BNA Satellite Concourse Now Ready for Takeoff

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A view from outside the Nashville International AirportFor the past three months, Nashville International Airport (BNA) has been a bit busier than in the past. Since October, flights have been flying into and departing from a new eight-gate satellite concourse, an extension on the airport’s main terminal. The new concourse, added to accommodate increased travel to Nashville and Middle Tennessee broadly, is one part of the larger $1.2 billion BNA Vision redevelopment project that began back in 2017.

The New Concourse

Holder Construction and Corgan and Gresham Smith oversaw the work on the new satellite concourse, which was completed in time for an Oct. 21 soft opening. The grand opening is set to take place at a later date. The 89,000 square foot facility is adjacent to Concourse C. It features eight domestic arrival gates, modern amenities, and several concession options.

As of now, the free-standing concourse mostly services Spirit and Allegiant Airline short route flights. The people arriving on those flights go through the main terminal’s security checkpoint and then take a short shuttle ride from Concourse C to the satellite.

Once they arrive at the terminal, customers have a bevy of options when it comes to eating, drinking, and shopping. There are local restaurants serving all three meals throughout the day, Distillery District Market for those looking to purchase spirits, and Gulch Goods and Nashville Supply Co. for shopping. Meanwhile, restaurants Jimmy John’s, TX/MX, Bongo Java, and Fat Bottom Brewery are expected to open soon.

BNA Vision

The BNA Vision redevelopment project was more of a necessity than a luxury. The airport saw a record 21.9 million travelers in 2023, more than doubling its total from a decade prior. There was an obvious need for more of just about everything and that’s exactly what this project provided. The satellite concourse joins the newly renovated Terminal Lobby and new International Arrivals Facility. Concourse D and Terminal Wings Expansion, Terminal Garages 1 and 2, Interim International Arrivals Building, and Terminal Apron and Taxi Lane Expansion in the pool of recently completed projects.

Meanwhile, a Hilton-Branded Hotel and Terminal garage are scheduled to be completed early this year, the Donelson Pike Relocation is on track to finish in 2026, and a terminal access roadway improvement project is slated to begin in 2026 and end in 2028.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in the development of the BNA Satellite Concourse project. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Amazon’s HQ2 in Arlington Houses Thousands of Employees

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A view of Arlington, VA from across the PotomacAfter years of planning, tough decisions, and construction work, the first phase of Amazon’s second headquarters (HQ2) opened for business in Arlington, VA in June 2023. The massive development, which now serves as the workplace for thousands of employees, was first announced more than six years ago. Quite a bit has happened in the intervening time.

A Brief History of HQ2

Amazon first announced that it would be building a new headquarters in 2017. The company had primarily operated out of Seattle since its 1994 founding. After a long search in which dozens of cities of North America submitted proposals in an effort to court the tech giant, Amazon chose to split the new headquarters between New York and Northern Virginia in late 2018. In early 2019, Amazon pulled out of New York amid pushback from opponents of the project. The Virginia project was split into two phases and construction began in January 2020.

The Metropolitan Park Facility

Clark Construction oversaw the first phase of the HQ2 project, Metropolitan Park in Arlington. This facility consists of two 22-story office buildings that account for more than two million square feet of office space. That includes 65,000 feet of street-level retail, a half-mile of protected bike lanes, and new and renovated public spaces. With green buildings in mind, the buildings feature green roofs, greywater and heat exchange systems, and electrical vehicle charging stations.

The ground floor of each tower is open to the public, who can shop at the more immense space dedicated to local small businesses. There are multiple meeting centers, including a 700-person event space available to the community.

The Surrounding Area

However, Metropolitan Park is far more than just a couple of office buildings. It includes a 2.5-acre public space, which is home to a dog park, recreation areas, 175 native trees and plantings, and weekend farmers markets. Members of the community can visit the area to stroll down the walking paths, view the public art, admire the children’s garden, or enjoy the play area.

Amazon’s HQ2 at Metropolitan Park now employs more than 8,000 employees with the capability of taking that number as high as 14,000. Meanwhile, it has provided both outdoor and retail space to the people of Arlington.

At Construction Protection Systems, we are proud to have played a small part in the development of Amazon’s Metropolitan Park construction. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Parkview Health Systems’ New Orthopedic Center is a Boon to Southern Colorado Patients

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A doctor looks at an X-Ray in a hospitalFor a long time, the people of Southern Colorado had to travel up North to Colorado Springs or Denver if they needed any serious orthopedic work done. With the completion of Parkview Health System’s Pueblo West Orthopedic Center last year, that journey is now considerably shorter. This comprehensive orthopedic facility offers patients in Pueblo and the surrounding areas consultation, surgery, and rehab all in the same building.

