Industry News

Fort Sam Houston is planning a new U.S. Army Reserves Center for the 90th Regional Support Command. The project includes a new 58,900-sf training center and a 36,200-sf storage facility. Estimated to cost between $10 million and $25 million, the development will accommodate approximately 1,600 reserve soldiers currently assigned to reserve units in San Antonio. Two existing buildings will be demolished to make way for the new center which will house administrative space, classrooms, assembly and kitchen facilities, a library, and an arms-room vault.

Southwest Texas State University is proposing a $21.7 million, 108,000-sf building to house its growing College of Business Administration. Space is tight in the university's current 58,000-sf facility that is in need of technological updates and new computer equipment. The state legislature has been petitioned for funding approval with hearings beginning in late January, and a decision expected by May or June. Construction could begin in 2003, depending on availability of funds.

The University of California is purchasing a site near Merced for a new $400 million campus. Construction is slated to begin in early 2002 on the first three buildings: a science and engineering facility, a library and technology center, and classroom space for arts, humanities, and social sciences. UC received a grant for $11.4 million to finance purchase of the site, and has budgeted $160 million to begin construction. The new campus will accommodate 31,000 people within the next 2 decades.

Olin College of Engineering has contracted Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc. to provide electrical systems for phase I of the college's new facilities in Needham. The four campus buildings will feature a state-of-the-art lighting system, energy management technology, a control power distribution plant, and campus fire alarm systems.

Vienna performing arts company Wolf Trap is planning to break ground on its new Center for Education in March. The $9 million, 53,371-sf facility will provide space for Wolf Trap Opera Company rehearsals, a special program hall, a 100-seat distance learning lecture hall, and a conference and multimedia learning center. The building will also house new offices and administrative space.