Test

FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS Houston Corporate 10355 Westpark Drive Houston, Texas 77042 (713) 243-8300

Brooks Crayden Dennard was born November 30, 2018 to Eliot and Kelly Dennard.

He weighed 6.8 lbs and was 20" long. He joins big sister, Caroline (2.5).

Timothy James Modawall was born May 16 to Abby and Spencer Modawell. He weighed 7.2 lbs and was 18.75" long. He joins siblings Jessica (7), Grace (5), and Thomas (3).

Benjamin Arnaldo Matamoros was born May 29 to Heaven and Arnaldo Matamoros.

He weighed 8.9 lbs and was 20.5" long. He joins big sister, Sophie (6).

Claire and Michael Sewell were married March 9 in Austin, Texas. The couple spent their honeymoon in Jamaica and reside in Houston.

Austin 6604 N. Lamar Austin, Texas 78752 (512) 318-1332 College Station 2421 Earl Rudder Freeway College Station, Texas 77845 (979) 260-7600 Dallas 9160 Sterling Street, Suite 100 Irving, Texas 75063 (214) 382-3700

Emily and Adam Alanis were married April 30 in Bandera, Texas. The couple spent their honeymoon in Jamaica and reside in San Antonio.

Melanie Smith and Klint Robertson became engaged in October 2018. The couple will be married in Riviera Maya, Mexico this coming November.

Vaughn employees Camille Carpenter and Shea Brewster became engaged in November 2018. The couple will be married in Austin this coming October.

Sheridan Smith and Corey Herzog became engaged in October 2018. The couple plans to marry in Fort Worth in April 2020.

JASON RICHARDS SHARES CAREER SKILLS WITH 5TH GRADERS In May, Vaughn project manager Jason Richards gave a career day presentation to six fifth grade classes at his daughter Katherine’s school.

Jason’s presentation covered types of projects we build, project teams we work with in the A/E/C industry, tools we use, and skills needed to work in construction. He focused on the importance of planning and setting measurable goals for success. To illustrate his points, he selected two teams, and gave each team a Lego set. For one team he provided step-by-step written instructions and for the other team he only provided a photo of the finished project. Then he timed them to see who could complete the project the fastest and the most accurately. This exercise helped the students see the need to have a plan and then break it into steps to be able to build something, whether that something is physical such as in construction, or more intangible, such as a goal.

Jason shared the reasons he loves working in the construction industry, including how he enjoys working with people to solve problems, experiencing something new every day, and seeing how the final product helps our clients.

24 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

El Paso 124 W. Castellano Dr., Suite 105 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 533-4474 Galveston 1028 Broadway Galveston, Texas 77550 (409) 770-0747 Lubbock 2407 20th Street Lubbock, Texas 79411 (806) 368-3497 San Antonio 1400 Universal City Boulevard Universal City, Texas 78148 (210) 403-9833 Texas Medical Center 152 Carrie Street Houston, Texas 77047 (713) 589-7400 As a confidential publication, SITE TALK is intended solely for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of Vaughn Construction employees and friends. Any pictures, descriptions, or accounts depicted in this publication may not be reproduced or used without the express written permission of Vaughn Construction. Vaughn Construction is not responsible for the accuracy, truthfulness, spelling, or grammar of this publication. All comments, compliments, or criticisms should be directed to the editor.

Jason told the students,“If you are willing to listen, learn, and work hard you’ll be successful in anything.”

That’s good advice for all ages!

Editor: Theresa Campbell 10355 Westpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 (713) 243-8300

tcampbell@vaughnconstruction.com

Blinn College, Walter C. Schwartz Building at the RELLIS Campus

SITE TALK

ISSUE 74 APR - JUN 2019

FEATURE ARTICLES University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Health Education Center Opens College Station Special Projects Team Update New UNT Residence Hall Honors Football Legend: Mean Joe Greene Texas A&M University Texas Biocontainment Research Facility Wins Safety Award Completed Projects Project Milestones

Energy Architecture

New Projects

WE BUILD MOMENTUM

Vaughn Momentum Across the State Company Meeting Awards and Recognition Employee Recognition Herb Neumann Retirement

TAMU RELLIS CAMPUS Relief on the Horizon

In the past decade, the state of Texas education system has been encouraging students to pursue degrees in the STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) to fill in-demand positions with qualified workers. As a result of this push, universities are in a constant battle of technological one-upsmanship that’s creating more and more impressive facilities for studying the latest technology while increasing the demand on our industry to become more technical every year.

Fortunately, Texas A&M University’s 2,000-acre RELLIS campus promises relief on the horizon. The new high-tech, multi-institutional campus is exceptional because of its collaboration with private-sector firms with the goal of getting their products to market. The companies work with the university on the research and development process for new technologies in the fields of robotics and unmanned vehicles, among others. Through this collaboration, students

work directly on the front lines, developing products before they even graduate, providing momentum to the companies as well as to the students’ careers.

The campus also offers good news for the A/E/C industry specifically since it too is experiencing a shortage of skilled workers. Fewer students are pursuing construction professions while experienced workers are retiring in record numbers. As part of the RELLIS Academic Alliance, Blinn College at the Texas A&M University RELLIS campus offers short-term technical/ career workforce education classes as well as skills upgrade classes in accounting, marketing, criminal justice, health sciences, carpentry, electrical, facilities maintenance, plumbing, and HVAC. These courses are designed tobuild a skilled workforce to fill the labor gap and employ students sooner.

Energy Architecture

But in order to make this happen, campus operations must run smoothly. To that end, the Owner hired Vaughn as the designbuilder to construct a new central plant and improve utilities and roads. The existing campus had a varied history, serving as a military training facility through two war periods as well as serving as the site of multiple research projects. Like the decades-old barracks, the central plant, water, and sanitary systems were close to 60 years old. The project’s successful completion was integral to the timely construction of seven new buildings and training centers on the campus.

A maze of existing utilities dating back to the World War II time period prompted us to perform 3-D coordination of all the site utilities. After confirming the locations and elevations, we drew the existing utilities in a 3-D model for clash detection. We then scanned the existing conditions and imported the resulting point cloud into the 3-D model. Using these models allowed us to selectively demolish existing power poles, re-route overhead power, verify the existing grade elevation from which to estimate earthwork excavation quantities, determine which nearby oak trees we could save with minimal offsets to the thermal pipe routing, and identify offsets and proper valve location among proposed utilities.

We also modeled the proposed roads to ensure adequate coverage for utilities, oriented the model to state plane coordinates to help with importing coordinates of existing utilities and exporting of proposed utilities, and designed an easement for the gas provider. Although they still utilized the contract drawings for details, our trade contractors relied on our BIM model on a daily basis.

Our team overcame multiple situations that threatened the timely completion of the project.

2 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

Thermal Storage Tank Selection. Part of our scope of work involved the addition of a thermal storage tank. During preconstruction meetings, we discussed three different types of tanks with the project team. Only one of the tank designs, a prefabricated bolted assembly, had a procurement/installation schedule that worked with the critical schedule deadlines. The Owner ultimately elected to utilize a welded steel design for the thermal storage tank, which added about 90 days to the project. Instead of pushing back the substantial completion date, which would have delayed critical utilities to new buildings on campus, we modified the schedule to include a two-phased substantial completion. By incorporating design elements to allow the plant to run independently of the thermal storage tank, we provided critical heating/chilled water systems to new buildings that came online while still giving the Owner exactly what they wanted.

Pier Drilling Issues. Days before we were supposed to start digging foundation piers, our drilling pier trade contractor’s drilling rig had engine issues which would take at least three weeks to repair.

Knowing our schedule could not afford a three-week delay, we brought in another pier drilling trade contractor to perform the work. Once we started drilling, we realized soil problems caused twice as much concrete to be consumed, and it took nearly a day to install each pier. Our pier schedule was based on drilling eight piers per day. So, we pursued an alternate method of drilling.

We decided the only way to make up for the lost time was to hire two drillers to complete the operation. With two trade contractors performing the work, we beat our critical milestone date for foundation despite the setbacks.

Flushing Obstacles. The heating water, condenser water, and chilled water systems all required flushing before equipment could be started and water could be circulated. Each system required the draining of approximately 100,000 gallons of treated water to the sanitary system at a rate of 20,000 gallons per hour. Unfortunately, the system could only handle 4,000 gallons per hour and could not accept rainwater after flood events.

“To counter these constraints, we thought outside the box and constructed a temporary storage pond that could contain up to 180,000 gallons of water,” said project manager Jonathan Winkler. To adhere to TCEQ regulations, we lined the pond with an environmentally friendly EPDM liner to ensure the treated water did not contaminate the ground. Doing so allowed us to continue flushing operations without extending the flushing duration and prevented weeks of additional time and costs associated with extending flushing pump rental.

Despite the schedule challenges and $8 million of Owneradded scope, we completed the RELLIS central plant and infrastructure in time to accommodate additional facilities on the new campus. Construction on the $47,375,000 project began in March 2017 and completed in July 2019.