The Project Timeline

The new orthopedic center is located adjacent to the Parkview Emergency Services Building in Pueblo West. The project was announced in Jan. 2020 in conjunction with the construction of a new comprehensive cancer center, which was also recently completed. The COVID-19 pandemic delayed the groundbreaking to Nov. 2020, before related pandemic supply-chain issues delayed the competition of the project from spring to fall of 2022. JDC Architecture & Design created the design of the building while J.E. Dunn Construction Group led the construction efforts.

The New Facility

Parkview’s new 58,000 square foot building cost more than $58 million in total. That money was well-spent in the form of a high-tech lab, six state-of-the-art operating rooms capable of providing high-definition video during surgery, pre-operation and recovery space, 29 patient rooms, rehabilitation space, 25 surgery prep bays, a full lab, a sterile processing area, and a pharmacy. These amenities grant the hospital the ability to host up to 4,000 to 5,000 orthopedic surgeries per year.

But it’s not just about the quantity of patients the hospital can take on, the goal was also to provide a higher quality of care via the latest in medical technology. The video taken during surgeries can be broadcast on a live feed to a state-of-the-art classroom, allowing doctors to give instruction from across the building as students watch on a large screen. Meanwhile, the post-surgical exercise area is equipped with machines that will help joint replacement patients prepare to go home, including a mock car to help them re-acclimate to driving.

Loved ones of patients were not forgotten about either. The hospital has a café with both indoor and outdoor seating, comfortable waiting rooms adorned with the work of local artists, and a $600,000 outdoor wellness trail funded completely via donations.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Parkview Health Systems Orthopedic Hospital. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

New Virginia General Assembly Building Now Open

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Virginia State FlagThe General Assembly of the state of Virginia officially has a new home. A dedication ceremony was held Wednesday, Oct. 11 for the new Virginia General Assembly Building in Richmond. The legislative structure is home to offices for lawmakers, committee rooms, and more. The assembly has been working on the project of building a new, more modern home for several years and some aspects of this plan are yet to be complete.

The Project Timeline

Virginia’s old General Assembly Building was slated for a full-scale replacement in 2016. The facility was considered outdated and inefficient. It was made up of several buildings that shared a common elevator. It was also too small to accommodate members of the public from a growing state that has more than doubled in population since the 1960s. Most troubling was the asbestos and mold issues that made any technological upgrades to the building challenging to complete.

In 2016, the General Assembly authorized $300 million to build a new structure as part of a larger project involving a new parking garage, and renovations of the nearby Victorian Gothic Old City Hall, which contains state government offices. Part of that funding also went toward a tunnel, still under construction, connecting the building to the nearby Virginia Capitol.

Legislative offices were moved out of the old General Assembly Building, which was demolished in 2017. The initial completion date for the project was June 2022, but the pandemic and related supply-chain issues pushed that date back nearly 18 months. In October 2023, the building was occupied by legislators and opened to the public.

The New General Assembly Building

The new Virginia General Assembly Building was constructed on the same site as the demolished previous structure. It incorporates the historic façade, from 1912, which was stabilized and preserved during demolition. The 15-story building has a 12,000-person capacity, spread across public seating areas, expanded committee rooms, a larger dining area open to the public, and a post office facility. The building also features updated security features and a lactation room for new parents.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Virginia General Assembly Building. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Canopy Park Adds Modern Touch to Historic Haymarket District

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An aerial view of Lincoln, NebraskaLincoln, Nebraska’s historic Haymarket District has seen significant revitalization over the past few years and that trend is only continuing. Recently, Canopy Park opened its doors. This multi-family, mixed-use apartment complex in the Haymarket District of downtown Lincoln now offers a high-end living space in the midst of this rapidly growing community. NGC Group completed construction on the facility in the first half of 2023 and tenants began to move in soon after.

The Living Space

The 176,230 square foot new build offers 253 apartment units in addition to commercial space on the first floor, which was designed for tenant-space build outs. There are a wide variety of open floor plan apartments – with studios, one bedroom, two bedroom, and even three-bedroom units available. The units were designed with luxury living in mind, exemplified by the private balconies, modern finishes, granite countertops, and stainless-steel appliances.

Tenant Perks

The benefits of renting in Canopy Park go beyond just the apartment a tenant resides in. Residents have access to a dog wash, bike lockers and storage areas, private tenant parking in a connected garage, multiple lounges, and a second-floor roof deck that features a view of the city. Washer and dryer are included as is high-quality internet. The outdoor courtyard features a pool, games, grilling stations, and an artificial turf yard. Meanwhile, the security latch app entry offers both convenience and peace of mind.

