Campus Master Plan & Guidelines 2006-2015
Campus Master Plan & Guidelines 2006 ‐ 2015
Discover TSTC. Discover Yourself.
We believe in people. We believe people desire to be responsible and productive citizens. We believe technology is a force to be explored and channeled by people in a productive and responsible manner for the benefit of all humankind. Therefore, we believe all people should be provided with the
educational opportunity to learn the skills necessary to perform meaningful work and, thereby, pursue their goals as
responsible citizens contributing to the welfare and success of their families, communities, state, nation, and world.
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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Colleagues: Since the founding of TSTC Harlingen in 1967 the mission of this institution has been the continued development and expansion of collegiate technical education. To that end, we have continually strived to construct and maintain facilities that support that goal. Over the years, we have constructed many buildings with facilities that support our commitment to remain a key player shaping the state’s workforce. We could never have achieved this success without the continued support of the surrounding community of Harlingen and the staff, faculty and students of the TSTC Harlingen Campus. In December of 2005, we commissioned this master plan, with the support of the Board of Regents and the mandate to achieve the following goals: maximize core capacity; establish a strong identity; clarify pedestrian and vehicular circulation; and to enrich the student experi‐ ence. Since then, the students, staff, faculty and surrounding community leaders have been involved in many meetings, interviews and workshops to achieve those goals. This document summarizes the fruits of their labor. Working closely with our team of consultants, we have developed a 10‐year plan that meets our goals while greatly increasing the aesthetic character of the campus. Projecting into the future, this plan provides a compelling view of our col‐ lege’s future by accommodating growth and achieving a more student friendly, functionally appropriate and attractive campus environment. As president of this institution, I am deeply appreciative of the creativity, dedication and col‐ laboration that characterized this planning process. I am indebted to the people, both on this campus and in the greater community, who gave so generously to make this plan a reality. Sincerely,
Dr. J. Gilbert Leal President
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE SYSTEM BOARD OF REGENTS Connie de la Garza
Jerilyn K. Pfeifer
Chair of the Board Harlingen, Texas 1995 – 2007
Vice Chair Fort Worth, Texas 1995 – 2007
James Virgil (J.V.) Martin
Barbara N. Rusling
(Executive Committee Place 1) Sweetwater, Texas 2004 – 2009
(Executive Committee Place 2) China Spring, Texas 2002 – 2009
Nora Castaneda
Joe M. Gurecky
Harlingen, Texas 2004 – 2009
Rosenberg, Texas 2006 – 2011
Joe K. Hearne
Michael Northcutt
Dallas, Texas 2006 – 2011
Longview, Texas 2002 ‐ 2007
Rolf R. Haberecht Dallas, Texas 2006 – 2011
TSTC SYSTEM STAFF Dr. Bill Segura Chancellor
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TEXAS STATE TECHNICAL COLLEGE ‐ HARLINGEN CAMPUS MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE Dr. J. Gilbert Leal President
PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL Michael Buck
Claude Free
V.P. for Administrative Services
Chief, Public Safety
Emmanuel Formacio‐Serna
Jackie Gilles
Chair, Faculty Senate
Executive Assistant to the President
Roberto Gomez
Patrick Hobbs
V.P. Financial Services
V.P. Student Learning
Catherine S. Maples
Mary Prepejchal
V.P. Student Development
Director, College Human Resources
Dawn Quinn
Delia Leal
Chair, Staff Senate
Director, Institutional Effectiveness & Research
The active participation of the TSTC Campus Steering Committee was essential in the development of this master plan. Their dedication to the students of TSTC‐ Harlingen serves the campus well and will provide guidance far into the future.
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PLANNING TEAM: Broaddus & Associates, Inc.
Kell Muñoz Architects
1301 S. Capital of Texas Highway, Suite A‐302 Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 329‐8822 – Phone www.broaddusassociates.com James A. Broaddus, Ph.D., PE – Planning Executive Stephen B. Coulston, AIA – Planning Director Douglas Abraham – Senior Planner
800 NW Loop 410, Suite 700 North San Antonio, Texas 78216 (210) 349‐1163 – Phone www.kellmunoz.com Steven L. Tillotson, AIA ‐ Principal‐in‐Charge
SUB‐CONSULTING TEAM MEMBERS: DataCom Design Group, LLC 608 Blanco Street Austin, Texas 78703 (512) 478‐6001 – Phone www.datacomdesign.com
Facility Programming and Consulting 100 West Houston Street, Suite 1100 San Antonio, Texas 78205 (210) 228‐9600 – Phone www.facilityprogramming.com
Frye Associates 2874 Ridgedale Drive Lewisville, Texas 75067 (972) 459‐9277 – Phone www.fryeassociates.com
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Halff Associates, Inc. 1421 Wells Branch Parkway, Suite 104 Austin, Texas 78660 (512) 252‐8184 – Phone 4600 West Military, Suite 700 McAllen, Texas 78503 www.halff.com
JankeDesign, Inc. 912 S. Capital of Texas Hwy. Austin, Texas 78746 (512) 288‐8743 – Phone www.jankedesign.com
WHM Transportation Engineering 504 Lavaca Street, Suite 1175 Austin, Texas 78701 (512) 473‐8343 – Phone www.whmeng.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS Letter from the President .......................................................... v Acknowledgements .................................................................. vi Introduction TSTC Mission Statement ....................................................2 Strategic Plan Goals ............................................................3 Planning Principles .............................................................3 Process & Methodology......................................................4 Existing Conditions & Analysis
11A & B – New Parking Lot and Existing Parking Lot Improvements .................................................... 36 12 – New Water Feature at Mall/Loop 499 En‐ trance .......................................................................... 37 13 – Existing Mall Improvements ................................... 37 14 – Eucalyptus Street Improvements............................ 38 15 – Loop 499 Edge Planting ........................................... 38 16 – Rio Hondo Street Improvements ............................ 39 17 – Property Edge Improvements at the MMA........... 39 18 – New Academic Classroom Building ...................... 40
Planning Context.................................................................8
19 – Learning Resource Center Expansion .................... 40
History of the Campus .......................................................9
Implementation Plan Budgets......................................... 41
Campus Development ......................................................10
Budget Projections .................................................... 41
Campus Figure Ground....................................................11 Representative Campus Buildings..................................12 Existing Building & Land Use .........................................14 Space Programming..........................................................16 Final Plan Preliminary Concept Plan ................................................20
Budget Summary ...................................................... 42 Individual Project Construction Detail .................. 42 Systems Analysis Transportation and Parking Infrastructure ................... 50 Transportation Summary for the 10‐Year Plan ............. 52 Utilities Infrastructure System Executive Summary.................................................. 54
Campus Capacity Plan .....................................................21
Stormwater Drainage ............................................... 56
Ten‐Year Plan.....................................................................22
Potable Water ............................................................ 59
Demolition Plan.................................................................22
Chilled Water ............................................................ 60 Sanitary Sewer........................................................... 62
Implementation Plan 10‐Year Implementation Plan ..........................................26 1A – New East Entrance & Cross‐Mall...........................27 1B – New Cross‐Mall at Existing Mall ............................28 2A – New Cross‐Mall from Ash to Oak St. ....................29 2B – New Cross‐Mall from Oak to Jasmine Street ........30
Natural Gas................................................................ 64 Electrical Distribution............................................... 65 Utility Implementation Plans 1A – New East Entrance and Cross‐Mall............... 67 1B – New Cross‐Mall at Existing Mall.................... 67 2A – New Cross‐Mall from Ash to Oak St............. 68 2B – New Cross‐Mall from Oak to Jasmine St....... 69
3A & B – Revise Parking Lots Between Ash, Oak and Jasmine Streets ...................................................31
3A – Revised Parking Lots between Ash and Oak Streets ......................................................... 69
4 – Loop 499 Improvements.............................................32
3B – Revised Parking Lots between Oak and Jasmine Streets................................................... 70
5 – Cultural Arts & Development District......................33 6 – Housing Redevelopment............................................34
4 – Loop 499 Improvements .................................... 70 5 – Cultural Arts & Development District ............. 71
7 – 29th Street Improvements............................................35
6 – Housing Redevelopment ................................... 72
8 – Recreation Area Improvements.................................35
7 – 29th Street Improvements ................................... 72
9 – Loop 499 Improvements.............................................35
8 – Recreation Area Improvements ........................ 73
10 – Jasmine Street Improvements ..................................36
9 – Loop 499 Improvements .................................... 73 10 – Jasmine Street Improvements.......................... 74
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Off‐Campus Vehicular Wayfinding........................98
11A & B – New Parking Lot & Existing Park‐ ing Lot Improvements ...................................... 74
Vehicular Wayfinding ..............................................98
12 – New Water Feature at Mall/Loop 499 En‐ trance .................................................................. 75
Parking Area Identification......................................98 Pedestrian Wayfinding .............................................99
13 – Existing Mall Improvements ........................... 75
Building Identification – Freestanding ...................99
14 – Eucalyptus Street Improvements.................... 76
Building Identification – On Façade .......................99
15 – Loop 499 Edge Planting ................................... 76
Temporary Signage – Student Postings................100
16 – Rio Hondo Street Improvements .................... 77
Student Housing......................................................100
17 – Property Edge Improvements at the Ma‐ rine Military Academy ..................................... 77
Storytelling Opportunities .....................................100 Street Identification .................................................100
18 – New Academic Classroom Building .............. 78
Pageantry..................................................................100
19 – Learning Resource Center Expansion ............ 78
Sports Complexes....................................................100
Utilities Infrastructure Improvement Diagrams........... 79
Wayfinding Approach....................................................101
Campus Technology......................................................... 85
Signage . . . A Brand Extension......................................101
Landscape & Aesthetic Features: Existing Landscape & Irrigation Systems ...................... 88 Existing Landscape Components............................ 88
The Sign Types ................................................................102 Guidelines Site & Building Guidelines
Existing Aesthetic Elements .................................... 89
Site and Materials....................................................108
Landscape Recommendations......................................... 93
Building and Roof Forms .......................................108
Projects 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B....................................... 93
Façade Articulation .................................................108
Projects 3A and 3B .................................................... 93
Landscape Design
Projects 4, 9 and 15.................................................... 93
Plant Materials.........................................................109
Project 5 ...................................................................... 93 Project 6 ...................................................................... 93
Paving Materials......................................................110
Project 7 ...................................................................... 94
Site Furnishing Materials and Products ...............111
Project 8 ...................................................................... 94
Project 10 .................................................................... 94 Projects 11A and 11B ................................................ 94 Projects 12 and 13...................................................... 94 Project 14 .................................................................... 94 Project 16 .................................................................... 94 Project 17 .................................................................... 94 Project 18 & 19 ........................................................... 94 Signage & Wayfinding Introduction....................................................................... 96 Vision.................................................................................. 96 The Purpose of the Plan ................................................... 96 Observations...................................................................... 96 Website Wayfinding and Information ................... 96 Building Identification Nomenclature ................... 97 Campus Maps............................................................ 97 Campus Boundary Markers .................................... 97 Information Center or Orientation Device ............ 97
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INTRODUCTION
MISSION STATEMENT Texas State Technical College Harlingen is an independently accredited institution offering affordable educational oppor‐ tunities in a residential setting. The College promotes access to higher education through open admissions to the institu‐ tion, as well as basic skills studies that equip students to succeed in college courses. Located in a culturally diverse area of the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the College is certi‐ fied as a Hispanic‐Serving Institution. Programs are designed to prepare students to meet the de‐ mands of an increasingly competitive and intellectually challenging future through educational and personal growth, practical skills development, general academic courses, and career preparation. Input from advisory com‐ mittees composed of industry and workplace representa‐ tives assures relevance of curricula that prepare Associate of Applied Science degree and Certificate graduates for place‐ ment in their career fields. Successful preparation for inde‐ pendent and life‐long learning is achieved through intensive teaching formats that stress hands‐on laboratory experi‐ ences, productive work ethics, information technologies integrated with instructional delivery, advanced methods of electronic teaching and learning, cooperative education, and other student success initiatives. In addition, the College provides student services, such as career and guidance counseling, student activities, assistance with financial aid and job placement, workshops for job readiness, and events for cultural enrichment. Accordingly, TSTC Harlingen’s faculty is dedicated to qual‐ ity teaching and dynamic classroom learning experiences that integrate theory with application. The staff comple‐ ments these efforts with excellent support services to fulfill the college’s mission. In all aspects, Texas State Technical College Harlingen is committed to providing the educa‐ tional tools that enable students to improve their quality of life and achieve their potential.