This project literally laid the groundwork for future campus expansion for Texas A&M University and multiple potential projects for Vaughn Construction. Referring to the RELLIS Campus’s 75-year legacy of innovation, Texas A&M University System’s tagline for the campus says: From its beginnings as a flight training facility to its evolution as a center for advanced research and development, RELLIS is a place that always looks forward.

Vaughn Construction is proud to share this vision.

Committed Team Architect: Energy Architecture Structural Engineer: Gessner Engineering MEP Engineer: Shah Smith & Associates Civil Engineer: Gessner Engineering Major Trade Contractors: CR Dailey Electric (Electrical) Gowan (Mechanical) MLN Company (Plumbing)

Contractor: Vaughn Construction Joel Arroyo David Bell Rodney Catalina Joe Emery Caleb Evans Joaquin Flores Brian Hughes Jesus Lopez Nicholas Moore Stash Muzyka Octavio Navarette Amanda Ramirez

Jose Ramirez Bill Randall Antonio Robledo Yaniss Saldivar Chris Werlinger Jonathan Winkler

Courtesy: Energy Architecture

Owner: Texas A&M University System

RELLIS CAMPUS HISTORY In 2016, Texas A&M established the RELLIS campus to represent the six Aggie core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity and selfless service (RELLIS). The campus has an interesting and varied history up to that point: Served as advanced flying school specializing in instrument-only flight training during World War II. Trained more than 1,000 Women Air Service Pilots.

Housed veterans returning to school as Aggie freshmen after the war.

Functioned as USAF jet-pilot training facility in the early 1950s during Korean War.

Hosted Texas A&M scientific studies and partnerships with outside business ventures from 1962 to 1982.

Provided research space to Texas A&M Engineering Training Service, the Texas A&M Engineering Research Station, and the Texas A&M Transportation Institute in 1988.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

3

DEVELOPING A SKILLED WORKFORCE

Energy Architecture

The RELLIS Central Plant itself is steel with a brick and cast stone façade. Its resources include four central chillers, six boilers, 1,200-tons of thermal storage capacity, cooling towers, three miles of hydronic piping, 15KV high voltage electrical distribution gear, and 1.5 miles of electrical and communication duct banks. Included in the RELLIS Central Plant were heating water, condenser water, chilled water, refrigerant monitoring, electrical distribution, security, communications, and control systems. Other distribution and gathering systems included domestic water, makeup water, sanitary sewer, and storm water piping.

UTMB GALVESTON Health Education Center Opens

visualization tool for coordinating manpower. Using a spreadsheet, he detailed the durations from the project schedule for each activity. Every day, our project team reviewed the spreadsheet with each major trade contractor to obtain the manpower commitments required to complete each activity. We then sent them a monthly manpower loading chart for their specific work.

This process allowed each contractor to plan manpower for their scope of work and helped us hold each contractor accountable for manpower commitments. Between our committed trade contractors and our specifications. Through the submittal proself-perform teams, the HEC project had cess, the Owner and design team identified additional custom items for the AHUs. several significant successes.

We needed to ensure this change would TRADE CONTRACTOR SUCCESSES not affect the project schedule due to One success involved the specialized manufacturing delays. To maintain our audio/video (A/V) system for the simuplace in the manufacturer’s production lation spaces to be installed near the end line, we collaborated between our mechof the project. The A/V system had two anical contractor, Kilgore Mechanical, the parts, typical classroom and conference manufacturer, and the design team to room systems, and simulation systems. provide a change proposal with scope that When the Owner and users evaluated the matched the manufacturer’s product line. design of the simulation system, we disAs a result, Kilgore provided pricing as covered the drawings only showed consoon as the change proposal was issued nections for a camera and a microphone, for a quick turnaround and no impact to leaving a big gap in the ability for commuthe schedule. nication between the control rooms and simulation rooms. The Owner and design VAUGHN SELF-PERFORM SUCCESSES Our self-perform teams filled the manteam went through several revisions with no solution. Faced with potential schedule power gap by self-performing 30 percent delays, we engaged our A/V contractor, i.e. of the work on the project including earthSmart Systems, to redesign the workflows work, steel, and concrete. Using our own in each simulation space, coordinating the manpower proved to be a huge advanintegration with UTMB’s software vendor. tage to our team’s ability to maintain moThough the changes added $1 million to mentum on this project as several delays the project cost, i.e. Smart Systems added threatened its timely completion.

The year 2017 was a particularly active manpower instead of extending the schestorm year. In the middle of utility and dule to ensure the systems were installed on time. In the end, UTMB received a foundation work, we experienced 20 rain highly customized communication system event days, including a tropical storm, flexible enough to suit their needs with no which consumed a significant amount of the project float early in the schedule. impact to the move-in date.

We also took a collaborative approach Then, just as we began the formwork for to modifying the air handling unit (AHU) the elevated structure, Hurricane Harvey

4 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

Jonathan Dean Photography

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), America could face a shortage of physicians as soon as 2032. The rapidly expanding U.S. population, coupled with the fact that 10,000 people per day are reaching age 65 or older, are factors increasing the demand on the healthcare industry. Currently, less than 1 million physicians are available to treat more than 325 million Americans.

With only a fixed number of residencies being awarded to medical students, it’s no wonder the delay to see a doctor is getting longer every year. To keep up with the healthcare demand, institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston (UTMB), are feverishly working to increase enrollment in their medical schools by building advanced facilities to attract and train future physicians and the faculty and staff to support them. The new Health Education Center (HEC) at UTMB Galveston is one such facility. The first new facility on the Galveston campus in several decades, the 162,000 SF, five-level Health Education Center is designed to bridge the healthcare gap by providing state-of-the art technology to train physicians, as well as physician assistants, nurses, biomedical researchers, clinical laboratory scientists, occupational, physical and respiratory therapists, and experts in nutrition and rehabilitation science. Vaughn served as construction manager-at-risk to build the HEC, which will assist UTMB in its efforts to drive this initiative forward.

A major challenge our team faced on the project was similar to UTMB’s plight, manpower. In addition to our own industry’s shortage of workers, attracting and maintaining qualified trade contractors is particularly difficult in Galveston because of the commuting distance from Houston.

UTMB’s security requirements added another layer of complexity. Our project manager, Lucas Hubbard, developed a

ADVANCING INTERDISCIPLINARY HEALTHCARE EDUCATION

“A building on its own isn’t the end result. But new facilities create opportunities for education to evolve, and that’s what the Health Education Center is doing for UTMB: allowing our educational mission to continue to move in new and innovative directions. We are confident that this new facility will allow us to advance programs that will prepare our graduates to function effectively in an increasingly complex interprofessional health care environment.” ~Dr. Michael Ainsworth, senior associate dean for educational performance, UTMB

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

5

forced us to stop work again, tie down the formwork, and bundle everything on the job site.

After the storm passed, we had a slow start while we waited for our manpower to return to the island. By this time, we had depleted the allotted weather days.

The Owner gave us two extra weeks on the schedule, which was all they could spare without affecting their move-in date.

Fortunately, at the beginning of the project we had significant buy out savings which allowed us to include all the Owner’s alternates, one of which was exterior improvements. Working with the Owner and design team, we determined that building this exterior project while we finished constructing the main building would have delayed substantial completion and affected the Owner’s move-in. The project team agreed to move that portion of the project to the end of the schedule to maintain the opening date of the building.

This allowed us to redistribute manpower and gave us the much-needed time to complete the building and still ensure the Owner received the alternates. Our

superintendents worked every weekend from this point in the project through to substantial completion to ensure the project remained on track.

Another issue arose when our concrete self-perform team began pouring the concrete structure. We typically start large concrete pours at 4 a.m. so the concrete can be placed by lunchtime, leaving several hours of sunlight to help the concrete set, and limiting the number of hours workers are in the heat. Based on this typical process, we planned on placing each level in three 12,000 to 15,000 SF pours. We successfully implemented this process on our first eight large concrete pours.

However, later in the project, the Owner requested we refrain from any noisy job site activities from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. The project was very close to a residential neighborhood, and they had received some complaints. Our initial plan was to increase manpower and pour the same volume of concrete in less time. But the next large concrete pour did not go as planned because our concrete supplier could not keep pace. We ended up placing

Committed Team

Emergency Preparations for Health Education Center

Owner: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston Architect: EYP Structural Engineer: Ensight Haynes Whaley MEP Engineer: E&C Engineers & Consultants Civil Engineer: Walter P. Moore Major Trade Contractors: i.e. Smart Systems (Audio/Video), Kenmor Electric Company (Electrical), Kilgore Mechanical (Mechanical), Gowan (Plumbing) Contractor: Vaughn Construction Andy Alvarez Luke Ashburn John Burns Magdaleno Cortes Mark Cotie Juan Garcia Lalo Garza Austin Griffin Case Griffin Tyler Henderson

Hailee Herring Lucas Hubbard Jeffrey Johnston Jared Kilsby Eric LeBlanc Paul Lowery Alex Martinez Moises Mena Jr Radames Mendez Daniel Miro

concrete well into the evening. With a 6 a.m. start time, we could not pour more than 10,000 SF of concrete in a day. For the next two levels, we divided the concrete work into four pours instead of three.