Historic Haymarket District

Another perk of moving into Canopy Park is the surrounding area. The neighborhood is both walkable and bikeable with easy access to countless food, drink, and entertainment options such as the Canopy Street Market, The Railyard, Pinnacle Bank Arena, and The University of Nebraska. And the options are only growing. Notable in-progress developments include another major mixed-use space and a new park.

Meanwhile, residents will be living in one of the most historic neighborhoods Lincoln has to offer. “Haymarket” refers to the original square where trading took place as early as 1867. Murals and historical markers dot the area, reminding residents of the city’s storied past.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of Canopy Park. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

New Ocoee City Hall Approaching First Anniversary

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A woman works at a standing deskThe new City Hall in Ocoee, FL is approaching the first anniversary of its completion. City staff moved into the building Sept. 8, 2022, and a ribbon cutting and open house was held that night for residents and staff. The new structure provides a more modern space for city business while also serving as the centerpiece of a downtown redevelopment plan.

A New and Modern Space

Ocoee’s new City Hall is a 46,000 square foot, three-story structure in the neoclassical style, made mostly of structural steel and brick. The first floor holds the city commission chambers and service departments, allowing residents to easily access these spaces. The city clerk’s office is on the second floor and the commissioner’s office and conference room are on the third floor. Most of the space on the top two floors is taken up by administrative offices. Each floor has its own kitchen and dining area, and its own conference room. The facility was built with growth in mind: there’s enough space to add up to 50 employees in the future.

Plans to build the new municipal building began several years ago. Prior to the construction, the city convened a group of citizens to share their input on what shape they thought the project should take on. City officials used those suggestions and their own input to work with Wharton-Smith Inc. Construction Group and HKS Architects to design and build the structure.

Conference rooms throughout City Hall are furnished with the latest video conferencing technology. Commission Chambers have the newest in broadcasting equipment so residents can watch meetings from home. The energy efficient building relies on LED and natural lighting, with almost every office having a window.

Health and Wellness

Ocoee City Hall was designed with health and wellness in mind. Offices have stand-up desks with stationary desk bikes. Each department has its own stationary bike shared among the staff. The building also features an outdoor eating area for employees, water bottle fillers on each floor to encourage reuse, and a wellness room for employees who are breastfeeding or have private health needs.

A Larger Vision

The new City Hall isn’t just a new building, it’s new location – downtown. This central location allows residents to more easily access the facility. The move is part of the city’s downtown redevelopment plan, which includes more than $44 million in capital projects that aim to revitalize the heart of the city.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Ocoee City Hall. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

San Diego Juvenile Justice Project Offers New Opportunity

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A yellow sign that says "San Diego" in black letteringSometimes a new space can offer you an entirely different perspective. That’s the hope for the youth of San Diego County who have found themselves on the wrong side of the law and the people who are charged with guarding and caring for them.

Over the past several years, San Diego County has been working on a plan to modernize its juvenile justice system, moving away from a tough-on-crime approach when it comes to youth detention. Instead, the county is hoping for the process to be less punitive and more therapeutic. This has been a multi-faceted effort that has involved forming a Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council and releasing a Juvenile Justice Realignment Plan in Aug. 2021.

However, perhaps the most important aspect of the process has been the multi-phase Juvenile Justice Center construction project. The first phase of that project – a new Youth Transition Campus – was completed and opened in the Kearny Mesa area of San Diego in early 2022. The completion of this facility represents an important step in the modernization of San Diego County’s Juvenile Justice Facility.

The Youth Transition Campus

The new San Diego County Youth Transition Campus replaces the old 1950s era facility, in the same Kearny Mesa location. The planning on this project dates way back to 2017, when San Diego County officials began working with community leaders and other stakeholders to promote more successful outcomes in the area of juvenile detention.

Balfour Beatty Construction worked with DLR Group to provide design-build work, with construction on the $112 million, 140,000 square foot facility beginning in November 2019. The design incorporated the approach of experts from both Georgetown’s Center for Juvenile Justice and the Council of Juvenile Justice Administration.

Construction on the project was completed in Jan. 2022 and staff and youth moved in during the following weeks. The facility stretches across 12 acres on the southern part of the county’s juvenile hall property. There are eight housing units that accommodate 96 beds total for people aged 12-20 who are beginning the process of re-integrating into the community. The rooms run along a tree-lined pathway that leads to an open courtyard, containing basketball and handball courts, gardens, an amphitheater, and a stage. The opposite side of the courtyard features a visitation and dining building that includes a modern culinary arts working kitchen, a career technical education building, and an indoor gym.