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Vision and Values Texas State Technical Colleges will be a leader in strength‐ ening the competitiveness of Texas business and industry by building the state’s capacity to develop the highest quality workforce. Excellence Achieving the highest quality in all we do; Leadership Developing visions and strategies for a desired future, and aligning and energizing people to achieve those visions; Innovation Creating and implementing new ideas and methods; Collaboration Working cooperatively with other organizations and within our own system; Responsiveness Providing appropriate programs and services in a proactive, flexible, and timely manner; Accountability Measuring our performance and using the results for im‐ provement; Stewardship Ensuring our programs and services add value to our stu‐ dents and communities throughout the state, and operating in accordance with the public trust for which we are respon‐ sible.
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS
PLANNING PRINCIPLES
Enhance Instructional Services
Maximize Core Capacities Almost the entire TSTC Harlingen campus is within a 10‐ minute walk of Loop 499 and the existing campus mall. The plan builds upon this point of reference by reallocating ex‐ isting facilities uses and removing inefficient, poorly util‐ ized, older buildings to make room for additional improve‐ ments within the campus core.
Increase the value of educational programs
Implement the QEP goals toward critical thinking skills
Increase accountability and performance measure at‐ tainment
Increase educational access
Continue to nurture student retention
Establish a Strong Identity Nurture the College Community
Improve student success through a strengthening of student services
Build leadership, professional development and sense of community within the organization
Establish links and working relationships to past graduates, industry partners, and civic and community leaders
TSTC Harlingen is extremely fortunate to be positioned at the gateway to the Valley adjacent to the Valley Interna‐ tional Airport. Additionally, bisecting the campus is one Harlingen’s major thoroughfares, Loop 499. This plan must take advantage of these two amenities by embracing them both and clearly identifying the campus boundaries.
Clarify Circulation
Improve fiscal management and risk management prac‐ tices
Study new ways to improve our IT and Internet access
The plan embraces the major vehicular circulation corridors that surround and transverse the campus. Additionally, it extends those vehicular corridors logically to the pedestrian pathways that both collect students and staff from parking areas and deposit them at their final destination while pro‐ viding a pleasant experience for all.
Work to raise salaries to competitive levels and expand professional development activities
Cultivate Community Partnerships
Continue to improve physical facilities to the benefit of the College Community
Stewardship of Resources
Enhance the College Image/Reputation
Focus marketing initiatives on distinctive competencies of the College
TSTC Harlingen has aligned itself with the surrounding community and its economic and workforce initiatives. There is an inherent bond between Harlingen and TSTC. The plan embraces ideas of the leadership community, pro‐ viding campus improvements that benefit the College while positioning one of the community’s greatest assets to sup‐ port future economic growth.
Cultivate regional leadership opportunities
Develop institutional effectiveness program review cycles for non‐instructional support operations
Enrich the Student Experience
Meet or exceed all customer service benchmarks on the Customer Service Report
If not for the students the planning exercise would be with‐ out meaning. The plan outlines an implementation strategy to enhance the learning experience and create a campus environment with a true sense of place. The result is a cam‐ pus students will be drawn to, be proud of, and cherish for years to come.
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INTRODUCTION
PROCESS & METHODOLOGY In December of 2005 the TSTC Board of Regents approved the hiring of Broaddus & Associates, an Austin‐based plan‐ ning and program management firm, and its consulting team, including Kell Muñoz Architects of San Antonio, to assist the Harlingen campus with its planning objectives. Because it had been over 20 years since the last comprehen‐ sive master planning study was completed, the team of con‐ sultants structured a very dynamic process that involved not only the leadership of the College but also the student, staff and faculty of TSTC Harlingen and the community leadership at‐large. The Broaddus & Associates team possesses a unique under‐ standing of the knowledge and experience required to ac‐ complish the Master Plan for Texas State Technical College‐ Harlingen. The firm’s project approach has long centered on the critical aspect of accurate project planning. Whether preparing a strategic long‐range plan, a set of design criteria for a specific building, or defining a set of institutional de‐ sign guidelines, the firm adheres to the principle that the greatest ability to influence project success is in its early planning stages. Ultimately, the plan should be visionary, yet realistic. The firm’s planning process concentrates on inclusion and multi‐level participation at the earliest stages to identify the vision and objectives of its clients. This vision is captured, tested, refined and ultimately balanced in an implementa‐ tion plan which is both financially feasible and physically constructible. Effectively, Broaddus & Associates assists owners in the preparation of strategic plans, facilities needs assessments and projections, master plans and long range capital programs plans that are achievable.
Master Planning Approach At the “heart” of the planning process was the interaction with the campus and the surrounding community that will be affected by the recommendations proffered in this master plan. The consultant team held four different, multi‐day workshops on the TSTC campus and within the community in order to listen, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and to present planning outcomes.
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Through a collaborative and iterative process, the following project planning approach was utilized for the TSTC‐ Harlingen Campus Master Plan. Phase 1: Process Development & Goal Setting Process development is the exercise of gathering, organizing and prioritizing sometimes disparate information into a common set of goals. In this phase, the team spent time on campus and with the stakeholders involved to describe the overall approach and objectives of the planning process. The team toured the campus properties and buildings, reviewed preliminarily data provided by TSTC, and met with campus stakeholders and the campus steering committee. Together, the planning team and TSTC representatives de‐ termined the basic project parameters. This involved devel‐ oping and prioritizing a set of common goals and objectives consistent with the TSTC Strategic Plan and mission state‐ ment. These objectives evolved into a set of “Planning Prin‐ ciples” that became the basis for effectively evaluating suc‐ cess as the master plan was developed. In addition, deci‐ sions were made about identification and extent of in‐ volvement of users and other stakeholder groups, the schedule was refined, and space was identified on campus that would be utilized by the Broaddus team for planning work sessions. Phase 2: Information Gathering & Analysis This phase involved the accumulation and analysis of quan‐ titative and qualitative data necessary to generate a realistic portrait of the TSTC campus. The Broaddus team utilized existing data, studies, visual assessments, reports, and key participant interviews. This comprehensive data scan also considered outside forces, such as demographics, peer insti‐ tutions, etc., that influence the programs and growth of the College. Data received, reviewed and analyzed as a part of this effort included such information as:
TSTC Strategic Plan and Mission Statement
Past campus master plans
Existing demographic and enrollment projections
Historical data – growth and campus specific trends
Facilities condition reports
Current facilities space utilization
Campus property information, including topographi‐ cal, boundary, and utility infrastructure
Existing building and grounds drawings
Historical growth of the campus and surrounding area
Peer institutions with similar programs
Regional demographic projections (population, work‐ force, immigration rates, etc.)
Consistency and alignment of academic program and strategic plan
Resource assessment – physical/financial/academic
Current building use and character
Landscape and vegetation
Core campus and parameter areas
Regional utilities infrastructure
Technology protocols – distance learning
Water and land forms
Transportation connectivity
Contextual influences
Information collected during this phase has be synthesized, analyzed, and was used to feed information for the devel‐ opment of the subsequent preliminary planning phase. Phase 3: Preliminary Master Plan The Preliminary Master Plan focused on early development of planning scenarios that holistically addresses the Col‐ lege’s development, strategically identifying ways of pro‐ moting regional connectivity and interaction among stu‐ dents, faculty, staff, and other community, business, and academic stakeholders identified as users of the College. The team developed concepts that addressed the regional framework and the accommodation of facility needs identi‐ fied through earlier planning and analysis efforts. These concepts addressed and analyzed options for reuse, including expansion, renovation, or new construction, as well as demolition and property acquisition, lease or divest‐ ure. The preliminary plan was evaluated for effectiveness
based on how well it supported the Planning Principles de‐ veloped earlier in the project. The preliminary plan was used to describe innovative de‐ velopment ideas, to obtain input and build consensus from stakeholders. Proposed and existing features were illus‐ trated and differentiated from one another. Peripheral land holdings were evaluated in the context of the demographic and regional development, as well as regional transporta‐ tion connectivity, land use and infrastructure resources. Discrete areas of the campus were also studied in greater scale of detail in order for the planning team to test technical feasibility and refine concept plan ideas. Concurrently, a facilities space projection spreadsheet was developed which was utilized to identify individual future projects, associated capital costs of those projects, and esti‐ mated timelines for implementation. This information was prepared to allow TSTC a tool for annually projecting costs and expenditures associated with its capital programs. The Preliminary Master Plan was presented as a concept, or vision plan for development and refinement during the final implementation plan phase. Phase 4: Implementation Plan During and overlapping the final stage of the preliminary planning phase, the Broaddus team began preparation of the final Implementation Plan. This final master plan con‐ sists of documents and presentations that aggregate the out‐ comes of the previous phases. This final plan has taken the form of a long range capacity plan for the entire campus land holdings, as well as a more detailed 10‐year implementation plan. The 10‐year plan in‐ cludes new buildings and grounds projects, as well as iden‐ tification of existing facilities to be razed. The plan depicts existing and proposed campus configurations, as well as more detailed breakdowns of specific implantation projects. The plan also addresses areas of improvements in utilities infrastructure systems, transportation, circulation, landscap‐ ing, stormwater systems, and signage and way‐finding. In the end, master plans should be created to be imple‐ mented, not as simply a dream or document to collect dust on a shelf. Critical to implementation is the ability to iden‐
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INTRODUCTION tify the cost of capital facilities, equipment, and technology investments needed to achieve the vision and strategic di‐ rection. The final plan details each specific implementation project and its projected associated implementation costs. The outcomes of this effective planning will allow the Col‐ lege to utilize the broadest thinking possible to maximize revenues to engage the master plan. Thinking is needed well beyond the traditional sources of State funds to lever‐ age all forms of revenue ‐ philanthropy, partnerships, grants existing real property, etc. The resulting three master plan documents include: 1)
The Executive Summary brochure
2)
The Master Plan Summary document
3)
The full final Master Plan report
Together these documents are tools that can be utilized to assist the College and its leadership in communicating its message and vision in order to produce capital and guide decisions that will determine whether a technology, build‐ ing, or program is implemented sooner or much later.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
PLANNING CONTEXT The Rio Grande Valley is located in the southernmost tip of Texas. Containing the four counties of Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy the region is known as “The Valley” to the local community. The three major cities in The Valley are Brownsville, Harlingen and McAllen. Together with smaller cities such as Alamo, Mission, Pharr, Weslaco, Ed‐ inburg, Port Isabel, Raymondville and many others, the region supports approximately 1.25 million people on the United States side of the boarder and approximately 2 mil‐ lion people overall including the Mexican side. The Valley is one of the fastest growing areas of the nation having grown from approximately 250,000 people in the early 1970’s to growth projections of 1.5 million people in 2020. Traditionally, the economy of The Valley has been agricultural, benefiting from its location on the Rio Grande River Delta. Crops grown in the area are primarily cotton, citrus fruits, grain sorghum, sugar cane, vegetables and melons. Over the years though, the economy of The Valley has diversified greatly. Still the “staple” of the area’s economy, agriculture now shares the stage with manufacturing, tourism, health care, retail as well as oil drilling and aquaculture. In the center of The Valley is the City of Harlingen located at the junction of US Highways 77 & 83 on the west side of Cameron County, Harlingen boasts a population of ap‐ proximately 82,000 people. The city is host to the largest hospital in the region and the only medical school facilities in the Valley. The Regional Allied Health Center educates 3rd and 4th‐year medical school students from the University of Texas Health Science Center ‐ San Antonio Medical School. Strategically located adjacent to the Valley International Airport is the TSTC Harlingen Campus.