We revised the schedule to ensure this change would not impact our finish date, and we notified the Owner of the extra costs to add two large pours. Using our own manpower gave us the flexibility to accommodate the Owner’s request while maintaining their move-in date.

Our self-perform crews provided $18.6 million worth of work, ultimately generating nearly $2 million in savings to the project. As a direct result of the focus on manpower commitment on this project, our project team overcame all the challenges allowing the Owner to occupy the building on May 31. Summer classes began in June and the exterior improvements, dubbed, “the Prado” will be completed in August.

Sebastian Niz Kelley O’Dwyer Heriberto Pedraza Seth Radliff David Robertson Edgar Rodriguez Tristan Sanders Neil Skinner Jake Soltis

6 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

Much like the HEC is designed to prepare students for worstcase scenarios, the building is also designed to prepare its occupants for future weather emergencies on Galveston Island. The building is rated for 135 mph sustained winds and includes over 400 auger cast piles, each 100 to 150 feet deep, to anchor it against storms. Additional emergency preparations for the Health Education Center Level 1 utilize finishes that offer ease of cleaning and quick recovery after a storm, including: •W ainscot tile - backed by CMU blocks up to 15-foot/500year flood level • T errazzo floors - impervious to water and stain damage once sealed properly, easy to clean • F iberglass doors - won’t rust like metal or swell like wood • P VC conduit - used in all walls below the flood line

Courtesy: EYP

UTMB GALVESTON Health Education Center Opens / CONTINUED

Level Five: Critical Care Simulation Students interact with specialized anatomical training manikans to prepare for critical cases, natural disasters, and mass casualty situations. From control rooms, faculty can introduce mechanical equipment failures to train students on emergency response procedures.

• Simulated intensive care unit and nursing station • Elevator from first floor ambulance bay to simulate emergency transport of patients Courtesy: EYP

• Suites designed to mimic new Jennie Sealy Hospital • Realistic operating rooms with functioning med gas connections and other equipment*

* We installed headwalls with real vacuum and air, and simulated oxygen by tying the air and oxygen lines together. We integrated real oxygen in medical training equipment where it is actually required such as ventilators. We connected normal and emergency receptacles at the headwall so students could learn the system as it would function in an actual hospital without the added cost for the additional infrastructure. We also integrated functional medical gas alarm panels and zone valve boxes without the master panel requirements of a hospital.

Level Four: Standardized Patient Training Students interact with actors to experience realistic patient encounters in a medical/surgical ward. Student interactions are recorded for debriefing with medical staff.

• Simulated emergency room and nursing station • Separate entrances for students and actors for more genuine encounters • Patient examination and procedure rooms • Faculty offices

Levels Two and Three: • Fully configurable learning studios with raised access flooring and vertically folded partitions

Prado

Level Three: Women and Children’s Health Simulation Students interact with manikans to experience realistic procedures.

• Medical/surgical patient rooms for obstetrical and gynecological training • Manikans and equipment for simulated birth, neonatal, and pediatric care

Level Two: Clinical Skills Training Students interact with high fidelity simulators to develop essential basic skills.

Level One: Collaborative Learning and Social Spaces Students collaborate in private or open spaces. Mock ambulance bay exposes students to emergency response.

• Clinical skills labs for physical exams • Triage area with high-fidelity simulators to teach acute care skills • Pharmacy

• Learning studios

• Learning studios

• ADA-compliant apartment for rehabilitation and therapy simulation

• Education administration suite

• Student study and collaboration spaces • Café and outdoor terrace • Mock ambulance bay • Divisible multipurpose space with catering kitchen for events

ELEVATION: The existing site had a five-foot elevation. For the pile caps we excavated most of the site down to sea level. During excavation, we found hundreds of old clay and glass bottles with labels in different languages, dating back before 1900. We suspect they were buried after the 1900 storm in Galveston.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

7

COLLEGE STATIONSpecial Projects TeamUpdate

The College Station special projects team had a very busy 2018. Below are some of the projects completed by team members Jordan Andrae, Thomas Arriaga, Allyn Cheves, Aaron Curry, Joseph Eiman, Joe Emery, Jonathan Ermert, Tyler Henderson, Ronnie Manning, Marc Menchaca, Jose Montoya, Raymundo Rincon, Josh Saldivar, Chase Sanders, Luis Verdeja, and Christopher Werlinger. Thanks to everyone for their hard work!

Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Energy Systems Lab Exterior Renovation. We were selected as the job order contractor for this $300,000 project.

We upgraded the exterior façade of an old air hangar facility, which is now a wind turbine research lab on the RELLIS campus. The project had a live transformer in close proximity to our job site, elevating the need for safety. We performed extensive coordination efforts with the RELLIS campus and building facility managers to coordinate weekend shutdowns of the transformer so we could safely work in the adjacent areas. Despite these shutdowns, we completed the project while maintaining the overall project schedule.

Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Concrete Lab. We upgraded the civil engineering department’s existing 5,000 SF concrete material testing lab, installing new aggregate material storage bins, air handling units (AHUs), and a dust collector system as well as enclosing a second floor 1,500 SF outdoor patio for a new student and faculty lounge. A unique aspect of this project was the retrofit accommodations we successfully made in the field so the new AHU and wash basin filter pit would fit in the existing facility footprint and subgrade. Even with these unforeseen field conditions, we turned over all the project phases ahead of schedule in time for the fall semester.

Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Gieseke Electron Microscope Materials Characterization Facility.

We built out a custom shielded room for a new one-of-a-kind, $20 million electron microscope, which was extremely sensitive to vibration. As a solution to the existing building’s movement issue, we installed a movement slip tracking system in the shielding.

Texas A&M University, College of Engineering, Wisenbaker Level 2 Room Renovation. We were selected as the design-build job order contractor for this $200,000, 2,300 SF conference room renovation on the second floor in the Wisenbaker Building. We partnered with our in-house virtual design and construction group to deliver a turnkey solution. This small and simple project has played a key role in opening the Owner’s eyes to the streamlined design-build approach we offer through our job order contract work.

Texas A&M University, Athletics Department, Bright Complex Miscellaneous Renovations. We completed an assortment of renovations to the Bright Building, totaling more than $900,000. Some of the renovations include replacing locker room lighting, replacing the indoor football field’s field goal, installing televisions in the lobby, installing sled field lighting, installing war room board and shades, installing security lighting, and renovating the defensive staff meeting room, third floor lobby, and the head coach’s office. We performed all of the work while players and coaches occupied the facility. We planned our schedule to accommodate their needs despite a tight schedule deadline.

Prairie View A&M University Solar Observatory Renovation.

We served as the job order contractor to restore the roof and interior finishes on the solar observatory building at Prairie View A&M University, which is ranked as the 13th best solar observatory building in the United States. We updated the outdated roof system and remediated damaged interior finishes to like new conditions. We performed all of the work while protecting the existing structuremounted microscope.

First Baptist Church Bryan, Second Floor Infill. On this $675,000 project, we added a second level structural deck to create a series of second floor classrooms in an existing Waller Independent School District, Waller High School Bus high bay choir practice room of the church. This is the first Drive Pipe Replacement. Vaughn was awarded this $300,000 project for First Baptist Church Bryan, and the relationship utility line replacement project for a new client, Waller Inde“This was a great has quickly blossomed, bringing an additional 20 perpendent School District. We worked on the project over experience to be able to cent to the contract value of the project from unrelated the summer. The project consisted of running the existwork with such a professional organization and I hope in the change orders. In addition, we have discussed future, ing outside air cooled chillers on a temporary by-pass days to come it allows this business long-term campus plans with the Owner and our system while replacing the existing underground leaking relationship to grow and allows us to potential involvement with them. lines with new lines along with new electrical feeds to do many projects as a team.” the units. We completed all the work while keeping the James McGee, Facilities Sam Houston State University, Lee Drain Exterior building services up and running and cool for their sumDepartment, Waller ISD Envelope Repairs. We upgraded the exterior envelope of mer school session. Although weather was an obstacle, we the Lee Drain Building. Back in 2017, we completed a skystill completed the work and patched the bus drive ahead of light replacement in this building, which played a key factor in our schedule. The Owner has very high regards for our team, and this selection and award of this project. We successfully completed the small project has potentially paved the way to bigger opportuniproject in January. ties in an area quickly growing with many opportunities.

8 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research, Office of the State Chemist BSL-3 Lab Build-Out. We were selected as the general contractor for this $2.74 million biosafety level three (BSL-3) laboratory build-out in the Office of the State Chemist, a building we completed in 2006. We constructed two BSL-3 laboratories, anterooms, and locker rooms to support the BSL-3 labs. We also upgraded building lighting controls, HVAC and exhaust systems, a dedicated emergency generator for the BSL-3 labs, acid waste system, auto claves, biosafety cabinets, and vaporized hydrogen peroxide system connection ports.

