Center, Banning, CA

One South Market Condo project, San Jose, CA

McKinney Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, McKinney, TX

Alexander Lofts, West Palm Beach, FL

AC Hotel, Miami, FL

Hyatt Place, Chicago, IL

 

This year, Construction Protection Systems is dedicated to providing our 200 series and Protector door shields to aid in making projects like these fiscally feasible and environmentally responsible. Contact us today to get started on your own New Year’s project!

 

Anchor Center for Blind Children – Julie Andrews Mork Building

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Constructed in 2007, Anchor Center for Blind Children’s Julie McAndrews Mork Building in Denver, Colorado is a unique facility designed specifically for teaching very young children with vision impairments.

 

It includes lights, textures, sounds, a Sensory Garden with water feature and sculptures, Cane Walk Lane for cane training and Braille Trail for walking or riding a tricycle.

 

The spacious Grand Hallway gives children a sense of security so that they can walk down the hall without fear of getting bumped. The building’s way-finding features help children find classrooms and give them confidence in their ability to navigate the world.

 

Anchor Center’s facility is truly a place of magic, wonder, fun and joy. It sets the stage for children’s successful transition into public school and a life well-lived.

 

Through early intervention vision services, Anchor Center for Blind Children works with children to maximize the use of any vision they may have as well as optimizing their use of all senses. Additionally, early intervention vision services enhance the families’ ability to support their children’s well-being, capacity for learning and full participation in their communities.  Anchor Center’s specialized staff assists children with visual impairments in developing the emotional security, social competence and intellectual skills needed to build on their natural talents and ability to succeed in school.

 

Anchor Center for Blind Children is a nationally recognized, private, non-profit agency whose goals are:

  1. to provide educational and therapeutic vision services of the highest quality to children from birth to age five (whose vision is their primary obstacle to learning) without discrimination to race, national or ethnic origin, sex or religious preference;
  2. to provide information and support to families for the purpose of: a) increasing parents appreciation and respect for their child’s unique potential b) empowering families to advocate for their child;
  3. to provide a setting that encourages children’s independent functioning and ability to interact with their families, peers, and others in the world around them;
  4. to collaborate with schools, community agencies and others in order to enable children who are blind to successfully transition into other educational settings and develop optimally.

 

Construction Protection Systems is proud to have participated in the construction of this award-winning project and looks forward to pitching in on similar non-profit ventures in the future.

 

A Look at the Royal Oaks Retirement Center

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The days when retirement communities are thought of as the places where old people go to die are long past.  Today, retirees and seniors choose to live in retirement communities especially designed or geared for people who no longer work, or restricted to those over a certain age. One of the key drivers of this movement is the desire to live in a place where active retirees can also rely on extended health services if that care is ever needed – in a central place and campus environment.

 

One such community, Royal Oaks Retirement Center in Sun City, AZ, is celebrating 30 years of offering many services that contribute to increased longevity for their residents. Royal Oaks offers nutritious and delicious dining opportunities, fitness and wellness programs and a vast array of social programs and activities. In addition, residents don’t have to worry about maintenance, housekeeping or laundry. And for those who need it transportation is provided to health care providers and shopping.

 

Royal Oaks knows that people who are socially active, incorporate fitness at a comfortable level, take a proactive approach to wellness, and eat nutritious meals live independently longer.

 

Royal Oaks Retirement Center is one of many retirement communities designed to serve a growing aging population by fostering growth, dignity, choice, honor, independence, and wellness for residents.Construction Protection System is proud to have helped in a small way in the construction and on-going maintenance of this project and others across the country.

 

Church Sanctuary Renovation

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Christ United Methodist Church (“CUMC”) is a church committed to mission work. Even in the beginning when membership and financial resources were small, they found ways to serve the community. In 1976, CUMC’s Missions Committee backed its first foreign mission endeavor by donating a small amount of money to support Korean missionary work. Since then they have sent mission teams to numerous places, including Bolivia, Africa, Guatemala and Poland. The youth’s first APPA mission trip was to the Appalachian Mountains in Kentucky in 1981.

 

Locally, CUMC has been committed to serving Collin County, Texas and the surrounding area through programs such as Project Hope, House On The Corner, Family Promise, various food and clothing drives as well as projects that address homelessness. As one might expect, a church that places its focus on others tends to grow and eventually outgrows its facilities.

 

When the building committee of CUMC began visioning their new sanctuary, it was decided that the place where they worship must be a reflection of their own stewardship of God’s creation. Building sustainably is one way of caring for God’s creation and preserving it for future generations. CUMC’s sanctuary has been awarded LEED Silver certification, making it the first sanctuary in Texas to be certified sustainable for energy use, lighting, water, and water material use as well as a variety of other strangers.

 

When the doors were delivered to the site and installed, they were installed with Door Shields in place so that the custom doors would be protected while construction continued. Door protection was just one of the strategies employed to ensure that the materials used in the project were not damaged before the project was completed.

 

Construction Protection Systems was pleased to play a small part in the construction of this place of worship.

 

Southern Methodist University Residential Commons Expansion Project

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Southern Methodist University has recently completed the expansion of their Residential Commons that will allow for on-campus living for all first and second-year students.

 

At a cost of $146 million, it is the largest single campus building project that SMU has developed in its 103-year history. The total nine-acre complex includes five different residential halls with a housing capacity of 1,250 students.  Also included are the 800-space Mustang Parking Center and the new Arnold Dining Commons.

 

Each building in the Residential Commons Complex incorporates differences in floor plans, colors and finishes, sight lines and view corridors, as well as a variety of nooks and gathering places within each Commons.  Other features include study rooms, lounges and other gathering areas, as well as an entry-level living room, a kitchenette, a game room and a laundry room.

 

The Arnold Dining Commons will seat 500 students in indoor and outdoor settings and will enable monthly dinner gatherings for residents of each Commons.  Meals will be made-to-order and served from seven stations including a wood-burning pizza oven and home cooking, fresh produce and international menu stations.  The Arnold Dining Commons also has the capacity to host gatherings of students to view broadcast sporting events, live concerts and other cultural and conference activities.

 

With completion of the newest addition to the Residential Commons model of campus living at SMU, a total of eleven residence halls now serve the SMU student body.  This campus living model promotes a strong residential community, allowing students to transition more smoothly to campus life and to enhance personal growth.

 

During the construction of this high-quality project, protection of finishes became crucial to ensuring a perfect aesthetic at the end of the construction and move-in phases. Construction Protection Systems added significant value to the construction process by providing products to protect hundreds of expensive doors from incidental damage.

 

Hopefully the new changes and additions to the Residential Commons in SMU will lead to more students connecting with one another and pursuing their goals within a more interactive campus community.

 

Source: http://www.smu.edu/News/2014/residential-commons-09april2014