The Rio Grande Valley
TSTC Harlingen
The Rio Grande Valley
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
HISTORY OF THE CAMPUS Texas State Technical College (TSTC) was established in 1965 as the James Connally Technical Institute (JCTI) of Texas A & M University to meet the state’s evolving work‐ force needs. This College was located in Central Texas at the former James Connally Air Force Base in Waco. At the time, Governor John Connally predicted that it would be “the most sophisticated technical‐vocational institute in the country.” In 1967, JCTI expanded to include a South Texas campus in Harlingen. In 1969, the Colleges separated from Texas A&M University and became an independent state system, with the name Texas State Technical Institute (TSTI) and its own Board of Regents. Additional campuses were created in 1970 in Amarillo in the Panhandle of Texas and in Sweetwater in West Texas. As the demand for quality technical education continued to grow, extension centers were established in McAllen (1983), Abilene (1985), Breckenridge (1989), Brownwood (1991), and Marshall (1991). In 1991, TSTI was renamed Texas State Technical College (TSTC). In 1999, the extension center in Marshall became an independent college of the system. Today, the Texas State Technical College System includes four colleges: TSTC Harlingen, TSTC Marshall, TSTC Waco, and TSTC West Texas, which has campuses in Abilene, Breckenridge, Brownwood, and Sweetwater. More than 10,000 students attend TSTC in credit programs alone. TSTC is the only state‐supported technical college system in Texas. With a statewide role and mission, TSTC is efficiently and effectively helping Texas meet the high‐tech challenges of today’s global economy in partnership with business and industry, government agencies, and other educational insti‐ tutions. TSTC has high graduation rates, exceptional gradu‐ ate success rates, and an outstanding record in graduating individuals from diverse cultural and socioeconomic back‐ grounds. Among TSTC’s strengths are its emphasis on ʺlearning by thinking and doing,ʺ strong relationships with business and industry, state‐ of‐the‐art laboratories, residential campuses, and a student‐centered philosophy.
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
CAMPUS DEVELOPMENT The existing campus plan is derived from the previous air base street grid that formed relatively uniform rectangular blocks. Subsequent acquisition, street closures and sur‐ rounding development of the Marine Military Academy and Valley International Airport have contributed to the form of the present campus into three distinct areas. The North Campus is the most organized of the three as it retains much of the street grid and rectangular blocks. Streets are named after trees with Oak and Raintree Streets providing primary vehicular access. Both of these streets cross Loop 499 at signalized intersections and connect to the South Campus .The majority of buildings and instructional space is located in the North Campus and forms TSTC’s academic core. The character of the North Campus is mod‐ ern, utilitarian and of pedestrian scale. The character is es‐ tablished by the predominately one‐story, tan, brick build‐ ings and pedestrian Mall. The brick color and texture is pleasing and provides an overall continuity for the campus. Occasional features such as the tall vaulted roof of the Semi‐ conductor Building, the space frame canopy entrance to the Engineering Technology Center and the Learning Resource Center colonnade relieve the otherwise austere architectural character. The Mall, derived from one of the original streets, is the primary organizational open space activated by stu‐ dents, events and a shaded relief from the climate and sur‐ rounding traffic. Several main walkways extend laterally from the Mall to parking lots and outlying facilities where the building and open space character is not as developed. The Mall also crosses Loop 499 via a marked pedestrian crossing, but is not signalized and is seen by many as a haz‐ ard. The South Campus lies across Loop 499 and is less devel‐ oped and organized than the North Campus. The original street pattern shifts from the diagonal base grid to the City north/south alignment that results in some triangular ge‐ ometry. Aviation Technology, the Field House and Support Services constitute the main TSTC facilities randomly lo‐ cated among the WWII vintage wood frame warehouses, barracks and later apartment buildings. The Loop 499 front‐ age character contrasts with the North Campus; in particu‐ lar the four warehouses that are a visual eyesore and occupy valuable frontage. Student housing is not typical of compa‐ rable campuses, so its presence offers the unique opportu‐ nity to reinforce campus liveliness. TSTC owns all of the South Campus property except for the Museum of the Rio Grande, which is also unique and a potential asset. Not‐ withstanding the negative aspects of Loop 499, the facilities within both campus areas lie within a quarter‐mile radius (or five‐minute walk) from the intersection of the Mall and Loop 499.
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The third area is a 42‐acre parcel that lies across Rio Hondo Road to the south of the South Campus. This land is in agri‐ cultural use but has been acquired for future expansion and technology industry development.
EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
CAMPUS FIGURE GROUND 1.
Building Systems Technology
2.
Public Information Office
3.
Speech Lab
4.
Allied Health Technology
5.
Agricultural Technology
6.
Central Chiller Plant
7.
Health Science Technology
8.
Adult Continuing Education
9.
Chemical Instrumentation Tech.
2
1 3
5 6
4
7
10. Learning Resource Center
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8 10
9
11. Auxiliary
13
12. Student Services 12
13. Electronic & Computer Tech
14 16
15
17
14. Office Occupations 19
15. Engineering Technology 18
16. Medical Science 17. Automotive Technology 18. Learning Resource Center
20
21 22
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19. Student Center 20. Science & Technology 21. Industrial Technology
25
24
22. Physical Plant 23. Housing Office 24. Texas Work Force Center 25. Auto Body 26. Head Start
26
27 28
27. Aviation Technology 28. Fieldhouse 29. Physical Plant 30. Agricultural Technology
29
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
REPRESENTATIVE CAMPUS BUILDINGS
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Service Support Center Year Built: 1976 Physical Plant
Industrial Technology Building “I” Year Built: 1983 Administration / Welding
George F. Young Engineering Technology Center “S” Year Built: 1992 Classrooms / Electromechanical / Psychology / Visual Arts
Learning Resource Center Year Built: 2004 Library Services / Meeting Rooms
Irma Rangel Science & Technology Building “W” Year Built: 1998 Mechanics / Health Professions / Education / Basic Skills
Adult Continuing Education Building “K” Year Built: 1942 Police / Fire Instruction
EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
Student Center Year Built: 1991 Cafeteria / Game Room / Bookstore
Barracks Housing Buildings Year Built: 1942 Vacant / Storage / Housing Director
Semiconductor Manufacturing Tech. Bldg. “M” Year Built: 2000 Electromechanical Technology
Apartments Year Built: 1994 Student Housing
Warehouses Year Built: 1940 Storage
Family Housing Year Built: 1986 Student Housing 13
EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
EXISTING BUILDING & LAND USE Departmental Room Usage
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS Room Type Usage
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EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS
SPACE PROGRAMMING Introduction
Enrollment Projections
Education in the Rio Grande Valley has undergone signifi‐ cant changes in recent years. Four‐year institutions such as U.T. Brownsville/Texas Southmost College and U.T. Pan American have experienced strong growth and a substantial increase in the breadth and depth of course offerings. Simi‐ larly, two‐year institutions have grown significantly. South Texas College, for example, has grown substantially, and now offers a wide variety of courses ranging from technical to academic, and has recently added a four‐year degree in applied technology.
In addition to population growth, one of the great drivers of increased enrollment is the capture rate. Capture rate is in a sense the market share of possible students that TSTC will attract. It is calculated as a percentage of 18 – 64 year old individuals in the three counties who choose to attend TSTC. As with population projections, two scenarios are calculated, one more aggressive than the other. These cap‐ ture rate scenarios are coupled with the population scenar‐ ios to form a number of possible enrollment scenarios. These suggest a student enrollment of between 6,593 as advocated by TSTC and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and 9,248 in the most aggressive scenario. The master planning team recommends that TSTC plan for a student enrollment of approximately 7,200, which repre‐ sents a 36% increase over current enrollment of approxi‐ mately 5,289. This is derived from combining the more ag‐ gressive population scenario with the lesser aggressive cap‐ ture rate scenario. Note that workforce training enrollment is included in these figures.
TSTC Harlingen has also been impacted by this new focus on education. Enrollment in academic programs has soared, while technical programs have experienced a decline in en‐ rollment. This has challenged TSTC, historically renowned for its technical programs, to align resources to meet de‐ mand and better serve students in Cameron and surround‐ ing counties. The programmatic analysis portion of the master plan is intended to assist the college in understanding the demo‐ graphic influences and trends, such as those above; likely enrollment trends, and current and future space needs. Un‐ derstanding of these influences will help shape a focused, valuable master plan.
Enrollment Projection 12,000 Historical 10,000
Perhaps the single most significant demographic trend to monitor is population of those 18 – 64 years old. It has in‐ creased significantly since 1990 in Cameron and Hidalgo counties (lesser in Willacy County), contributing considera‐ bly to the increases in higher education enrollment experi‐ enced during that period. The Texas state demographer suggests two possible scenarios for population growth until 2015, both of which suggest significant increases. The first scenario assumes a less aggressive migration rate (trend in age, sex, race and ethnicity), suggesting a net 50% increase in population growth for the three counties. The second assumes a more aggressive migration rate, suggesting a 70% increase. Either scenario would tend to increase enrollment at higher education institutions in the three county areas.
Scenario 2 8,486
Total Student Enrollment 5,289
8,000
Demographics
Scenario 1 9,248
Projected
6,000
Scenario 3 7,201
Scenario 4 6,593
THECB & TSTC 6,257
4,000 2,000 ‐ 2001
2003
2005
2007
2009
2011
2013
2015
2017
Scenario 1 (M=1.0, CP=Growth)
Scenario 2 (M=0.5, CP=Growth)
Scenario 3 (M=1.0, CP=Constant)
Scenario 4 (M=0.5, CP=Constant)
2019
THECB & TSTC Source: TSTC Harlingen Fall Enrollment (2001‐
Historical and Projected Population by County (Age 18 to 64) 1,200,000
Historical
Projected
1,000,000
Higher Scenario: 862,000 (70% Growth)
Lower Scenario: 758,000 (50% Growth)
800,000
Total 3 Counties 582,539
600,000 400,000 200,000
Growth shown a 10‐year cumulative growth.
‐ 1990
1995
2000
2005
Cameron
Hidalgo
2010 Willacy
Source: Census Projection Estimate 1990‐2004, Texas State Data Center Population Projection
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2015 Total
2020
EXISTING CONDITIONS & ANALYSIS Space Projections
Assignable SF
120,000 100,000 80,000 60,000 40,000 20,000
29,225 42,283 56,028 ‐ 202,426
10,023 13,281
2004 Actual
2004 Projected
Auxiliary
‐
Unused Warehouse Admin./Support Space
Support
282,641 223,302 284,124
140,000
Library
Research Office
2015 Projected (ASF)
160,000
Workforce Train. Industrial/ Manufac.
Teaching
Library
2004 Projected (ASF)
180,000
Health Tech.
2004 Actual (ASF)
200,000
General Ed.
Existing and Projected Space by Division
Comp. Info. Systems
The student enrollment projection lays the foundation for the space projection. THECB has developed a model specifi‐ cally for the technical colleges. This model calculates educa‐ tion and general (E&G) space across a “five – factor” model, including teaching, library, research, office, and support spaces. For TSTC Harlingen, the model projects a require‐ ment of 388,508 ASF for 2004, when the institution had 514,292 ASF available. It predicts the need for 501,974 ASF in 2015. Similarly, non‐E&G space is projected at 58,276 in 2004, versus the actual figure of 90,379. The 2015 need is projected to be 75,296 ASF.
2015 Projected
80,822 107,094 32,079 41,447
Total E&G Space
514,292 388,508 501,974
Non‐E&G
90,379 58,276 75,296
Total ASF
604,671 446,784 577,270
Total GSF
983,430 687,360 888,107
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THE FINAL PLAN
PRELIMINARY CONCEPT PLAN
The five planning principles; maximizing core capacities, establishing a strong identity, clarifying circulation, cultivat‐ ing community partnerships and enriching the student ex‐ perience are fundamental to the conceptual plan. This is achieved through the expansion of the pedestrian and open space network, strategic demolition of inefficient and obso‐ lete facilities, additional landscaping, improved signage and graphics and planning for future buildings. A key under‐ pinning of the plan is to capitalize on the existing utilities and infrastructure grid in planning for future improve‐ ments. Additional growth can be accommodated with new buildings at several strategic locations in the North Campus. The South Campus has ample room for both academic or technical expansion as well as student housing. The 42 acres south of Rio Hondo is reserved for development of industry partners as a TSTC Technology Park.