We completed the project on schedule in January.

Texas A&M University, Department of Mechanical Engineering, RELLIS Campus Star Lab Renovation. We are serving as the design-build job order contractor for this $920,000 animation studio lab in an existing 3,000 SF air hangar building. We teamed up with our in-house virtual design and construction group for this project in mid-February. We installed all new utilities and MEP systems and replaced the roof and skin of an existing metal air hangar to house a lab/studio with more than 120 cameras for animation recordings. The camera systems being used by TAMU can pick up the slightest sheen, so throughout the design process, we paid extensive attention to product selection to properly black-out the interior.

Duke Realty, Baylor Scott & White Clinic, MOB Site and Slab Modifications. Vaughn was selected as the general contractor for an $800,000 exterior modification project for the Baylor Scott & White Clinic in College Station. The project completed at the end of February.

Sam Houston State University, Lee Drain Level 1 Demolition and Make Safe. We completed the abatement, demolition, and make safe of the first floor of the Lee Drain Building. We had to extensively coordinate with the building occupants because of the potential impacts from our demolition noise and utility shutdowns. We successfully planned and completed the work in January.

Texas A&M University, AgriLife Research, Centeq Renovation. We were awarded this $1.6 million, 6,000 SF interior remodel of an existing lab facility on Texas A&M University’s west campus. The renovation creates an upgraded conditioned space and fiber optic support for the new research equipment to take the lab’s capabilities to the next level.

Texas A&M University, Department of Nuclear Engineering, Nuclear Science Campus – Nuclear Reactor Housing Building.

We served as the design-build contractor on the $1.8 million renovation and expansion to the nuclear reactor housing building on the Nuclear Science Campus. The new lab building is a 1,500 SF, 25-foot tall pre-engineered metal building with an elevated concrete slab that ties into the existing campus check-in building. Our in-house virtual design and construction team helped lead the preconstruction efforts and assist the Owner in achieving their project goals. Despite the tight project budget, we demolished what they wanted gone, expanded what they wanted new, and utilized their existing facilities for what they wanted renovated. This project has many unique features, including new housing for one of the few nuclear reactors in the United States. Other features of the new building include a control room adjacent to the reactor room, a counting lab, and a numbers receiving lab. In addition to the new building, we demolished the existing 6,000 SF, single-story testing lab building and gutted/remodeled an existing 4,500 SF of space for offices, conference rooms, break rooms, and restrooms. We completed the project in late February.

Texas A&M University RELLIS Campus, 8081 Renovation.

We are serving as the job order contractor for the $2.2 million renovation of the existing 10,000 SF 8081 building, an old Air Force barracks, into the new facility for the Office of Housing.

We relocated the existing building users, completely gutted the building, removed the roof and façade, and built back the building interior. We left the existing wood truss and framing system exposed to emphasize the unique, historic features of the facility. We are on schedule to complete the project in July.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

9

GROWING VAUGHN’S PRESENCE

Texas A&M University, Cushing Library, Check-Out Desk Restoration. We restored the millwork on the existing check-out desk in the historical Cushing Library in the Evans Library Building.

Although the scope of work was small, the project posed major logistical challenges. The library is located in an active building in the middle of campus. Because it is a historical building, any construction work garners extensive attention and concern.

The project required our utmost attention and effort to properly protect the site and segregate ourselves from the 90-year-old books and museum features in the facility.

Jacobs

University of North Texas

NEW UNT RESIDENCE HALL Honors Football Legend

Mean Joe Greene

The University of North Texas garners widespread fame for its “mean green” moniker, a nod to its primary school colors of green and white, its well-known football team, and one legendary player, Mean Joe Greene.

Joe Greene is considered one of UNT’s best defensive linemen ever, playing for UNT from 1966 until 1968 before becoming the first UNT player selected in the first round NFL draft in 1969. His allegiance has always been to his alma mater.

That’s why UNT’s Board of Regents unanimously agreed to put his name on the university’s latest new building, the Joe Greene Residence Hall, which we completed in April.

The new 120,000 SF, five-story facility answers the university’s on-campus housing need byadding 500 beds and creating an innovative community-centric location for a better student experience. The first floor includes a lobby with a large lounge area, recreation center, laundry facilities, and a community kitchen.

Levels 2 through 4 feature lounges and study rooms, music practice rooms, and double occupancy, pod-style dorm rooms with centralized community restrooms.

“This dorm layout is pretty unique so it’s been a fun learning experience. It’s been interesting hearing from the housing coordinators about how they came up with this design. The pod-style rooms promote community so you can’t just walk

straight from your room into your bathroom, you have to go out in the hall,” said project manager Andrew Thompson.

Our project also included construction of an adjacent 22,000 SF Tour Center building to host prospective students and parents as they visit and tour the campus.

The tour center incorporates high-end finishes, including a mock dorm room to showcase the room amenities. Advanced audio/video equipment is integrated into the 170-seat presentation room as well as a large screen for campus introduction videos. The tour center building supports the university’s recruitment and growth goals by providing a welcoming focal point for prospective students and parents.We completed the tour center three months earlier than the residence hall so the university could begin tours as soon as possible.

A centralized courtyard ties the new facilities together and serves as a community area between these buildings and a new dining facility under construction. The courtyard space features a Texas modern ranch aesthetic, according to UNT facilities project director Janna Morgan. “The aesthetic has a nod to Texas, but in an elegant way,” Morgan said. “Those finishes translate between both of the facilities and tie together which will be really beautiful.” Regarding completion of the residence hall and tour center project, Morgan said, “We had an appropriate

10 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

schedule for the construction of this project. [Vaughn] made good progress and completed on time. Every day driving by, you [could] see more progress. I’m proud of it and excited to see it opened, used, and for students to see it.”

Committed Team Owner: University of North Texas Architect: Jacobs - Dallas Structural Engineer: Datum Engineers MEP Engineer: Jacobs - Dallas Civil Engineer: Charles Gojer & Associates Major Trade Contractors: Acme Electrical Contractors (Electrical) MIINC Mechanical Contractors (Mechanical and Plumbing) Contractor: Vaughn Construction Kevin Butts Christian Camacho Daniel Click Noah Douglas Chris Eiler Micah Hovda Ryan Hunt Jeff Jones

Art Magana John Pemberton Aaron Perez Adam Perkins Carl Seits Andrew Thompson Brad Wendler

On May 13, our team at the Texas A&M University Texas Biocontainment Research Facility was presented with the Liberty Mutual risk control services safety commendation award for their excellent safety record on the project. Liberty Mutual runs the ROCIP program for Texas A&M University.

Congratulations to all the Vaughn employees on this project who contributed to this safety recognition success, in particular, project manager Jeff Newell, superintendent Sean Douget, and safety team members Rudy Fernandez, Abraham Flores, Larry James, and Stash Muzyka.

•D ART incidence rate 53 percent below construction industry average •N o lost time injuries • Z ero general liability claims •O ver 650,000 man hours

COMPLETED PROJECTS

TAMU TBRF PROJECT RECEIVES Safety Recognition

Though Vaughn had worked with Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in Austin, we had not completed any work for its franchise in the El Paso area, Las Palmas Medical Center. But, when HCA needed to hire a construction firm with good knowledge of the local trade contractor market, they invited us to bid on their project. Senior project manager Jose Villareal said, “HCA was a little nervous about building a project in the El Paso area. We didn’t come in with the lowest number, but we knew the area best. HCA was confident no one would be able to connect with the top local trade contractors as well as we could.”

The Vaughn project team included Joaquin Flores, Rudy Loera, Alejandra Macias, Juan Quintero, Guillermo Velasco, and Jose Villarreal. The 10,800 SF freestanding emergency department contains 11 exam rooms, an area equipped with CT and X-ray machines, a large trauma room, a blood lab, and a pharmacy, as well as waiting areas, offices, and nurses’ station, a mechanical room and other support spaces. It fulfills a need in the community for emergency services in Northeast El Paso.

Brian Wancho Photography

HCA NORTHEAST EL PASO Freestanding EmergencyDept.

HCA has a preferred vendor list for almost every division of construction.

However, those vendors were not always the most cost-effective. Although this was a hard bid project, we saved the Owner over $95,000 by using other vendors offering comparable products for controls, electrical distribution, generators, and a fire alarm system. The plans also called for a vapor retarder on the roof, but we determined this item was not required which saved another $13,797.

In most ways, construction was typical.

One thing that made the process unusual was the team’s use of a laser screed to ensure the concrete slab was flat and had a really smooth finish level. The team also had to accommodate several Ownerdriven changes throughout the construc-

tion process, like switching from swinging automatic doors in the ambulance area to bifold automatic doors.