A New Approach to Juvenile Detention

While San Diego County’s new comprehensive strategy has an aim of keeping kids out of the juvenile justice system, some will inevitably end up there. This new facility and the shift in approach that it coincides with is focused on ensuring that these kids don’t end up back in detention and are able to adequately re-integrate into the community.

To accomplish this, the staff at these facilities use a more therapeutic and less punitive approach to offer trauma-informed services in an effort to rehabilitate young people who have gotten in trouble with the law. The facility was designed with a home-like atmosphere in mind. The living units – not cells – feature high wood beam ceilings and open areas with home-like finishes. Each of the eight units has its own mental health clinician.

What’s Next?

San Diego County’s Board of Supervisors approved a measure to invest $75 million on the second and third phases of the Youth Transition Center in May 2021. The new facility, which is currently under construction, will be capable of housing between 72 and 96 juveniles who are completing the court process. The project will feature many of the same amenities as the first building – 12-bed living units, classrooms, recreational facilities. However, it will also include a 15,000 square foot administration building for staff working with juvenile court, replacing the existing probation center.

The center will specialize in both restorative justice and trauma-informed care. The former refers to guiding the juveniles to help repair the harm caused by crime and the latter to the staff being informed of the child’s history of abuse and/or neglect that may have led to their criminal activity.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the new San Diego County Juvenile Justice Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Students Enjoy New and Improved Crawford High School in San Diego

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The curtain of a theatre opened slightlyCrawford High School in San Diego, CA may be more than 60 years old, but it likely feels brand new to students these days. That’s because over the past several years, local construction crews have been hard at work amid a three-phase modernization effort. The facility, part of the San Diego Unified School District, has been in use since 1958 while the campus has been the site of schools that have served area students since the late 19th century.

The Modernization Project

Late last decade, the San Diego began a three-phrase Whole Site Modernization project. The first phase was completed in July 2020 and involved upgrading the school’s automotive CCTE program with a new building, three service bays, and a dedicated alignment bay. Meanwhile, the school gave a face lift to the existing auto lab by renovating a classroom, an engine lab, and a single bay demonstration lift.

The second phase of the project was not far behind, finishing up in August 2020. The work included renovations to classrooms, restrooms, and food service areas. For safety purposes, there were also upgrades to the fire alarms and emergency communications systems, and the installation of security lighting and cameras.

Phase III Complete

The final and most ambitious aspect of the project took until this year to complete, with a ribbon-cutting taking place Feb. 8. Turner Construction, who managed the project, demolished the previous auditorium to give life to a new three-story structure that now stands in its place. The new building holds 20 classrooms, a student services office suite, and a 450-seat performing arts center. The construction also included a new drop-off and pick-up area and a new parking lot.

The construction, like all capital projects in the San Diego Unified School District, was funded by the district’s Propositions S and Z, and Measure YY, local bond measures approved by voters to repair, renovate, and revitalize neighborhood schools.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in the development of Crawford High School’s multi-phase modernization project. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system

Completion of San Pedro I Represents a Huge Step Forward for UTSA

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A graphic that reads "National Security" in blue letteringStudents at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) recently completed their first semester of instruction and research at the new San Pedro I building. The $91.8 million state-of-the-art facility opened in January and now houses the university’s National Security Collaboration Center (NSCC) and the new School of Data Science (SDS).

The university embarked on this ambitious project with the goal of “ushering in a new era of high-tech education, research and innovation in Texas.” But there’s far more to it than that.

San Pedro I

The planning for San Pedro I and the larger strategic vision began last decade. Groundbreaking on the project occurred in Jan. 2021. Construction took just under two years, punctuated by a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 9. A guest list including UTSA administrators, local politicians, business leaders, and others engaged in a panel discussion on the future of data science and information security and embarked on self-guided tours.

Just over half of the 167,000 square foot facility includes the 84,000 square feet of flexible classroom, laboratory, and research space. The space is organized in a way that encourages collaboration between students and faculty. Plus, the building features four suites and 16 offices for companies that wish to co-locate with the university.

The vast majority of the $91.8 million construction cost came from the University of Texas System Permanent University Fund and the remaining $15 million was gifted by San Antonio businessman Graham Weston. San Pedro I was developed in collaboration with a design-build team led by Whiting-Turner and including Jacobs and Overland Partners. The facility also includes 72,000 square feet of innovation space, research facilities, and laboratories.