The first most significant part of this plan is to replace Ole‐ ander Street with a new pedestrian mall that crosses the existing Mall. This Cross‐Mall will expand the open space and pedestrian circulation network throughout the rest of the North Campus and provide multiple benefits. The linear open space, flanked by walks and trees, will provide a more positive setting for student circulation and activity, elimi‐ nate unattractive parking areas and visually screen the large parking lot. Reconfiguration of the Raintree Street entrance at Airport Road provides a focal point and terminus of the Cross‐Mall in addition to strengthening the campus identity and improving vehicular access. The second most significant part of this plan is to improve and enhance Loop 499 so that both pedestrians and drivers feel comfortable within the TSTC campus. While the Cross‐ Mall is an important internal campus area, Loop 499 is TSTC’s most public frontage and therefore the most impor‐ tant for projecting its image. Loop 499 needs to evolve so that it unifies the North and South Campuses and its front‐ ages should fully develop as part of the campus core. This is achieved primarily through landscaping, signage and the site and architectural design of future buildings. A critical detail of this area is also the pedestrian crossing at Loop 499 that connects the North and South Campuses. It is recom‐ mended that this crossing be signalized and appropriately timed with the Oak and Raintree intersections. TxDOT plans to replace the existing continuous turning lane with a raised median that will greatly contribute to an improved pedestrian environment. Additionally, a goal to ultimately reduce the speed limit should be pursued. All areas of the campus can benefit from consistent design criteria for landscaping and signage design to reinforce the pedestrian and vehicular network and consolidate the TSTC’s image and identify its domains. The architectural character already established by uncomplicated building massing, simple but strong detailing and the use of tan brick should prevail.
20
CONCEPT PLAN ELEMENTS
The Mall
Open Space Framework
Existing Street Framework
Entry/Focal Points
Loop 499 Improvements
Campus Edge Enhancements
New Building Sites
Cultural Arts Center
Corner Commercial
Hotel/Convention Center
South Campus Expansion
Iwo Jima Memorial
Memorial Field
Residential & Mixed Use Development
THE FINAL PLAN
CAMPUS CAPACITY PLAN The Capacity Plan looks beyond the 10‐year horizon to ac‐ commodate an enrollment of 12,000 to 15,000 students and focuses on the development of the South Campus. Although similar in area to the North Campus, the South Campus in the 10‐Year Plan is marginally developed and capable of supporting a more intense and diverse mix of land uses and building types. This is accommodated by the demolition of the WWII structures and existing housing and interim relo‐ cation of the agricultural program to the TSTC Technology Park or to a permanent remote location. The South Campus plan continues the basic Planning Prin‐ ciples with the extension of the plaza through the campus as the primary organizing element. The plaza established in the 10‐Year Plan is more limited to providing a positive open space in the frontage opposite the existing Mall foun‐ tain and improving pedestrian linkage to the housing. A full maturation of the plaza into a splendid public place will integrate pedestrian and vehicular uses in a more urban and active environment. Like a true plaza, buildings should closely front the plaza to provide a town center setting and consequent passive security by having facing entrances and windows. Allowing vehicular access and parking increases the options for adjacent market‐based development, but the automobile should be subordinate to pedestrian movement and safety. The plaza transitions to a more park like area of about two acres fronting FM 507 that saves nearly all the existing mature oaks and effectively terminates the southern end of the Mall. The plaza and park provides a quality set‐ ting for redeveloped housing, academic buildings and com‐ patible commercial development. Compatible commercial development is shown fronting Loop 499 and anticipates blending market‐based ventures with TSTC program training. The plan depicts a modest in‐ line retail building at the heavily trafficked corner of FM 507 and Loop 499 and offers convenience shopping and job op‐ portunities for students. Proximity to the airport may sup‐ port a limited service hotel and conference center, which is shown across opposite the Learning Resource Center (LRC). TSTC culinary arts and hotel management programs would be most appropriate partners for this venture. Other devel‐ opment options are quite possible as the site is highly visi‐ ble, easily accessed and supported by sufficient parking. An academic building is shown facing the plaza and Loop 499 that reinforces TSTC’s presence and links to the cultural arts center. The southwestern portion of the South Campus, approxi‐ mately 12 acres in area, is shown with a mix of academic buildings and a large‐scale building complex. The vehicular and pedestrian network couples at the park and 29th Street traffic circle to complete the movement system. Develop‐ ment of the TSTC Technology Park is not shown in the plan but can occur as institutional and market‐based industry opportunities arise.
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THE FINAL PLAN
10 – YEAR PLAN The 10‐Year Plan reflects the Planning Principles and how they can be applied within the foreseeable future, based on the current and consequent needs of the projected enroll‐ ment of over 7,000 students. It primarily focuses on the North Campus and frontage on Loop 499 but does consider future development of the South Campus and linkage to the TSTC Technology Park. The development of this plan is anticipated to occur incrementally and a more detailed de‐ scription of individual project areas is covered in the Im‐ plementation Plans section. This 10‐Year plan includes the demolition of several poorly utilized and outdated build‐ ings. Presently, the institution is considered a “space sur‐ plus” campus according to the THECB. By removing these buildings and increasing the utilization of its existing build‐ ings the campus should be able to accommodate the pro‐ jected growth in students with only two new buildings. The overall structure and integration of vehicular and pe‐ destrian circulation and open space is depicted in the new Cross‐Mall, street realignments, new traffic circles and ex‐ tension of the existing Mall into the South Campus. These are reinforced with flanking tree planting, landscaping and walkways. The campus core is thus defined as the square area bounded by Oak, Boxwood, Raintree and Oleander Streets and marked at each corner with a circular node to establish and reinforce the identity and image of the campus and provide a point of orientation. The traffic circles, occur‐ ring at the east, south and west corners, also resolve street geometries as the campus grid functionally interfaces with the street alignment. The north corner occurs at the intersec‐ tion of the new Cross‐Mall and Oak Street and incorporates a circular form in its pattern of paving and landscaping. The circular nodes coincide at the major entrances to the campus from the surrounding area occurring at the cardinal points. Extensive tree planting is shown in the future median and existing frontages of Loop 499. The intent is to transform this zone from a negative environment for both drivers and pedestrians to a unique open space that makes one feel as if they were traversing a grove. Reduction of traffic speed, ample shade and pedestrian amenities will change Loop 499 as a barrier edge into a positive internalized part of the campus. This is reinforced by the extension of the existing Mall into the South Campus in the form of a plaza. This requires the signalization of the pedestrian crossing and demolition of the WWII warehouses and more securely links the housing to the campus core. The plaza also pro‐ vides a more attractive setting for future development of the South Campus frontage. Improvement to the housing envi‐ ronment is also shown but rehabilitation should be tem‐ pered by an ultimate replacement of the buildings. Locations for new buildings are shown at the new Cross‐ Mall and Loop 499. The site shown at the Cross‐Mall would most likely be a general classroom building. It takes advan‐ tage of the demolished Building K site and helps maintain a
22
relatively continuous edge of buildings along its north side and close proximity to existing classroom buildings. The site along Loop 499 is currently a small parking lot and is a logi‐ cal area for LRC expansion, classrooms and programs need‐ ing immediate visibility and access.
DEMOLITION PLAN
THE FINAL PLAN
23
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
10-YEAR IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Project 1a ‐ New East Entrance and Cross Mall Sitework Project 1b ‐ New Cross Mall from Existing Mall to Ash St. Project 2a ‐ New Cross Mall from Ash Street to Oak Street Project 2b ‐ New Cross Mall from Oak Street to Jasmine St. Project 3a ‐ Revise Parking Lots between Ash St. and Oak St. Project 3b ‐ Revise Parking Lots between Oak Street and Jasmine Street Project 4 ‐ Loop 499 Improvements Project 5 ‐ Cultural Arts & Development District Project 6 ‐ Housing Development Project 7 ‐ 29th Street Improvements Project 8 ‐ Recreation Area Improvements Project 9 ‐ Loop 499 Improvements North of Oak Street Project 10 ‐ Jasmine Street Improvements Project 11a ‐ New Parking Lot Project 11b ‐ Existing Parking Lot Revisions Project 12 ‐ New Water Feature at Mall/Loop 499 Entrance Project 13 ‐ Existing Mall Improvements Project 14 ‐ Eucalyptus Street Improvements Project 15 ‐ Loop 499 Edge Planting Project 16 ‐ Rio Hondo Street Improvements Project 17 ‐ Property Edge Improvements at the Marine Military Academy Project 18 ‐ New Academic Classroom Building Project 19 ‐ Learning Resource Center Ex‐ pansion
26
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1A - NEW EAST ENTRANCE & CROSS-MALL This area is highly visible from Air‐ port Drive and is the often the only impression Valley visitors will have of the campus. Raintree Street is the only vehicular access point from Airport and intersects at an acute angle that is an undesirable turning movement. The plan realigns Rain‐ tree to intersect Airport Drive at a right angle via a traffic circle cen‐ tered on the new cross‐mall. The center of the circle is landscaped and provides the opportunity for a monumental signifier to establish a front door environment and anchor the axis of the new cross‐mall. Removing the paving and overhead utilities from Oleander and converting it to a planted area with flanking sidewalks and tightly spaced palm trees will establish the first leg of the cross‐ mall. Concentrated colorful planting is recommended in this portion of the cross‐mall.
Scope:
Abandon Raintree Street north of new entrance circle, possible retain for service vehicular drive access to Autobody.
Demo Oleander Street parking lot and construct cross‐ mall section to existing mall.
New entrance circle and 30’ wide street connecting to Airport Drive.
New parking lots at existing parking lot, new plantings and sidewalks.
New sidewalk and street tree planting along Raintree to Loop 499.
Overhead electrical & cable service to underground.
Campus signifier art at center of entrance circle.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
27
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1B-NEW CROSS-MALL AT EXISTING MALL Paved parking and service areas dominate the existing intersection of the Mall and Oleander. To acknowl‐ edge the importance of the meeting of the existing and new malls, this area needs to provide a desirable setting for student activity and qual‐ ity landscaping. This is achieved through freestanding colonnades and a shallow pool of water that offers a cool respite from the climate. The colonnade columns are spaced the same as the palm trees and support a solid roof. This area should also have ample provision for seating and wireless support to encourage student use.
Scope:
Demo existing mall paving, planting & portion of Ole‐ ander and construct cross‐mall section to Ash Street.
Construct shallow water pool and covered walkways each side.
Overhead electrical & cable service to underground.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
Existing
Proposed
Section thru New Cross‐Mall and Trellises
28
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
2A - NEW CROSS-MALL FROM ASH TO OAK ST. Extension of the cross‐mall to Oak Street is achieved with grass turf and flanking sidewalks and palm trees. The tight spacing of palm trees is important to reinforce the cross‐mall as a positive exterior space especially next to the open expanse of the large parking lots. The cross‐mall width becomes narrower because the front‐ age alignment of the adjacent exist‐ ing buildings is irregular and would otherwise encroach into the space.
Existing
Scope:
Demo existing mall paving, planting & portion of Ole‐ ander and construct cross‐mall section to Ash Street.
Overhead electrical & cable service to underground.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
Proposed
29
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
2B - NEW CROSS-MALL FROM OAK TO JASMINE STREET The Cross‐Mall between Oak and Jasmine Streets continues the flank‐ ing sidewalks and tightly spaced palm trees but curve outward to em‐ brace the open space of the adjoining Iwo Jima Park of the Marine Military Academy. The monumentally scaled statue dominates the vicinity but is not directly located on the cross‐mall axis, so the outwardly curving tree rows frame a panoramic view to avoid the non‐alignment. This also enhances the character of Jasmine Street to strengthen the campus edge.
Scope:
Demo existing mall paving, planting & portion of Ole‐ ander and construct cross‐mall section to Jasmine Street.