Another unexpected difference in the process was our coordination of the installation of Owner-furnished equipment by our end date. The Vaughn team had to receive and take charge of a vast amount of supplies, including TVs, beds, refrigerators for storing blood or medication, and large storage bins. “We were somewhat dumbfounded by the amount of equipment they sent us. We had to track and store it all,” project manager, Rudy Loera said. “That was one of the biggest challenges on the project.” Nonetheless, trade contractors installed all of the equipment efficiently. “Our team did a really good job of providing blocking everywhere it was needed,” Rudy said. The installations went smoothly and we completed the project on time. Most importantly, Northeast El Paso now has a place to go when faced with a medical emergency. The architect was Devenney Group, Ltd.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 11

For many students, a great college experience is defined by its outdoor spaces.

After a long night of studying, resting the next day in a hammock lounge sounds pretty inviting. That’s just one of the highlights of University of Texas at Austin’s renovated outdoor deck, located between the student activity center and Gregory gymnasium.

We were hired to demolish parts of the existing deck and irrigation system and to install 150 shallow drilled piers that served as a base for structural steel. We installed stone cladding to the water feature for the 4,000 SF IPE wood deck. Construction began on January 22, 2018 and was completed on December 10 of the same year.

The al fresco space is divided into five sections. The entry court opens onto the fountain promenade, which has a burbling

Thomas Mcconnell Photography

UT AUSTINStudent Activity Center Outdoor Deck

stone water feature that borders a seating area filled with tables. Meanwhile, there’s a fireplace ideal for warming up on chilly nights at the center of the fire lounge. The hammock lounge is cozily sandwiched by those two areas. The tree deck is suitably arboreal, lined in greenery.

The project architect was McKinney York Architects. Abby Potter was project manager for the endeavor. Other Vaughn team members included superintendents Kenny Casey and Nic Walker, and project engineers Greg Ortiz and Katherine Kraai.

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITYChick-Fil-A Renovation The San Antonio special projects team received accolades for their successful renovation of an existing Chick-Fil-A restaurant inside the LBJ Student Center. The project included modifications to the architectural layout and electrical and plumbing systems, replacement of the flooring and wall finishes, and addition of millwork, kitchen equipment, a security grill, and a swing door. Project manager Jacob Luna said, “It’s not every day we are tasked with managing and building a Chick-Fil-A. This isn’t a typical Vaughn project which made it both unique and challenging.”

This project was atypical in more ways than one. First, we weren’t just working with Texas State as the Owner but also, Chick-Fil-A, who has very specific requirements and procedures for construction.

Second, Texas State opted to have us purchase and install all proprietary kitchen equipment and small wares which is not something we typically provide. Third, the project’s location in the LBJ Student

Center, a focal point of the campus that serves 3,200 students per day, meant we were on a fast-track schedule to finish the project before the start of the spring 2019 semester.

We began the renovation in November 2018 and completed 10 weeks later in January 2019. Our quick execution allowed the Owner to open on time, minimizing downtime and revenue loss.

Tim Haley of Texas State University said, “We all appreciate the time and effort

12 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

your team has put into this project. Lee, Steven, Jon and myself are very pleased with the quality of work performed.”

The architect of record, Lee Berg, with Hill, Foley, Rossi and Associates, said, “I deal with contractors all over the country and both Jacobs (Leal and Luna), and Angel (Hurtado) were excellent to deal with and made this small but complex project happen.”

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY TEAM SOLVES Retaining Wall Issue In late 2017, Texas State University approached our San Antonio special projects team about replacing an existing 30year-old retaining wall and sidewalk that were failing due to structural issues. Our team experienced several significant successes on this project.

Planning. The wall was located at the bottom of a hill and supported the existing soil and grade of the hillside, which in turn supported the university’s facilities office and warehouse at the top of the hill. The Owner’s structural and civil engineers had determined the wall was out of plumb by two to three inches in several locations, signifying a high potential for collapse.

We provided a cost evaluation to the Owner to remove and replace the existing wall and sidewalk. However, the project exceeded their budget, so they chose to put the project on hold. Realizing that a complete failure of this wall was imminent and would cost the Owner substantially more if it wasn’t addressed, our project team scheduled additional budgeting and constructability meetings with the Owner and its engineers to determine the best way to complete the project within budget.

Through further investigation, the design

team determined that 150 linear feet of the wall did not pose any significant structural threat and could be removed from the project scope. This reduction brought the wall modification down to 300 linear feet, within the project’s budget.

Construction. We had to demolish the existing wall in sections to keep the existing soil from shifting during construction of the new retaining wall. While we were clearing the existing vegetation and trees behind the wall, sections of it began to break and fall, revealing naturally compacted clay soil. After evaluating the subgrade material with the structural and civil engineers and soil retention trade contractor, we determined we could remove sections of the wall without cutting it as long as we installed the soil retention system within days of removing the wall.

We saved two weeks on the schedule

Vaughn served as the construction manager-at-risk for the multi-phased renovation of the existing dietary services area of the East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. The original project included renovation of the kitchen, servery, and dining area, replacement of MEP infrastructure systems, and the addition of 2,400 SF of new dining and servery space. The hospital’s existing dietary services remained operational throughout construction to serve the hospital.

Shortly after construction mobilization, our project team successfully responded to over 30 RFPs issued for design modifications. The team implemented the following

• Replacement of terrazzo in portions of the main corridors • Replacement of old windows with more efficient glazing systems on multiple elevations of the building • Upgrade of the main hospital access and entry drive with new decorative concrete and paver accents.

We implemented all modifications with changes while adhering to the project schedule and ensuring the client and occu- only three months added to the schedule.

Our team included Judd Blume, Colton pants were satisfied: Cavazos, Trey Davis, Jeffrey Hatfield, Brady • Remodel of the second floor OR waitNichols, Kevin Rosprim, and Cody Waller. ing room HGA was the architect.

• Upgrades to the patient wing façade

using this process. To replace the failing structure, we utilized an engineered soil retention system of soil nailers and wire mesh reinforcing mat, sprayed with gunnite. This system added an extra measure of soil retention and relieved pressure from the existing hill. We used the money saved from this portion of the scope to cover additional costs associated with repairing the parking lot and adding data and power for an emergency phone.

Despite multiple rain delays, we maintained the schedule and completed the project on time restoring the use of the sidewalk and adjacent parking spaces to Texas State’s staff and students.

Our team included Anthony Andrade and Matt Martinez. JQ Engineering was the civil and structural engineer.

EAST TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER DietaryServices Expansion

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 13

TAMUHSC Dentistry Clinical Facility Topping Out

and implant surgery. The building contains laboratories, classrooms, student spaces, offices, a rooftop central utility plant, and a three-story, 250-space parking garage.

Vaughn is serving as the construction manager-at-risk with BRW Architects.

Our team includes Eduardo Alanis, Domingo Alba, Jerry Allen, Buck Aykroyd, Kody Borg, Cullen Duncan, Emilio Garcia, Daniel Harris, Micah Hovda, Steven Lappa, Brandon Jones, Jeff Jones, Florian Mahrt, Michael Malone, Mark McClelland, Charley McGill, John Pemberton, Aaron Perez, Ben Pierson, Jack Pinkerton, Ronnie Robertson, Eddie Rodriguez, Nick Sax, The 294,000 SF, nine-story structure is Joseph Schattle, Steve Skabla, Ethan the biggest dental clinical facility in the Timmons, Ross Tisdale, Bill Vaughn, Dallas market. The facility provides nine Romello Wilson and Marvin Wittman. different types of clinical environments The project is scheduled to be comwith 250 chairs and operatories ranging pleted in November 2019. from general practice to prosthodontics BRW Architects

At the topping out for the Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Dentistry Clinical Education Facility, superintendent Ethan Timmons, and project manager Ben Pierson addressed nearly 350 attendees and thanked the trade contractors, users, design team, and Owner for their efforts.

Ben shared information about what the building is and what it means to the Texas A&M Health Science Center. “The Texas A&M College of Dentistry is over 100 years old. More than 50 percent of the dentists in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex and 33 percent of the dentists in the state of Texas graduated from here. The College of Dentistry treats an average of 35,000 patients and hosts more than 100,000 clinic visits each year. Their vision of increasing the access to dental care across the state of Texas aligns well with Vaughn’s mission of improving our communities,” said Ben.

NEW POLICE DEPARTMENT Tops Out in College Station We recently reached and celebrated the topping out milestone on the New Police Department for the City of College Station.

We are serving as the construction manager-at-risk on two new facilities: • 64,000 SF, two-story operations building for police dispatch, record storage, and administrative spaces • 11,000 SF, single-story, pre-engineered metal building with spaces for SWAT operations and training, a workout facility, vehicle storage, and additional evidence storage.

Left to right: Jose Montoya, Brian Crowe, Ramon Moran, Kevin Rosprim, Antonio Silva, Guadalupe Serrato, and Isaac Torres

thanked the construction workers for all of their hard work. In addition, police chief Scott McCollum praised Vaughn for During the topping out ceremony, mem- maintaining the project schedule despite bers of the College Station city council, a significant amount of local rainfall.