One Step in a Larger Plan

This project is the first in UTSA’s phased, decade-long approach to developing its downtown campus with the long-term aim of educating students to become skilled professionals in the fields of national security, data analytics, and data science. The location is key: the six-story structure at 506 Dolorosa Street near San Pedro Creek is located in San Antonio’s booming high-tech corridor. This is but one step in realizing the university’s vision of becoming a nationally recognized research institute, boosting both the school and city’s standing in the cyber world.

Location and Collaboration

San Pedro I is currently home to 400 graduate students, with undergraduates coming in the fall of 2023. The new SDS will offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with certificate programs and other credential opportunities. Meanwhile, the new facility allows the more than 70 faculty members in the worlds of cybersecurity, cloud computing, data and analytics, and artificial intelligence to work under one roof.

And, of course, they’ll be working in a building that’s conveniently located in a downtown area that provides government, industry, and community partners easy access to the facility. When creating the strategic plan, the university envisioned the school, government, and industry working together with federal agencies, academics, and other industry leaders to solve America’s most -pressing cybersecurity problems.

That collaboration began in the building’s first semester of use, NSCC Executive Director Guy Walsh told Texas Public Radio. The school has already welcomed several government and private industry partners, including the US Department of Energy.  In fact, the NSCC was selected as part of the United States Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network, further bolstering the school’s reputation.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of The University of Texas at San Antonio’s National Security Collaboration Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

University of Arizona Applied Research Building Now Open

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A illustration of a satellitePeople often compliment the intelligence of a person by calling them a “rocket scientist.” But for a certain group of students and faculty at the University of Arizona, that praise is now more literal thanks to the new Applied Research building, which opened on the campus just over a month ago.

The three story, 89,000 square foot building cost $85 million and was built with the purpose of continuing the university’s research into space science and related fields of study.

Background

The university began the design-build process back in fall 2019, with groundbreaking occurring in June 2021 and the ribbon cutting taking place April 2023. SmithGroup and McCarthy Building companies served as the design-build partners on the project. Other important development team members included Comfort Systems, Magnum Paving, Dibble Corporation, Sturgeon Electric, Sextant, Colin Gordon, Speedy and Associates, and Martin, White & Griffis Structural Engineers.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

The Applied Research Building is quite innovative in that it’s the first in the country to house all research spaces related to the fabrication and testing of satellites in one integrated facility. The facility provides the students and faculty with the unique ability to pair applied research capabilities with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Meanwhile, it has brought together several interdisciplinary programs under one roof.

One of the goals for the facility is to advance research in optics, space exploration, manufacturing, and other areas while turning those findings into practical real-world solutions. The building is made up of eight key facilities. Here’s some more information about these eight components:

Thermal Vacuum Chamber

When nanosatellites are launched into space, they encounter vastly different conditions than they do here on Earth, particularly in regard to temperature and pressure. This chamber can simulate the pressure and temperature conditions found in space, allowing the researchers to evaluate a nanosatellite before it’s launched to ensure it’s up to the task.

Anechoic Chamber

This nonreflective, echo-free room is built with radio-wave-absorbing material designed to keep sound waves from bouncing. The conditions allow researchers to test satellite antennae for command, control, and data relay performance.

Laboratory for Advanced and Additive Manufacturing

This lab uses state-of-the-art digital fabrication techniques to create complex materials that contain on-demand properties that cannot be achieved using conventional manufacturing methods. This will enable collaboration among multiple other departments within the university.

Imaging Technology Laboratory

This lab is a world-leading supplier of advanced scientific imaging sensors for visible, ultraviolet, and x-ray detection. This technology is often used in the fields of astronomy, satellite imagery, and the manufacturing of electronic devices.

Mission Operations Center

After spacecraft and balloons are launched, they have to be monitored from thousands, or even millions of miles away. This center equips the university with the computers, networks, and software needed to do the job from the building.

The CubeSat Laboratory

This lab is a space where nanosatellites, often called CubeSats, will be fabricated, as will small space instruments. The lab is designed to maximize reliability of space hardware due to the clean environment it provides for assembly.

Space Materials Curation Facility

This facility will house materials that are used to differentiate between natural and artificial objects in the Earth-Moon system. This will include rocket body paint samples, mylar metals, solar cells, and related items used for building and coating satellites and spacecrafts, as well as a representative set of meteorites.

High Bay Facility

With 40-foot ceilings, this facility appears as a warehouse. Instead, it will offer scientists and engineers a place to assemble high-altitude stratospheric balloons, which are used for such purposes as providing weather data and transmitting information on atmospheric pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in the development of the University of Arizona Applied Research Building. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system