Overhead electrical & cable service to underground.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
Existing
Proposed
30
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
3A & B - REVISE PARKING LOTS BETWEEN ASH, OAK AND JASMINE STREETS The large parking areas are a bleak contrast to other campus areas and, notwithstanding their functional vehicular value, does not provide for pedestrian circulation from cars to campus destinations. Much im‐ provement is gained from adding trees and landscaping to visually reinforce the scale of the four parking lots and so reduce the apparent vast‐ ness. The plan calls for reconfiguring the perimeters to actually increase the parking capacity and replacing Anaqua Street with a tree shaded pedestrian walk. This walk provides a more positive, protected and pleasant connection from all the parking lots directly to the Mall at the Student Center. Additional oak trees would be planted on Oak Street and signage for vehicles and pedes‐ trians placed at strategic locations.
Scope:
Demo Anaqua Street paving and curbs, construct new pedestrian walkways connections and landscaping at perimeter.
Construct new walkway along Oak Street with trees, planting and signage from Loop 499 to new Cross‐Mall (Oleander Street).
Construct new directional/orientation signage and drive turnout at Oak Street near Loop 499 intersection.
Overhead electrical & cable service to underground.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
Existing
Proposed
31
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
4 - LOOP 499 IMPROVEMENTS Loop 499 is both a blessing and a curse; it provides critical access to the campus but is also a barrier between the North and South Campuses. The most significant building, the Learn‐ ing Resource Center, fronts Loop 499 but so do the decrepit WWII ware‐ houses. The Mall crosses the Loop but is a hazardous concern. How‐ ever, Loop 499 is the primary cam‐ pus front door and needs to be treated as such.
Scope:
Resolve pedestrian crosswalk and future access and enhancement initiatives with TxDOT.
Plant additional oak trees on both sides of 499 and ei‐ ther oak or smaller under‐story trees curbside, new planting bed buffers at bus drop‐off lanes and in me‐ dian.
Construct new walks, curbs, and plantings at Oak and Jasmine Street intersections.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
The plan proposes to reinforce existing qualities by supple‐ menting the existing trees with additional oaks to create the feeling of a grove through which one drives or walks. The median planned for Loop 499 should be planted with ap‐ propriate trees and groundcover. Additional medians be‐ tween the street and bus drop‐off lanes reinforce a grove quality. The size of street trees is critical. The width of Loop 499 and its associated character as a barrier will not be overcome with small‐scale plantings. Large‐scale trees are required for this, but are an obstruction and potential hazard for vehicles at the current speed limit. The solu‐ tion for overall public safety is therefore a reduced speed limit and a more pleasant street envi‐ ronment for both drivers and pe‐ destrians. The Mall crosswalk should be repaved so that it is differentiated from the street asphalt paving and suitably signalized for pedestrian safety. The circular concrete planter at the Mall terminus can be converted to a water feature to enliven the space, provide visual opportunity of the Mall, and audibly mask traffic noise. The signalized intersections of Oak and Raintree also need enhancement. Campus identification and directional sign‐ age is needed and should be integrated with road signage, street lighting, landscaping and paving.
Proposed Section thru Loop 499
All of these design components factor into a stronger image for the campus both internally and externally. Loop 499 should not divide the campus but serve as a unifying ele‐ ment.
Alternate Section thru Loop 499 if TxDOT regula‐ tions require it. 32
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
5 - CULTURAL ARTS & DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT This edge of the South Campus is largely composed of antiquated structures and leftover open space that prevent a positive streetscape. This will begin to change with com‐ pletion of a new cultural arts center located between the Field House and the Raintree/29th Street intersection. As Loop 499 traffic increases over time so will the value of the South Campus frontage and with increased enrollment opportunity for new commercial development. Key to this area is the demolition of the WWII warehouses, which removes a significant eyesore, and the extension of the Mall to establish a positive open space and circulation connection to the core campus. TSTC can consider alterna‐ tive land uses and public/private partnerships for new de‐ velopment to produce optimum benefits. One idea is a ho‐ tel/conference center that can take advantage of the prox‐ imity to the airport and serve as a training venue for TSTC hotel management and culinary arts programs. The venue could also be available for healthcare training and related programs, leveraging the Harlingen’s emerging reputation in the medical services industry. Another idea is for a small‐ scale retail/commercial development to take advantage of the strategic 499/FM 507‐intersection traffic and also provide greater convenience for students.
Scope:
Demolish existing warehouses and construct new plaza between 499 and Boxwood Street with right‐in, right‐ out at 499. The plaza will serve as drop‐off and pick‐up for new cultural arts building.
Reconstruct Oak, Raintree and Boxwood Streets with circle drives at intersections, walkways and landscap‐ ing.
Construct new parking lot in block between gymna‐ sium and Raintree Street to support cultural arts devel‐ opment.
Reserve remaining 499 frontage for possible commer‐ cial development.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
There is also sufficient area for additional dedicated aca‐ demic buildings, and indeed all of the South Campus front‐ age can be lined with academic uses without any market development. But the most important consideration is to maximize the building presence along Loop 499 by control‐ ling the setback and eliminating parking between the street and building façade. The street pattern in this area also needs modification to resolve the acute angled intersections where the original base grid streets intersect with the city north/south align‐ ment of streets. This is accomplished with traffic circles similar to the North Campus. Their locations at Oak and Raintree Streets serve to functionally solidify the overall organization of vehicular and pedestrian circulation. These traffic circles are also strategic locations for reinforcing campus identity and image. Plant landscaping should be more intensive at the circles and signifiers or other forms of public art/sculpture should be placed in the centers to serve as focal points.
33
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
6 - HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT Student housing is composed of three separate complexes scattered within the South Campus among other uses such as the childcare cen‐ ter, workforce offices, museum and mostly vacant WWII barracks build‐ ings. As TSTC maintains student housing within its long‐range vision, the ultimate goal would be to rebuild the housing in a more compact ar‐ rangement and more convenient to the South Campus Mall.
Scope:
Demolish existing barracks and support services build‐ ings.
Demolish internal parking lot at apartments and con‐ struct landscaped pedestrian courtyards, playground and site amenities.
Reconstruct Pecan Street with new paving, curbs, walkways and landscaping.
Construct new parking lots for residents.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
Interim improvements can however greatly improve the housing environment and quality of student life through landscaping and reconfiguration of parking and open space. The oak trees that infuse the north housing site are splendid specimens and can be retained even with future reconstruc‐ tion. Eliminating the interior parking lot and converting it to open space will greatly enhance outdoor activity and overall quality of setting.
Existing
Proposed
34
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
7 - 29TH STREET IMPROVEMENTS Future development of the South Campus will result in increased traf‐ fic and need for improved access from and to Rio Hondo Road. The quality and character of landscape design common to the North Cam‐ pus needs to be implemented along 29th Street in order to dispel a back‐ door feeling.
Scope:
Reconstruct 29th Street from Raintree to Rio Hondo with new paving, curbs, walkways and landscaping.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
8 - RECREATION AREA IMPROVEMENTS The existing athletic field is of suffi‐ cient area for competitive soccer, football and track and field. The proximity to the gymnasium is not ideal but can be accessed by the community from the periphery.
Scope:
New regulation football/soccer field and ¼ mile track.
Walkway connection to gymnasium.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
9 - LOOP 499 IMPROVEMENTS This area is important as it offers the first impression of the campus to southbound traffic. Improvements to Loop 499 can occur on an incre‐ mental basis.
Scope:
Resolve pedestrian crosswalk and future access and enhancement initiatives with TxDOT.
Plant additional oak trees on both sides of 499 and ei‐ ther oak or smaller under‐story trees curbside, new planting bed buffers at bus drop‐off lanes and in me‐ dian.
Construct new walks, curbs, and plantings at Oak and Jasmine Street intersections.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
35
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
10 - JASMINE STREET IMPROVEMENTS Jasmine Street is both edge and ac‐ cess to the campus, similar to Rain‐ tree but not as significant. The new cross‐mall will greatly enhance its streetscape as well as new landscap‐ ing along the parking lots. As traffic recommendations call for Jasmine to be widened the impact of this work on the adjacent Marine Military Academy may offer the opportunity for improvements to their frontage as well.
Scope:
Reconstruct Jasmine from Eucalyptus to Loop 499 with new paving, curbs, walkways and landscaping.
Seek MMA cooperation in edge planting and fence im‐ provements.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
11A & B - NEW PARKING LOT AND EXISTING PARKING LOT IMPROVEMENTS The parking lots and drives north of Oleander Street were developed in‐ crementally and can be reconfigured to increase capacity and efficiency. Walkways are varied and can be adjusted and landscaped to provide more protected and pleasant pedes‐ trian linkage. The existing parking capacity at Oleander Street that is lost by creating the new cross‐mall can be largely made up by flanking Camellia Street with single‐aisle parking lots.
36
Scope:
Remove portable buildings and Camellia Street be‐ tween Jasmine and Oak Streets.
Demolish portions of curbs and walkways and provide more efficient parking configuration.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
12 - NEW WATER FEATURE AT MALL/LOOP 499 ENTRANCE As identified in the Loop 499 im‐ provements, the circular concrete planter at the Mall terminus can be converted to a water feature to enli‐ ven the space, provide visual access into the Mall, and audibly mask traf‐ fic noise. The idea is to keep the basic structure and let water flow down the face of the circular wall. This provides a substantial mass of water that will not be carried off by the breeze and can be designed for a controlled splash and sound.
Scope:
Adaptation of existing concrete circular planter to a water fountain and with new paving, site amenities and planting.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
13 - EXISTING MALL IMPROVEMENTS Enhancement of the existing Mall is covered in greater detail in the Land‐ scape recommendations.
Scope:
New walk paving and selective reconfiguration of planting area and new landscaping.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
37
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
14 - EUCALYPTUS STREET IMPROVEMENTS The Airport Drive loop incorporates Eucalyptus Street and is one‐way for southbound traffic. The North Cam‐ pus frontage facing the airport is seen by many and often the only impression Valley visitors have of TSTC. The Marine Military Academy has a substantial entrance gate from the airport loop. Oak and other streets provided access prior to the airport expansion but are now per‐ manently closed. The posts and rails that currently barricade the dead ends appear temporary and detract from the streetscape. Additional detractions are the TSTC utility pole signage and service zones of the con‐ struction services buildings. Improvements recommended for this area are primarily landscape and signage.
Scope:
New trees and landscaping along frontage.
Demolish community sign and install dense landscap‐ ing.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
15 - LOOP 499 EDGE PLANTING Continue the landscape and hard‐ scape improvements along Loop 499, in order to create a consistent visual campus edge condition.
Scope:
Plant additional oak trees on both sides of 499 and ei‐ ther oak or smaller under‐story trees curbside and in median.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
38
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
16 - RIO HONDO STREET IMPROVEMENTS Rio Hondo Street is on the City’s major thoroughfare plan and traffic will increase as industrial properties to the east develop in the future. This street also runs between the South Campus and the TSTC property to the south. Similar to Loop 499, but on a smaller scale, Rio Hondo Street should be improved as a unifying street and not a barrier between TSTC facilities.
Scope:
New trees and landscaping along frontage.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
17 - PROPERTY EDGE IMPROVEMENTS AT THE MMA This edge is mostly natural brush overgrowing a chain link security fence that is a substantial buffer be‐ tween the properties. The condition actually needs to be conserved more than modified to maintain its natural qualities.
Scope:
New trees and landscaping along frontage.
New irrigation.
39
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
18 - NEW ACADEMIC CLASSROOM BUILDING A prime location to add additional classrooms is on the site of the WWII vintage building K. This site is highly visible from Oak Street, easily acces‐ sible, fronts the new cross‐mall and is relatively close to the classroom cluster at the existing Mall. The ar‐ chitecture should incorporate the campus tan brick and have a promi‐ nent entrance feature that addresses the cross‐mall and Oak Street. A two‐ story building can maintain brick at the first floor but transition to a shaded glass and metal window wall system at the second floor. Exterior space be‐ tween this new building and the chemistry building should be developed as a lushly planted and usable courtyard.
Scope:
Demolish Building K and associated sitework.