Although we have built a relationship the city manager’s office, and leaders of the College Station Police Department with the City of College Station through signed the final beam before we lifted it our projects for Texas A&M University and into place in the lobby entrance of the new Blinn College, the New Police Department building. Project manager Kevin Rosprim marks our first project with the city. Our 14 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

success on the project so far is sure to pave the way and open doors for future projects with the City of College Station.

The $25 million project is scheduled for substantial completion in March 2020.

Our project team includes Judd Blume, Brian Crowe, Robert Gentry, Mike Guy, Jose Montoya, Ramon Moran, Kevin Rosprim, Guadalupe Serrato, Antonio Silva, Isaac Torres, and Brandon Wauters.

ST. ANNE CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT Breaks Ground As student ambassadors from St. Anne Catholic School shot confetti cannons into the air, Father Al Sinasac, St. Anne pastor, prayed for the safety of workers and sprinkled holy water onto the future building site of the new St. Anne Catholic Community Commons Building, Community Center, and Parking Garage, during groundbreaking ceremonies in May. Vaughn is serving as the construction manager for the $20.8 million project, designed by Kirksey Architecture. The 138,000 SF facility is expected to be completed by August 2020. The commons building will include a gymnasium, multipurpose room for enhanced learning and a performing arts stage. The renovated athletic fields will feature a 330-foot by

165-foot soccer field, expanded and multiuse rubberized track, and softball field for dual school and parish use. The community center will contain multi-purpose rooms for ministries and a three-story parking garage with 300 parking spaces.

According to Danielle Aleman, director of advancement and admissions at St. Anne Catholic School, this is the first parking garage constructed for a parish in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Members of the Vaughn team, including project manager Jason Richards, superintendent Victor Mena, and members of our self-perform team, helped prepare the site and layout silver shovels and hats for dignitaries to use during the groundbreaking ceremonies.

Tom Vaughn, and his wife, Suzanne Vaughn, also participated in the ceremony.

Tom and Suzanne are members of the parish, and were married there many years ago.

One of the oldest and largest churches in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, St. Anne Catholic Community has been providing spiritual leadership and guidance to the Upper Kirby, River Oaks, and Montrose areas within Houston since 1925. The Parish, under the direction of the Basilian Fathers, offers PK–8 education at St. Anne Catholic School and a large array of religious formation for parishioners.

PROJECT MILESTONES

Left to right: Julio Zavala, Dario Ramirez, Luis Vega, Enrique Ocampo, Angel Hurtado, Tom Vaughn, Father Al Sinasac, Jose Martinez, Israel Galarza, Victor Mena, Jason Richards

UTSWMC Brain and Cancer Center Groundbreaking EYP Health

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Brain and Cancer Center in Dallas. The 595,000 SF facility supports its goal to develop an internationally-recognized brain institute and to establish new research programs and advanced technology.

We are serving as the construction manager-at-risk on the clinical and research tie-ins to the existing central utility plant, facility to accommodate the growing aca- and associated site improvements.

Substantial completion is scheduled for demic and clinical needs of the Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center and the June 2022. The architect is EYP Health.

Peter O’Donnell Jr. Brain Institute.

In addition, we are constructing a new 1,200-car parking garage, utility tunnel,

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 15

TEXAS MEDICAL CENTER SELECTS TMC3 CAMPUS“DreamTeam”

Last year, the Texas Medical Center (TMC) announced its vision to create the number one biotechnology and bioscience innovation center in the entire world, with a new campus called TMC3. TMC3’s founding institutions include TMC, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, all of whom are long-time clients of Vaughn.

In May, the five institutions collectively decided on Vaughn to construct the first building on the new 37-acre TMC3 campus.

They selected Elkus Manfredi Architects and Transwestern as the architectural and development team respectively.

TMC CEO and president, Bill McKeon, said in a press release, “With the combined talents of Elkus Manfredi Architects, Transwestern, and Vaughn Construction on board, I couldn’t be more confident that this dream team will flawlessly execute the totality of the project’s vision and fulfill its mission.”

The new 37-acre TMC3 campus is designed to bring together leading researchers and top-tiered expertise from the

private sector to create a biotechnology and bioscience innovation center. The TMC3 campus will incorporate research facilities, retail space, residential plans, a hotel and conference center, and green space. Parking will be underground to optimize surface area. The first building on campus will be the TMC3 Collaborative, a centrally located DNA helix-shape building which will contain research laboratories, offices, and meeting/event space to share with industry leaders. The building is planned to open in 2022.

Vaughn’s proposed project team included Steven Click, Ken Cotie, Craig Cottrell, Barry Enderle, Lenny Enderle, Keith Piassoli, and Bill Vaughn. One of our key selling points during the interview was this team’s depth of experience. Their average tenure with Vaughn is 18 years; they bring an average of 26 years of experience; and each of them has experience with the founding institutions and TMC.

Harris County recently selected Vaughn Construction to serve as the construction manager-at-risk to mitigate and restore the Criminal Justice Center.

When Hurricane Harvey hit the Houston area, the facility suffered flood water damage in the basement, first floor, and on the exterior. The restoration and mitigation work includes relocation of several major infrastructure components from the Basement to Level 1, and construction of a flood wall with a series of flood gates around the building perimeter.

The project also includes improvements to the first-floor lobby, including a horizontal expansion, to provide more queuing capacity for the court floors on Levels

8 through 20. The addition of two new elevator towers on the exterior of the building will house a total of five new elevators.

One of the critical factors in selecting our team for the project was our experience in working with FEMA, which we obtained through all the Hurricane Ike recovery work we performed in Galveston.

The construction cost for this project is $60 million. Construction is scheduled to start later this year and to complete in October 2021.

The project architect is PGAL.

16 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

PGAL Architects

HARRIS COUNTY Criminal Justice Center Mitigation

Marmon Mok Architects

We’ve landed a new client and our second large ground-up building project in Austin since opening the office just five years ago. We will be serving as construction manager-at-risk for a new central administration campus for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). The new $326 million campus will be the largest TxDOT project being built by a single contractor in Austin and will consolidate TxDOT’s five 3,300 ton cooling towers, four central administration functions, currently 6,600 MBH boilers, and three 750 kW housed in several buildings across Austin. emergency generators The new campus is being designed by • One-story, 145,000 SF warehouse Marmon Mok with Freese & Nichols servbuilding to house TxDOT’s road sign ing as CM Agent. The project is expected to print shop which has special structural break ground in September of this year. and exhaust requirements Our scope of work includes: • One-story, 74,000 SF laboratory build• Five-story, 425,000 SF administration ing where TxDOT will test everything building from concrete and asphalt to paints • Six-level, 548,000 SF cast-in-place and coatings used for marking lanes. parking garage for 1,586 vehicles The 49-acre plus site has a wide and • Two-story, 13,000 SF central utility steep creek that runs down the middle of plant with three 1,100 ton chillers,

NEW PROJECTCS

TX DOT CAMPUS CONSOLIDATION Making a Big Mark

the property. To prepare the building pad locations, we will install several thousand feet of retaining wall. We will also build a bridge over the creek to connect both sides of the property and provide a pathway for utilities across the site, add a new chilled water loop, and a new turn lane and street signals to facilitate traffic in and out of the campus.

Congratulations to the Austin office team for creating a solid reputation in the Austin market which contributed to this significant project win.

UTRGV SCHOOL OF MEDICINEInstitute of Neurosciences Americans with brain maladies such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS) are facing longer wait times or difficulty finding a neurologist due to a shortage of available specialists, according to a study published by the American Academy of Neurology. But leaders at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) are trying to be part of the solution with the creation of its new Institute of Neurosciences.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) selected Vaughn as the construction manager-at-risk for the first of several phases of construction on the Harlingen campus alongside Munoz & Company Architects. The new 30,000 SF School of Medicine Institute of Neurosciences Building will be a designated center for research on brain health and

other aspects of neurosciences, including early detection/early intervention of psychotic disorders, community education and coaching on selected neurologic/behavioral disorders, and implementation of behavioral health in internal medicine and other primary care clinics.

Since securing our first project in 2015, we have continuously worked with UTRGV and delivered several landmark projects, including the Interdisciplinary Engineering and Academic Building, the Medical Education Building, and the Science Building.

These past successes, combined with our local presence and our relationships with local trade contractors, were key separators in winning this project. In addition, our companywide expertise with similar, neuroscience-focused clinical and academic facilities, such as the University of

Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio’s Barshop Institute of Longevity and Aging Studies and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s Brain and Cancer Center, successfully separated Vaughn from our competition. Special thanks to all our dedicated Rio Grande Valley team members for building the relationship we have with UTRGV and continually “WOW-ing” the client.

The first phase of construction has an anticipated construction cost of approximately $20 million and is scheduled to begin in March 2020 with substantial completion in July 2021.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 17

VAUGHN MOMENTUMAcross

the State

This quarter’s newsletter theme is about building momentum, whether our own or for our clients. The dictionary definition of momentum is “the impetus and driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.” Our project teams do an excellent job of implementing Vaughn’s processes and demonstrating the Vaughn difference which results in satisfied clients who hire us for additional projects. We have comprised a list of clients and projects in each office area that illustrate how our project teams are building momentum across the state and driving home the fact that every project counts no matter its size.

