TEXAS STATE EDITION
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November 13 2016 Vol. II • No. 23
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded in 1957.” Your Texas Connection • Dale Agnew, Carrollton, TX • 1-877-877-4997
Texas Aquarium’s $56M Expansion Project Doubles Indoor Exhibit Space By Brenda Ruggiero CEG CORRESPONDENT
Texas Oncology photo
The new center is designed to provide complete outpatient cancer treatment services for patients in the San Antonio area.
Texas Oncology Announces New Care Center Plan Texas Oncology announces details on what will be the largest comprehensive cancer care center in San Antonio, currently under construction at Huebner Road and Research Drive. Texas Oncology’s new 40,000 sq. ft. (3,716 sq m) center will include leading-edge imaging and radiation treatment technology as well as advanced medical and surgical oncology services. It is designed to provide complete outpatient cancer treatment services for patients in the San Antonio area. “Texas Oncology’s community-based approach to cancer care delivers advanced, high quality treatment close to the support that our patients need from family and friends — and without requiring disruptive and costly travel. The new center is an important advancement and expansion in cancer care in San Antonio,” said Dr. Thomas Fisher, regional medical director, Texas Oncology, San Antonio. The center will feature advanced radiation capabilities, including the Varian TrueBeam high-dose linear accelerator, which includes onboard CT and fluoroscopy imaging for highly precise treatments. see CENTER page 16
The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas, is undergoing a $56 million expansion project that is designed to introduce guests to the Western Caribbean. The new 65,000sq.-ft. (6,039 sq m) wing, known as the Caribbean Journey, will more than double the Aquarium’s indoor exhibit space. The building will feature immersive, state-of-the-art exhibits, as well as the first 4D theater south of San Antonio. This will complete the final two phases of the Aquarium’s original master plan. The Aquarium celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2015. The Caribbean Journey will include: sharks; tropical Caribbean fishes, birds and reptiles; a diverse and unique Yucatan Peninsula and Western Caribbean Sea; hands-on exploration and interactive exhibits; a 4D theater; and a new Flint Hills Resources Center for Excellence in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Education. The $56 million project began in January 2015, and is currently on schedule to be complete by May 2017. The contract was awarded to Fulton Construction Company, with Bruce Netek in charge. The project manager is W.D. Carmichael.
The main funding comes from a capital campaign, for which donors are corporations, foundations, and individuals. In addition, the Texas Legislature appropriated $9 million towards the construction of the expansion in 2015. This is the largest grant or gift the aquarium has ever received. “We are deeply grateful, and humbled, by this extraordinary commitment to our mission,” said Tom Schmid, aquarium president and CEO. “As the ‘Official Aquarium for the state of Texas’ we have proudly carried the state name since 1987. To receive this funding, at this time, is just overwhelming. Our thanks go out to our local delegation; every single member was supportive of our request, and encouraged us throughout the legislative session.” The main challenge for the project noted by Richard E. Glover Jr., chief marketing officer of the Texas State Aquarium, involves the complexities of exhibits and life support systems for the live animals. “Wind is sometimes quite significant, since the building is being built right next to Corpus Christi Bay,” he said. Another challenging aspect was the installation of the 145,000-lb. (65,771 kg) hexagon skylight roof structure on top see AQUARIUM page 9
One challenging aspect was the installation of the 145,000-lb. (65,771 kg) hexagon skylight roof structure on top of the building. It was assembled on site prior to installation.