Potential footprint 18,000 GSF for 2‐story 32,000 GSF total and courtyard connection to adjacent Chemical/ Instrumentation Technology building.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
19 - LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER EXPANSION This building site is most prominent as it faces Loop 499 and is adjacent to the Learning Resource Center. This building will likely provide for the expansion of programs such as Stu‐ dent Services as well as a library ex‐ pansion. The new building expan‐ sion should be architecturally com‐ patible with the Learning Resource Center. In particular it should be designed to extend the tall covered walkway on the north side facing the parking lot. The service entrance to the Learning Resource Center will need to be maintained but should be reconfigured and designed to minimize its impact. Similar to the Learning Resource Center, this build‐ ing should repeat the use of campus tan brick at the first floor. A new building is depicted in this report as having a glass and metal window wall system at the second floor and a low slope metal roof.
40
Scope:
Demolish Papaya Street and parking lot.
Potential footprint 20,000 GSF for 2‐story 40,000 GSF total and contiguous to LRC and with shared service.
New area lighting, signage and irrigation.
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN BUDGETS The following table illustrates an estimate of the total project cost for each implementation project discussed in the previous sec‐ tion. The table illustrates the impact on the project cost from inflation. This model assumes recent escalation and inflation rates of approximately 8.5% per annum will continue for the foreseeable fu‐ ture. Historical estimating has determined that inflation on construction has averaged 8.5% per annum. The master planning team is assuming that this rate of inflation will continue for the foreseeable future and will not decrease. This rate projects a projected assumption due to the continued strong construction economy in Texas, and the Valley in particular, as well as recent natural disasters. The destruction caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the impact of rebuilding is anticipated to have a prolonged effect on the Texas construction market for the foreseeable future. Initial total project costs are shown as if constructed in the year 2007 and inflated 8.5% per annum until year the 2015. Using this table, the campus administration can easily and reasonably estimate future total construction costs for each proposed project and be able to evaluate the best budget year to initiate for implementation. For example, if the TSTC campus chooses to construct Pro‐ ject 1A – New East Entrance and Cross‐Mall in the year 2007 the cost is expected to be approximately $3.2 million. If the campus waits and initiated construction in the year 2012, that same project can be expected to cost approximately $4.8 million.
Budget Projections Implementation Project 1a. New East Entrance and Crossmall
2007
2008
Total Project Cost (Assuming 8.5% Inflation per Year) 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
2014
2015
$3,198,000
$3,470,000
$3,765,000
$4,085,000
$4,432,000
$4,809,000
$5,218,000
$5,662,000
$6,143,000
$439,000
$476,000
$516,000
$560,000
$608,000
$660,000
$716,000
$777,000
$843,000
$313,000
$340,000
$369,000
$400,000
$434,000
$471,000
$511,000
$554,000
$601,000
$88,000
$95,000
$103,000
$112,000
$122,000
$132,000
$143,000
$155,000
$168,000
$589,000
$639,000
$693,000
$752,000
$816,000
$885,000
$960,000
$1,042,000
$1,131,000
$552,000
$599,000
$650,000
$705,000
$765,000
$830,000
$901,000
$978,000
$1,061,000
$2,213,000
$2,401,000
$2,605,000
$2,826,000
$3,066,000
$3,327,000
$3,610,000
$3,917,000
$4,250,000
6. Housing Development
$672,000
$729,000
$791,000
$858,000
$931,000
$1,010,000
$1,096,000
$1,189,000
$1,290,000
7. 29th Street Improvements
$786,000
$853,000
$926,000
$1,005,000
$1,090,000
$1,183,000
$1,284,000
$1,393,000
$1,511,000
$1,129,000
$1,225,000
$1,329,000
$1,442,000
$1,565,000
$1,698,000
$1,842,000
$1,999,000
$2,169,000
$164,000
$178,000
$193,000
$209,000
$227,000
$246,000
$267,000
$290,000
$315,000
$900,000
$977,000
$1,060,000
$1,150,000
$1,248,000
$1,354,000
$1,469,000
$1,594,000
$1,729,000
$706,000
$766,000
$831,000
$902,000
$979,000
$1,062,000
$1,152,000
$1,250,000
$1,356,000
$384,000
$417,000
$452,000
$490,000
$532,000
$577,000
$626,000
$679,000
$737,000
13. Existing Mall Improvements
$631,000
$685,000
$743,000
$806,000
$875,000
$949,000
$1,030,000
$1,118,000
$1,213,000
14. Eucalyptus Street Improvements
$191,000
$207,000
$225,000
$244,000
$265,000
$288,000
$312,000
$339,000
$368,000
15. Loop 499 Edge Planting
$191,000
$207,000
$225,000
$244,000
$265,000
$288,000
$312,000
$339,000
$368,000
16. Rio Hondo Street Improvements
$295,000
$320,000
$347,000
$376,000
$408,000
$443,000
$481,000
$522,000
$566,000
Property Edge Improvements @ MMA
$593,000
$643,000
$698,000
$757,000
$821,000
$891,000
$967,000
$1,049,000
$1,138,000
1b. New Crossmall at existing Mall New Crossmall from Ash to Oak Streets New Crossmall from Oak to 2b. Jasmine Streets Revise Parking Lots between Oak 3A&B. and Jasmine 2a.
4. Loop 499 Improvements 5. Cultural Arts & Development District
8. Recreation Area Improvements 9. Loop 499 Improvements 10. Jasmin Street Improvements New Parking Lot & Existing Parking 11A&B. Lot Improvements New Water Feature @ Loop 12. 499/Entrance
17.
18. New Academic Classroom Building 19.
Learning Resource Center Expansion
$14,603,000 $15,844,000 $17,191,000 $18,652,000 $20,237,000 $21,957,000 $23,823,000 $25,848,000 $28,045,000 $18,364,000 $19,925,000 $21,619,000 $23,457,000 $25,451,000 $27,614,000 $29,961,000 $32,508,000 $35,271,000
Totals for each project $47,001,000 $50,996,000 $55,331,000 $60,032,000 $65,137,000 $70,674,000 $76,681,000 $83,202,000 $90,273,000
Note: All costs shown are rounded to the nearest thousandth dollar
41
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS Budget Summary The following table illustrates the difference between the construction cost and total project cost. For each project listed in the im‐ plementation plan, the table shows the construction cost added to any owner related “soft” costs to develop the total project cost. Actual costs of construction, that for which the campus can expect to contract with a construction company, are shown in the first column. Budget numbers are derived from Year 2006 construction data. Allowances for the other categories shown in the table are based on industry standards and recent experience with similar projects and may be modified based on actual or historical TSTC owner costs. Following this table is a chart of expected expenses for each project in the implementation plan. This detailed list of expenses is summarized as the “2006 Construction Cost” for each project.
Furnishings and Fixtures Soft Costs 2006 Project Allowance Contingency Construction Allowance Area Cost 20% 15% 15% $2,267,000 $340,050 $340,050 1A - New East Entrance and Cross Mall $311,000 $46,650 $46,650 1B - New Cross Mall at Existing Mall $221,700 $33,255 $33,255 2A - New Cross Mall from Ash St. to Oak St. 2B - New Cross Mall from Oak St. to Jasmine St. $62,500 $9,375 $9,375 $417,250 $62,588 $62,588 3A&B-Revise Parking Lots between Oak St. & Jasmine St. 4- Loop 499 Improvements $391,700 $58,755 $58,755 $1,568,600 $235,290 $235,290 5- Cultural Arts & Development District 6- Housing Development $476,250 $71,438 $71,438 $556,900 $83,535 $83,535 7- 29th Street Improvements 8- Recreation Area Improvements $800,200 $120,030 $120,030 9- Loop 499 Improvements $116,050 $17,408 $17,408 $638,000 10- Jasmine Street Improvements $95,700 $95,700 $500,750 $75,113 $75,113 11A&B-New Parking Lot&Existing Parking Lot Improve. $272,500 $40,875 $40,875 12 New Water Feature @ Mall/Loop 499 Entrance $447,500 $67,125 $67,125 13 Exisitng Mall Improvements 14 Eucalyptus Street Improvements $135,500 $20,325 $20,325 $135,500 $20,325 $20,325 15 Loop 499 Edge Planting 16 - Rio Hondo Street Improvements $209,500 $31,425 $31,425 $420,250 $63,038 $63,038 17-Property Edge Improvements @ Marine Milit. Academy 18- New Academic Classroom Building $8,999,000 $1,760,000 $1,349,850 $1,349,850 $11,327,250 $2,200,000 $1,699,088 $1,699,088 19- Learing Resource Center Expansion Subtotal $30,274,900
Total Project Cost $2,947,100 $404,300 $288,210 $81,250 $542,425 $509,210 $2,039,180 $619,125 $723,970 $1,040,260 $150,865 $829,400 $650,975 $354,250 $581,750 $176,150 $176,150 $272,350 $546,325 $13,458,700 $16,925,425 $43,317,370
Total
NOTES:
$30,274,900
$43,317,370
1. Statements of probable costs are order of Area estimates. Once the scope and schedule are determined, detailed cost estimates will need to be developed. 2. Statement of probable costs are in 2006 dollars
Individual Project Construction Budget Detail 1A - New East Entrance and Cross Mall Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of Raintree St. north of new Entrance 02502 Demoliton Oleander St. parking lot 02504 Relocate Overhead- Electrical & Cable to underground 02505 New Area lighting
Comments UOM SF SF LF LS
Quanity 425000.0 180000.0 3600.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 2.50 2.50 20.00 250000.00
Subtotal $1,062,500.0 $450,000.0 $72,000.0 $250,000.0
LS SF SF SF SF LS
1.0 10000.0 15000.0 140000.0 18000.0 1.0
50000.00 0.25 4.00 1.50 5.00 20000.00
$50,000.0 $2,500.0 $60,000.0 $210,000.0 $90,000.0 $20,000.0 $2,267,000.0
BidBidBidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving-construct Entrance & 30' wide Street connect to Airport Drive 02806 HMAC Paving at Parking lots 02807 4" Concrete Paving- 5" w/WWF & Sand 02808 signifer Art & Signage Total
42
BidBidBidBidBidBid-
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
1B - New Cross Mall at Existing Mall Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of existing mall paving & planting & portion of Oleander 02504 Relocate Overhead- Electrical & Cable to underground
Comments UOM SF LF
Quanity 3500.0 400.0
Sub. Cost 3.50 20.00
Subtotal $12,250.0 $8,000.0
SF LS SF SF SF LS
3000.0 1.0 12000.0 1000.0 6000.0 1.0
0.25 15000.00 1.50 7.00 40.00 10000.00
$750.0 $15,000.0 $18,000.0 $7,000.0 $240,000.0 $10,000.0 $311,000.0
UOM LF LF LS
Quanity 40000.0 600.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 2.50 25.00 25000.00
Subtotal $100,000.0 $15,000.0 $25,000.0
EA SF SF LS
1.0 2000.0 51000.0 1.0
15000.00 0.25 1.20 5000.00
$15,000.0 $500.0 $61,200.0 $5,000.0 $221,700.0
UOM SF LF LS
Quanity 20600.0 400.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 2.50 25.00 25000.00
Subtotal $51,500.0 $10,000.0 $25,000.0
SF SF LS
1600.0 90000.0 1.0
0.25 1.25 8500.00
$400.0 $112,500.0 $8,500.0 $207,900.0
UOM SF LF LS
Quanity 31500.0 1890.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 2.50 25.00 95000.00
Subtotal $78,750.0 $47,250.0 $95,000.0
EA SF EA SF SF SF LS
30.0 20000.0 1.0 21000.0 15000.0 16000.0 1.0
1200.00 0.25 6500.00 1.25 1.50 5.00 20000.00
$36,000.0 $5,000.0 $6,500.0 $26,250.0 $22,500.0 $80,000.0 $20,000.0 $417,250.0
BidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02804 Re-seed Grass 02803 Irrgation 02805 HMAC Paving- construct Cross mall section to Ash Street 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" at Walkways & shallow water pool 02808 Wood framing for Covered Walkways 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBid-
2A - New Cross Mall from Ash St. to Oak St. Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of existing mall paving & planting & portion of Oleander 02504 Relocate Overhead- Electrical & Cable to underground 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- Cross mall section to Ash Street 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBid-