Texas Facilities Commission (TFC) Statewide.

A relationship that began in 2015 with a $12 million life safety upgrade job order contract for TFC Austin, led to Vaughn being awarded multiple TFC projects both large and small across the state, including: • Amarillo: $2 million Department of Public Safety Amarillo and Childress Facilities Renovations (Lubbock Office)

• Austin: $155 million North Austin Complex

(plus more than 10 additional maintenance and infrastructure upgrade projects at multiple state office buildings valued at over $68M)

• El Paso: $1.5 million State Office Building Mechanical and Roof Repairs

• Liberty: $821,322 Sam Houston Regional Library (2 projects) • Terrell: $83,344 Dept. of Public Safety Terrell Site Work • Waco: $2 million Department of Public Safety Waco Renovations University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health), San Antonio. Since we successfully completed the $14 million multi-phased, multi-building Mays Cancer Treatment Center, UT Health has awarded us three back to back improvement projects valuing over $10M: a data center, lab renovation, and central energy plant. Additionally, our successful portfolio of healthcare and higher education projects for UT Health as well as our recent results with TFC, led to our selection as construction manager-at-risk for the San Antonio State Hospital project, a project managed by UT Office of Facilities Planning and Construction for Texas Health and Human Services, currently valued at $253 million.

University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.

After our team nailed the $176.5 million West Campus Phase 1 hospital project, we were awarded the subsequent $325 million Brain and Cancer Center (featured on Page 15 of this publication.) Since our award, the Brain and Cancer Center project has grown to a project value of over $325 million, representing substantial momentum for Vaughn and the client.

Texas Tech University, Lubbock. Our team’s past performance on Texas Tech projects has resulted in us being awarded roughly $8 million worth work including mechanical engineering, laboratory, and classroom projects, new parking lots, and a mile-long utility line project that extends across the entire campus.

18 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

WCA Waste Management, Houston. Our earthwork team performed exceedingly well on the South Hauling Facility expansion project for this new client. Because of our attention to safety, project details, and work ethic, we were awarded an additional $1.2 million parking lot and the potential for $10 million of additional work into 2020. The Owners told our team they were impressed with how we drive the schedule and still produce safe, quality work.

West Texas A&M University, Canyon. Though we are well recognized in the Texas A&M System, West Texas A&M University is a new client for us. Our team’s first project on the WTAMU campus was the Bivins Nursing Learning Center. This was a hard-bid job that we won against 13 other general contractors.

Since completion of this project, we have been awarded roughly $1 million worth of JOC projects in Canyon and Amarillo. Our proven results on past A&M projects along with these smaller projects led to our being awarded two consecutive major projects: the $13.6 million Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory and the $16.5 million Veterinary Education and Outreach Center.

Austin Independent School District (AISD), Austin. As part of its 2017 Bond program, AISD selected us to renovate the LBJ Early College High School, a 14 million phased remodel to modernize the existing facility, providing a Health Professions School to the campus. This project will help AISD launch its new career program for students interested in the healthcare fields. Vaughn was the only GC selected for the 2017 Bond Program projects that did not have previous history with AISD. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H), Houston. Our project teams in the Texas Medical Center have performed multiple utility and infrastructure projects over the last few years, several of which have been continuations of previous projects, such as a two-phase campus wide switchgear replacement and three back to back air handling unit replacement projects at the University Center Tower and Medical School buildings. We have performed close to 300 projects for UTHSC-H including several major new facilities.

Our continued successes on multiple project types with this Owner coupled with our advanced level of healthcare and institutional facility construction, resulted in the recent award of the $97.8 million Continuum of Care Campus for Texas Health and Human Services.

This year, we initiated a new, companywide employee recognition program, called the SITEWORK awards, to acknowledge outstanding accomplishments of individuals and teams in all areas of the company. We requested nominations from you for your peers and presented the awards at the 2019 company meeting awards dinner in April. Congratulations to our winners.

SAFETY

INNOVATION

Individual: Small Projects Individual: Large Projects Team: Small Projects

Rodney Penton Superintendent Lubbock

Favian Moran Superintendent Houston

Individual

Team: Large Projects

WCA South Hauling Expansion Spencer Modawell and Tyrone Davis

MD Anderson Woodlands Regional Care Center John Hill and Wesley Kroll

Justin Harris Estimator Houston

TEAMWORK

Pete Ives, Project Manager, Houston Justin Maloney, Superintendent, Houston

Diana Portilla Human Resources Houston

BEYOND WORK

EXCELLENCE

WALL OF FAME

Micah Hovda Preconstruction Manager Dallas

Michael Sewell Asst. Project Manager Houston

Trey Davis Safety Dallas

Chris Edgar Safety Dallas

Brandon Jones Safety Dallas

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Jonathan Winkler Project Manager College Station

Darri Ofczarzak Contract Administrator Houston

Barnie Edwards

Recently retired San Antonio superintendent, Barnie Edwards, was this year’s recipient of the Wall of Fame honors. Barnie spent 16 years with Vaughn Construction and over 47 years in the construction industry. While at Vaughn, he was involved in over 100 projects including the Biotechnology Sciences and Engineering Building for the University of Texas at San Antonio, the Center for Oral Healthcare and Research and the South Texas Research Facility for the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and the Biomedical Engineering Building for the University of Texas at Austin, among others.

Lewis Hodnett Photography

John Hill Superintendent Houston

Eddie Alanis Safety Dallas

During his time at Vaughn, Barnie enjoyed teaching others the trade he had come to know so well. In his retirement, he enjoys participating in the rodeo circuit, taking care of his ranch, and spending time with family.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 19

PROJECT MOMENTUM / EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

COMPANY MEETING Employee Recognition &Awards

The following employees were also recognized at our company meeting with 10-year and 25-year service awards. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our long-term, dedicated employees!

SERVICE AWARDS: 25 YEARS

Ricardo Armendariz Superintendent Houston

Tom Vaughn, Mike Simpson, Ricardo Armendariz, Bill Vaughn, and Mike Vaughn

Mickey Zawinsky Superintendent Houston

Tom Vaughn, Bill Vaughn, Mickey Zawinsky, Mike Simpson, and Mike Vaughn

SERVICE AWARDS: 10 YEARS

Theresa Campbell

Roy Hudson

Todd Kast

Abhi Kulkarni

Rudy Loera

Troy Marinello

Kris Martinez

George Padilla Jr

Eddie Pedraza

Ben Pierson

Louis Reger

Jason Richards

Cody Matthews

Jose Luis Montoya

Robert Roman

Jennifer Schmidt

Brian Moore

Paulo Delgado,Project Manager

Q2 CORE VALUE AWARD WINNER

“The main aspects of our core values that Paulo excels at are teamwork and work ethic. In our experience with Paulo, we have noticed that he puts the team first. When one part of the crew starts to lag, he is standing ready to help get the group back on the right track or assist by taking up more than his fair share of the slack. He treats all members of the team like family and enjoys having fun. His work ethic is very impressive; taking on the tasks no one else wants to do. He is forward thinking, and Paulo is constantly looking for the next opportunity to move the project forward.” ~Numerous team members Paulo was born and he learned about Vaughn. He started his man of his word. “I always try to be fair raised in El Paso. He career in construction with Vaughn as a with everyone – subcontractors, Owners, majored in Civil Engi- project engineer in 2007. architects, and our team. I am not here neering at the University Integrity and work ethic are the driving to deceive anyone. When I start a project, of Texas in El Paso. Prior forces behind Paulo’s approach to his I have a conversation with the architect to completing his under- career and his personal life. He desires to and with the Owner to let them know graduate studies, Paulo uphold Vaughn’s reputation with clients that I am here to make you look good and attended a job fair at the university where and trade contractors. He strives to be a provide a good product.” Paulo works hard 20 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

I hate selfish people and I don’t want to be a selfish person. I want to give something positive to the community.” He credits Luke Vaden, Brett Fairman, and the late Nicho Peña for influencing his work approach. They were always good examples of balancing a commitment to the project and caring for people. They taught him how to properly relate to subcontractors; be firm but respectful.

Paulo’s favorite project is the School of Nursing at the University of Texas at El Paso. He takes pride in having a hand in erecting a building at his alma mater. He also takes great pride in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Interdisciplinary Paulo desires to lead by example when Engineering and Academic Building. This it comes to showing his team the impor- is the first major project on which he tance of our core values. “It is more im- served as a project manager. portant for our leaders to be a tangible Paulo believes in working hard and example of our values. I like to select one playing hard. He is joyful, practical, and to focus on and present it through my respectful. It is no wonder that he was actions. My personal philosophy is always honored with this award. treat others with respect, as part of a community, not only thinking of yourself.