2B - New Cross Mall from Oak St. to Jasmine St. Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of existing mall paving & planting & portion of Oleander 02504 Relocate Overhead- Electrical & Cable to underground 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 Construct Cross mall section to Jasime Street 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBid-
3A&B-Revise Parking Lots between Oak St. & Jasmine St. Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of Anaqua Street- paving & curbs 02504 Relocate Overhead- Electrical & Cable to underground 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree 02804 Re-seed Grass 02803 Irrigation 02806 Construct Cross mall section to Oleander Street 02807 HMAC Paving- construct new drive-turnout at Oak St. near Loop 499 intersect. 02808 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand @ Oak Street Walkway 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
43
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 4- Loop 499 Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments UOM LS
Quanity 1.0
Sub. Cost 150000.00
Subtotal $150,000.0
EA SF SF SF SF LF LS
86.0 5000.0 5000.0 17500.0 7500.0 2850.0 1.0
1200.00 2.00 0.25 1.50 5.00 10.00 35000.00
$103,200.0 $10,000.0 $1,250.0 $26,250.0 $37,500.0 $28,500.0 $35,000.0 $391,700.0
UOM SF LS
Quanity 65000.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 6.00 250000.00
Subtotal $390,000.0 $250,000.0
EA LS SF SF SF SF LS
98.0 1.0 54000.0 175000.0 75000.0 1.0
1200.00 85000.00 0.00 1.50 1.50 5.00 7500.00
$117,600.0 $85,000.0 $0.0 $81,000.0 $262,500.0 $375,000.0 $7,500.0 $1,568,600.0
UOM SF SF LS
Quanity 60000.0 25000.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 6.00 2.50 55000.00
Subtotal $360,000.0 $62,500.0 $55,000.0
EA EA EA SF SF SF LF LS
1.0 1.0 1.0 25000.0 13000.0 9000.0 1300.0 1.0
85000.00 125000.00 50000.00 0.25 1.50 5.00 10.00 15000.00
$85,000.0 $125,000.0 $50,000.0 $6,250.0 $19,500.0 $45,000.0 $13,000.0 $15,000.0 $476,250.0
UOM LS
Quanity 1.0
Sub. Cost 125000.00
Subtotal $125,000.0
EA EA LS SF SF SF LF LS
57.0 0.0 1.0 20000.0 85000.0 23500.0 4000.0 1.0
1200.00 0.00 55000.00 0.25 1.50 5.00 10.00 18500.00
$68,400.0 $0.0 $55,000.0 $5,000.0 $127,500.0 $117,500.0 $40,000.0 $18,500.0 $556,900.0
Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- construct new bus drop-off lanes along Loop 499 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand @ Oak & Jasimne intersection 02807 Concrete Curbs 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
5- Cultural Arts & Development District Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of - 4 each existing Warehouses- 40,000sf 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- construct new Traffic Circle at Boxwood & Raintree Sts. 02806 HMAC Paving- construct new pair of one-way streets either side of Mall exten. 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
6- Housing Development Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of existing Military Barracks- 4 each 2 story wood framed 02502 Demolition of existing Parking Lots 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Landscaping 02802 Playgound & Equipment 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- construct new at Pecan Street 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand 02807 Concrete Curb 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
7- 29th Street Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree 02802 Native Oranamental Tree 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- Reconstruct from Raintree to Rio Hondo 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand 02807 Concrete Curb 02809 Signage Total
44Â
BidBidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 8- Recreation Area Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments UOM LS
Quanity 1.0
Sub. Cost 100000.00
Subtotal $100,000.0
LS SF SF SF LS
1.0 210000.0 17600.0 15500.0 1.0
350000.00 0.85 4.50 5.00 15000.00
$350,000.0 $178,500.0 $79,200.0 $77,500.0 $15,000.0 $800,200.0
UOM LF
Quanity
Sub. Cost 0.00
Subtotal $0.0
EA EA LS SF SF SF LF LS
34.0 75.0 1.0 25000.0 9500.0 1800.0 300.0 1.0
1200.00 250.00 18500.00 0.25 1.50 5.00 10.00 5500.00
$40,800.0 $18,750.0 $18,500.0 $6,250.0 $14,250.0 $9,000.0 $3,000.0 $5,500.0 $116,050.0
UOM LS
Quanity 1.0
Sub. Cost 125000.00
Subtotal $125,000.0
LS LS SF SF SF LF LS
1.0 1.0 0.0 84000.0 25000.0 4200.0 1.0
150000.00 50000.00 0.00 1.50 5.00 10.00 20000.00
$150,000.0 $50,000.0 $0.0 $126,000.0 $125,000.0 $42,000.0 $20,000.0 $638,000.0
UOM SF SF LS
Quanity 10000.0 20000.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 2.50 6.00 50000.00
Subtotal $25,000.0 $120,000.0 $50,000.0
EA EA LS SF SF LF LS
65.0 0.0 1.0 25000.0 75000.0 900.0 1.0
1200.00 0.00 75000.00 0.25 1.50 10.00 25000.00
$78,000.0 $0.0 $75,000.0 $6,250.0 $112,500.0 $9,000.0 $25,000.0 $500,750.0
Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02803 Irrigation 02804 Turf Grass at Football / Soccer fields 02805 HMAC Paving-1/4 mile track w/sports surfacing 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand to Gym 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBid-
9- Loop 499 Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree-Oaks 02802 Native Oranamental Tree 02803 Irrigation & Planting Beds 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- construct new bus drop-off lanes along Loop 499 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand -Walkways at Oak & Jasmine Streets 02807 Concrete Curb 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
10- Jasmine Street Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Landscaping 02803 Irrigation 02804 Turf Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- Reconstruct Jasmine to Eucalyptus to Loop 499 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand -Walkways - Jasmine from Eucalyptus 02807 Concrete Curb 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
11A&B-New Parking Lot&Existing Parking Lot Improve. Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of Camellia Street & Curbs 02502 Demolition of Portable Buildings 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree 02802 Native Ornamental Tree 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02805 HMAC Paving- Reconstruct Parking Lot 02807 Concrete Curb 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
45Â
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 12 New Water Feature @ Mall/Loop 499 Entrance Utilities Description 02503 New 3" Domestic Water Line 02505 New Area lighting
Comments UOM LF LS
Quanity 150.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 100.00 85000.00
Subtotal $15,000.0 $85,000.0
SF EA LS SF SF SF LS EA
7500.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 2500.0 5000.0 1.0 150.0
5.00 25000.00 5000.00 0.00 5.00 12.50 7500.00 150.00
$37,500.0 $25,000.0 $5,000.0 $0.0 $12,500.0 $62,500.0 $7,500.0 $22,500.0 $272,500.0
UOM LS
Quanity 1.0
Sub. Cost 7500.00
Subtotal $7,500.0
EA LS SF SF LS
1.0 1.0 45000.0 1.0
200000.00 10000.00 0.00 5.00 5000.00
$200,000.0 $10,000.0 $0.0 $225,000.0 $5,000.0 $447,500.0
UOM EA LS
Quanity 1.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 2500.00 0.00
Subtotal $2,500.0 $0.0
EA SF LS SF LS
15.0 7000.0 1.0 0.0 1.0
1200.00 5.00 75000.00 0.00 5000.00
$18,000.0 $35,000.0 $75,000.0 $0.0 $5,000.0 $135,500.0
UOM LS
Quanity 1.0
Sub. Cost 12500.00
Subtotal $12,500.0
EA EA SF LS
85.0 350.0 0.0 1.0
1200.00 150.00 0.00 5000.00
$102,000.0 $52,500.0 $0.0 $5,000.0 $307,500.0
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Landscaping 02802 Site Amenties 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand 02807 Water Feature 02809 Signage 02810 Native Oranamental Tree - Crepe Myrtles Total
BidBidComments BidBidBidBidBidBidBidBid-
13 Exisitng Mall Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Landscaping 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02806 Concrete Paving- 4" w/WWF & Sand -Walkways 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBid-
14 Eucalyptus Street Improvements Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of Community Sign 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree- Oaks 02802 Dense Landscaping 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBid-
15 Loop 499 Edge Planting Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree- Oaks 02802 Native Oranamental Tree -Crepe Mrytles 02804 Re-seed Grass 02809 Signage Total
46Â
BidBidBidBid-
IMPLEMENTATION PLANS 16 - Rio Hondo Street Improvements Utilities Description 02505 New Area lighting
Comments UOM LF
Quanity
Sub. Cost 0.00
Subtotal $0.0
EA EA EA SF LS
85.0 350.0 0.0 23250.0 1.0
1200.00 150.00 0.00 2.00 8500.00
$102,000.0 $52,500.0 $0.0 $46,500.0 $8,500.0 $209,500.0
UOM EA EA SF LS
Quanity 85.0 350.0 9000.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 950.00 150.00 2.00 4500.00
Subtotal $80,750.0 $52,500.0 $18,000.0 $4,500.0 $420,250.0
UOM SF LS
Quanity 22000.0 1.0
Sub. Cost 6.00 9500.00
Subtotal $132,000.0 $9,500.0
EA LS SF SF LS SF
0.0 1.0 0.0 5500.0 1.0 32000.0
0.00 12500.00 0.00 5.00 17500.00 275.00
$0.0 $12,500.0 $0.0 $27,500.0 $17,500.0 $8,800,000.0 $8,999,000.0
UOM SF LF LF LS LF
Quanity 70000.0 100.0 100.0 1.0 125.0
Sub. Cost 2.50 125.00 100.00 35000.00 125.00
Subtotal $175,000.0 $12,500.0 $10,000.0 $35,000.0 $15,625.0 $248,125.0
UOM EA LS SF LS SF
Quanity 0.0 1.0 20000.0 1.0 40000.0
Sub. Cost 0.00 7000.00 0.25 6500.00 275.00
Subtotal $0.0 $7,000.0 $5,000.0 $6,500.0 $11,000,000.0 $11,327,250.0
Bid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree- Oaks 02802 Native Oranamental Tree -Crepe Mrytles 02803 Landscaping 02803 Irrigation 02809 Signage Total
BidBidBidBidBid-
17-Property Edge Improvements @ Marine Milit. Academy Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Native Shade Tree- Oaks 02802 Native Oranamental Tree -Crepe Mrytles 02803 Landscaping 02803 Irrigation Total
Comments BidBidBidBid-
18- New Academic Classroom Building Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of existing Building K & sitework 02505 New Area lighting
Comments BidBid-
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Landscaping 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02807 Concrete Paving at Courtyard 02809 Signage 02900 New 2 story Building- Glass & Brick w/Metal Roof Total
BidBidBidBidBidBid-
19- Learing Resource Center Expansion Utilities Description 02501 Demolition of existing Papaya Street 02502 New 6" C-900 Fire Line w/1ea. Hydrant 02503 New 3" Domestic Water Line 02505 New Area lighting 02506 New 6" Sanitary Sewer Line Total
Improvements- Landscape & Hardscape & Paving Description 02801 Landscaping 02803 Irrigation 02804 Re-seed Grass 02809 Signage 02900 New 2 story Building- Glass & Brick w/Metal Roof Total
Comments BidBidBidBidBid-
Comments BidBidBidBidBid-
47
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING INFRASTRUCTURE
FM 508/FM 107 is a two‐lane roadway. It runs across north Harlingen, from SH 1420 and extends west to Ed‐ inburg.
FM 1479 is a two‐lane roadway and extends from US 77/US 83 to US 281 near the border with Mexico.
Vehicular Transit Elements The transportation network for the City of Harlingen, Texas is comprised of Federal, State, and Local highways and roads. The types of roads within the transportation network range from two‐lane local roads to four‐lane freeways. A description of the interstate and state highways in Har‐ lingen is provided below:
Loop 499 (Ed Carey Drive) intersects US 77 in the northern section of the City and extends east and then south through the Texas State Technical College cam‐ pus, west of the Valley International Airport, continu‐ ing south to once again intersect US 77/US 83. In the vi‐ cinity of the Texas State Technical College Campus, this roadway is four‐lane divided, with a center left‐turn lane.