Q2 CORE VALUE AWARD WINNER

Chad Rose, Crane Operator

“When it comes to core values, Chad checks the boxes. I can always count on Chad to be on top of all crane-related activities including incoming weather conditions and even observing other cranes on the job site. When Chad is not operating the crane, he provides outstanding assistance overseeing other trade contractors making picks to ensure that they are rigging and flagging correctly. Chad is always eager and willing to help, no matter the task. He treats everyone with respect and he has developed great relations with all the trade contractors on the project. He treats people the right way and excels at any task he is involved with.” ~Jarrod Korschgen, superintendent Chad was destined to have a career in the construction industry.

His father owns commercial mechanical and HVAC contracting company, C-AIR-S Mechanical. Chad worked for his dad for a year as a welder, then entered the welding technology program at Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas. After receiving an Associate of Applied Science degree, Chad worked in the oil fields along the Louisiana coast. One of Chad’s uncles, who managed a rig, presented him

Chad became acquainted with Vaughn through another uncle, Mike Walters, who serves as a superintendent at the Carrie Street office in Houston. Chad interviewed with Gerald Guerrero and joined the Vaughn team in February 2017.

“Vaughn has a good, strong set of core values they have adopted. It’s pretty Chad on the job site straight forward...Doing what you’re with the opportunity to apply his welding supposed to do, being honest, and doing skills for an offshore drilling company. It the right thing will help you achieve your was there Chad learned to operate cranes. goals and move forward.” Chad practices He spent eight of his 10 years with this these principles in his personal life and company sharpening his skills as a crane applies them to every aspect of his job. operator.

SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 21

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION

to earn the trust of every person involved on a project and he accomplishes this feat by having authentic, face-to-face conversations. He has learned that speaking directly to a subcontractor, as opposed to sending an email, will provoke a better response and more cooperation. “People change behind a computer and an iPhone, but you cannot be misinterpreted when you meet with a person to address issues.” He believes great interactions yield great relationships and excellent results on a project.

Paulo enjoys the challenge of upholding our core values. “I like ‘Do it once, do it right.’ So, what do you need to do? You need to plan, do your research, and ask questions ahead of time before starting a task. And if you do that, it minimizes the probability of you having to do it twice.” This philosophy speaks to Paulo’s approach to every assignment. He endeavors to understand as much as he can about a project before initiating the first task.

The character strengths Chad brings to each project include safety, timeliness, and good communication.

Chad’s first project with Vaughn, the Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center Sarofim Pavilion and Parking Infrastructure Building, proved to be his most challenging one. “This was a large job with numerous subcontractors, and it required long hours to keep up with the demand. It taught me how to keep a level head. I was not a patient person before this job. I had a short temper, would speak my mind if things weren’t going right. I learned to be collected and keep a level head.” Keeping a level head allowed Chad to successfully complete his portion of the project.

Chad is currently working on the Sam

Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine project in Conroe. He enjoys the comradery with his teammates on and off the job site. He enjoys how the team plans each phase of their work and provides clear expectations to the crew.

He credits Jarrod Korschgen and Gerald Guerrero for guiding him in reaching his career goals and honing his craft.

Lupé Amaya was born and raised in José María Pino Suárez, Zacatecas, Mexico, a little town 200 miles northeast of Guadalajara. He is the oldest of 11 children; Lupé has seven brothers, and four sisters.

At the age of 13, he began working with his father on a local farm, growing beans and corn. His dad had a major influence on his life, teaching him strong work ethics. His father passed away three months ago.

“I really miss my dad. He was a good dad to me,” Lupe said.

When Lupé turned 18, he moved to Reedley, California where he continued to work for various farms and packing houses.

He always longed to help his family; and four years after moving to Reedley, Lupé provided the means to move his family to California. From his desire to pursue better opportunities, Lupé departed California and relocated to Texas to begin a career in construction. He was employed with a small construction company in Houston for two years, until the firm went out of business. Lupe said, “Friends told me that

Vaughn was hiring. So, I applied to become a carpenter.” In October 2003, Lupé joined Vaughn and worked in the Houston area for eight years. His first project was the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Medical School Building Recovery and Mitigation Program. Lupé is now an assistant superintendent in Lubbock where he has worked for eight years. He is excited about every aspect of his job and enjoys the Vaughn processes for executing high quality construction services. He said, “Vaughn has a lot of nice people…Everybody is like family. I love Vaughn.”

Lupé is a devoted husband and father.

He met his wife Grace in Reedley, and they have been happily married for 28 years.

The couple has three girls and two boys between the ages of 15 and 21. His oldest child, a daughter, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy at Texas State University in San Marcos. One of his family’s traditions is to celebrate the Christmas and New Year’s holidays in José María Pino Suárez. The entire family reconnects with extended family members every year in the small community for a

Chad’s advice to new employees is, “Be honest, show your supervisors what you are capable of, do the right thing, always push yourself to learn more, and always keep an open mind. If you are not learning something every day, then you are not doing something right.”

Chad’s strives each day to, “do what I say I’m going to do, keep an honest and open mind, and thank the good Lord every evening before I go to bed.”

To sum up Chad’s reaction in one word when he received the core values award…

“Shocked.” However, if you work with Chad, you will not be surprised that he received this honor. It is evident in his approach to his work.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Lupe Amaya

22 SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019

large, festive reunion. Lupe said, “I am most proud of my family.”

When Lupé is not working for Vaughn, he enjoys working in his garden at his home. He is growing lovely roses in his front yard and luscious tomatoes, yellow bell peppers, and jalapeños in his back yard.

He takes pride in producing plants that are “big and nice.”

Lupé is a joy-filled person who is excited to see the beginning of every day. The two items on his bucket list are “to try to make everybody happy on my job and spend more time with my family.”

Favorite Food: Authentic Mexican Cuisine First Music: Mexican Favorite Vehicle: Chevrolet Silverado

HERB NEUMANN Retirement Longtime superintendent, Herb Neumann, retired in April after 14 years with Vaughn. Herb was born and raised in Brenham, Texas where he was a star athlete on his high school football, baseball, and track teams. His athleticism led him to a job in construction at 19 years old. His competitive nature drove him to excel quickly in roles from ironworker to foreman to assistant superintendent to superintendent.

Until recently, he also showed livestock and won several championships at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

working relationship. I worked for him for six years as a laborer, project engineer, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. There is no doubt he was the biggest influence on my life when it comes to construction. The most important thing he taught me was how to treat people.

He was very big on treating people with respect...whether it was the guy holding the broom or the shovel, or the Owner.

He always said, ‘Junior...that guy digging that ditch or the guy sweeping that floor always knows something that you don’t know.’ He meant every word and he respected the field workers like no other. I am super proud of him for that!”

Shane shared a story that illustrates Herb’s leadership. On a deer hunting trip, Shane and Herb had the good fortune to come across a mountain lion, a rare opportunity for a game hunter. Shane was using a new rifle and wasn’t used to it yet. Herb kept patiently urging him to take a shot at the lion, but Shane was too nervous.

No matter how many times Shane asked him to take the shot instead, Herb patientHerb’s son, Shane Neumann, is also a ly waited all the way until the big cat walked superintendent for Vaughn. When asked out of range. Shane said, “He could have what it was like to work with his father, shot that mountain lion about 100 times, Shane said, “It was an absolute honor to but he gave me every possible opportunity. work with my father and we had a great That’s something I will always remember.”

“There are many great qualities about Herb, but the most impressive is the amount of respect everyone he interacted with has for him. He has built relationships with trade contractors, co-workers, and Owners in the industry throughout his career and has held onto those friendships even as he has moved between projects.

He never has a lot to say in a meeting, but when he does, everyone listens and never interrupts. In two years of working with him every day, I never heard anyone say one negative thing about Herb — not one.” ~Brad Canon, Vaughn Construction

“To me, Herb is the epitome of the southern gentleman and someone who is always interested in teaching people, whether it is about relationships, education, shooting, fishing, or life…

He loves a good competition and keeping score. He is neither a sore loser nor winner…. But he especially enjoys teaching about the art of construction.

He seems to really enjoy running into a problem on a job and finding a cost neutral fix for the problem for everyone so it did not turn into a letter writing exercise.”

Shane said one of Herb’s favorite memories from Vaughn was winning first place in the Vaughn fishing tournament alongside his son.

Herb’s approach as a superintendent was to lead by example. His dedication to quality construction, hard work, and fairness inspired many people within our firm and garnered respect from the trade contracting community, respective design teams, and Owners, as evidenced in the notes below. We will certainly miss him around here but wish him the best.

In his retirement, he enjoys feeding his horses, cows, dogs, and chickens (and collecting the chickens’ eggs every day).

He plans to spend time hunting, fishing, traveling, playing with his great grandchild, and watching his three grandchildren play sports.

“What I remember the most about Herb is his genuine passion to help people. He is always willing to help people, on and off the job site. He never looked down on anyone who worked on the project and always greeted people with a smile, handshake, or a hug. Sometimes all three. The fact that he treated everyone with this type of respect is why I have so much respect for him and what he stands for.” ~Abraham Flores, Vaughn Construction

~Jim Moffa, Myrex Industries SITE TALK / ISSUE 74 / APR - JUN 2019 23