FM 507 is oriented in the north‐south direction and intersects Loop 499. It extends south along the west side of the Texas State Technical College Campus. It is a four‐lane divided roadway, but narrows to a two‐lane roadway as it approaches the Campus.
US 77 is a four‐lane divided freeway and is oriented in the north‐south direction through the city. It connects the City to Brownsville, IH 37 at Corpus Christi, US 59 at Victoria, and eventually merges with IH 35 south of Waco. It merges with US 83 in Harlingen. Two‐lane frontage roads run along US 77 within the Harlingen area.
Business US 77 runs parallel to US 77 and connects to US 77 northwest of Harlingen. It is a five‐lane roadway between US 77 and FM 507. It expands to a seven‐lane roadway south of FM 507 to Ed Carey Drive and nar‐ rows down to a five‐lane roadway further south.
US 83 is a four‐lane freeway and is oriented in the east‐ west direction. It is a controlled access facility with con‐ tinuous two‐lane frontage roads. It connects the City to the rest of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, a majority of whose cities are located along this roadway. It inter‐ sects US 281 in Pharr, IH 35 and US 59 in Laredo, where it takes a turn to the north and continues up to the Texas Panhandle. It merges with US 77 in Harlingen.
FM 106/206 is oriented in the east‐west direction and is one‐way with three lanes in each direction from US 77/US 83 interchange to BUS 77. FM 106 serves the westbound direction and FM 206 serves the eastbound direction. FM 106 and FM 206 merge at 27th street, east of BUS 77, and FM 106 functions as a two‐way, five‐ lane roadway to Loop 499. FM 106 is a two‐lane road‐ way, east of Loop 499.
50
Harlingen’s Transit Elements Transit Elements in Harlingen include the Valley Transit Company and Greyhound Bus Lines. The Valley Transit Company and Greyhound Bus lines provide intercity bus service. In addition to these services, SURFTRAN and Gray Line Tours provide airport limousine passenger shuttle.
Rail Lines within Harlingen Harlingen has two railroads, Southern Pacific and Union Pacific Railroad. The Southern Pacific Railroad extends in the east‐west direction. It serves the Port of Harlingen and Harlingen Industrial Parks. The Union Pacific Railroad ex‐ tends in the north‐south direction.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Parking on the TSTC Campus
Harlingen’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Facilities
Texas State Technical College provides parking for students, faculty, and staff. There are a total of 2,094 parking spaces in the campus. Table 1 shows the breakdown of the parking spaces.
While the City of Harlingen does not have existing bicycle facilities, A Bicycle Facilities Master Plan prepared as part of Metropolitan Transportation Plan completed in 1994 in‐ cludes on‐street bikeways and off‐street bike trails for the Harlingen area.
Pedestrian facilities such as crosswalks, sidewalks, and walkways serve the residential, commercial areas, schools, and other community facilities.
The Texas State Technical College provides a pedestrian mall interconnecting various buildings on the campus.
Summary of Parking Spaces Students Faculty/Staff Housing/Dormitories Visitors Handicapped Emergency Vehicles Gymnasium
Parking Spaces 1,368 385 197 26 22 5 91
51
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
TRANSPORTATION SUMMARY FOR THE 10-YEAR PLAN Project 1A – New East Entrance and Cross‐Mall
Project 3 A &B – Revise Parking Lots between Ash, Oak and Jasmine Streets This project refines the parking configuration in these park‐ ing lots. Pedestrian circulation is greatly improved by re‐ moving Anaqua Street and constructing a new walkway back to the main part of the campus.
The traffic circle has been designed to accommodate vehi‐ cles as large as a fire truck for emergency access. Realigning Raintree Drive to provide a 90‐degree intersection with Air‐ port Drive will improve the right‐turn maneuver onto Air‐ port Drive and will assist with sight distance at the intersec‐ tion. Access to the two parking lots will be a various loca‐ tions along Raintree Street.
Construction of a raised median in the center lane of Loop 499
Project 1B – New Cross‐Mall at Existing Mall
Installation of a more prominent pedestrian crosswalk at its existing location midway between Oak Street and Raintree Street
Installation of plantings on either side of Loop 499, within the proposed raised median, and within the ex‐ isting raised median between the bus pullouts and Loop 499
Pedestrian circulation is improved by creating a focal point celebrating the intersection of the existing mall and the new cross‐mall.
Project 2A – New Cross‐Mall from Ash to Oak Street This project extends the new pedestrian mall from the center of the North Campus to Oak Street. While the pedestrian mall is being extended, Oak Street is maintained as a vehicular connection between each half of the North Campus. This provides essential circulation within the North Campus.
Project 2B – New Cross‐Mall from Oak to Jas‐ mine Streets The project consists of the following:
Reconstruction of the parking lots for the Engineering Technology Building, the Learning Resource Center, and the Student Center Conversion of Ash Street and Papaya Street into the previously mentioned parking lots Conversion of Anaqua Street to a pedestrian pathway between Oak Street and Ash Street
Two driveways off Oak Street are provided and are aligned with driveways to parking lots across the street. These driveways are designed to provide efficient access and cir‐ culation options.
52
Project 4 – Loop 499 Improvements This project consists of the following:
The primary purpose of this project is to enhance the exist‐ ing pedestrian crossing location, which is aligned with a pedestrian Mall. On the North Campus, the Mall runs di‐ rectly through a cluster of several important buildings – Engineering Technology, Learning Resource Center, Stu‐ dent Center, Science and Technology, and Industrial Tech‐ nology. The desired effect of this project is to provide visual cues to vehicles traveling through Campus on Loop 499 to ensure that speeds are reduced. The pedestrian crossing will be enhanced with flashing indicators both vertical (on the side of the road) and horizontal (within the pavement sec‐ tion along the crosswalk) to alert drivers to a pedestrian crossing maneuver.
Project 5 – Cultural Arts & Development Dis‐ trict The project consists of the following:
Extension of the pedestrian Mall into the South Campus
Demolition of four existing warehouses located be‐ tween Loop 499 and Boxwood Street
Construction of a Cultural Center on the south side of the Mall extension
Construction of a pair of one‐way streets on either side of the Mall extension
Construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of Box‐ wood Street and Raintree Street
Construction of a traffic circle at the intersection of Box‐ wood Street and Oak Street
Construction of a parking lot in the south corner of Loop 499 and Boxwood Street
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Tying in with the construction proposed in Project 4, this project would extend the existing pedestrian Mall into the South Campus. In addition, a new Cultural Center is pro‐ posed that would further join the two sides of Campus. The pair of one‐way streets would primarily provide access to the new Cultural Center. The traffic circles on the South Campus are designed to handle larger tractor‐trailer type vehicles. The parking lot access onto Raintree Street should be designed to minimize turning movements between Loop 499 and the traffic circle.
Technology Building, the Learning Resource Center, and the Agricultural Technology Building.
Project 12 – New Water Feature at Mall /Loop 499 Entrance This project improves pedestrian circulation by strengthen‐ ing the existing campus entrance at the intersection of Loop 499 and the Mall.
Project 13 – Existing Mall Improvements Project 6 – Housing Redevelopment This project consists of upgrading the Student Dorms. Park‐ ing is moved to the perimeter of the buildings to create a common area in the center.
This project improves pedestrian experience and circulation with landscaping improvements that “tie” it back to the new cross‐mall.
Project 14 – Eucalyptus Street Improvements Project 7 – 29 Street Improvements th
This project proposes to upgrade 29th Street to a minimum 30‐foot section. In general, the Master Plan recommends that all internal roadways be designed to a minimum 30‐foot section to reduce maintenance requirements for both the roadway pavement and the landscaping along the pave‐ ment edge.
Project 8 – Recreation Area Improvements This project will improve pedestrian circulation between the athletic fields and the gymnasium.
Project 9 – Loop 499 Improvements This project continues the though processes of Project 4 by extending the median and formalizing the campus entry from the southbound lanes of Loop 499.
Project 10 – Jasmine Street Improvements This project proposes to upgrade Jasmine Street to a mini‐ mum 30‐foot section. In general, the Master Plan recom‐ mends that all internal roadways be designed to a minimum 30‐foot section to reduce maintenance requirements for both the roadway pavement and the landscaping along the pavement edge.
Project 11A & B – New Parking Lot and Existing Parking Lot Improvements The project will refurbish the parking lot north of the Agri‐ cultural Technology Building and construct Oak Street to a minimum 30‐foot section between the new pedestrian Mall and Eucalyptus Street. Camilia Street and Ash Street would be upgraded to a 30‐foot section and would continue to serve as access and circulation roadways for the Adult Con‐ tinuing Education Building, the Chemical/Instrumentation
This project increases vehicular traffic wayfinding and pro‐ vides new landscaping that is consistent with the rest of the campus. This project does not propose alterations to the existing street construction.
Project 15 – Loop 499 Edge Planting This project consists of landscaping improvements along Loop 499. These improvements will increase vehicular way‐ finding and pedestrian circulation.
Project 16 – Rio Hondo Street Improvements This project installs a sidewalk along the north side of Rio Hondo Road between FM 507 and Loop 499 along with im‐ proved lighting and landscaping.
Project 17 – Property Edge Improvements at the Marine Military Academy This is a landscaping project to improve the boundary be‐ tween TSTC and the MMA. It does not involve vehicular or pedestrian transportation issues.
Project 18 – New Academic Classroom Building This project will construct a new building at the present site of Building K. New pedestrian pathways will be constructed to connect this new building to the cross‐mall and other pedestrian pathways established in other projects of this implementation plan.
Project 19 – Learning Resource Center Expan‐ sion This project will construct an addition to the LRC. It will demolish Papaya Street and the corresponding parking lot. Parking will be shifted to the new or improved lots de‐ scribed earlier. New lighting and pedestrian circulation paths will be provided.
53
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEM
Location of visible utility features (manholes, inlets, tanks, valves, fire hydrants, etc.)
Executive Summary
Pipe alignments and diameters
Elevations of various system components (manhole inverts, top of manhole, pipe flow lines, etc.)
Condition of various system components (deterioration level, no problems, etc.)
As part of the Texas State Technical College Master Plan, a preliminary evaluation of the existing infrastructure includ‐ ing the storm drainage, potable water, chilled water, sani‐ tary sewer, electrical, gas systems and natural resources was conducted. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine impacts to these systems assuming construction of the pro‐ posed Master Plan facilities and identify possible utility infrastructure modifications necessary to accommodate the proposed facilities. This evaluation considered the construc‐ tion of proposed Master Plan facilities projected for the next 10 years for the campus. Construction of the proposed facili‐ ties will require one or a combination of the following ac‐ tions.
No system modifications
Extension of existing utility systems
Relocation of existing utility systems
Construction of new utility systems
This evaluation should be considered preliminary as detailed system information, including system charac‐ teristics, such as pipe diameters, flow line elevations, material types, material condition, etc., and hydraulic models to determine system capacities and limitations reflecting both current and future land use conditions were not available, were incomplete or inaccurate.
Mapping of systems and components may require the preparation of detailed topographic surveys to supplement existing data where available. Hydraulic model results will identify current system deficiencies and help identify future system requirements to meet proposed Master Plan facili‐ ties. Once system modifications have been developed, prob‐ able construction costs could be determined, and any neces‐ sary permitting and approval processes can be identified. In addition, coordination should also be conducted with review agencies and franchise utility companies such as the City of Harlingen, Harlingen Waterworks System, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), Southern Union Gas and Reliant Energy. Coordination efforts should include discussing proposed facility modifications and veri‐ fication of the review and approval processes that may be required for system modifications. In addition, potential cost sharing opportunities for system modifications and improvements should be discussed with the City of Har‐ lingen, Harlingen Waterworks System, and Southern Union Gas and Reliant Energy. Storm Drainage System
This evaluation utilized information obtained during the interview of Texas State Technical College staff, site visits, and from the following sources:
Storm drainage requirements for the proposed Texas State Technical College Master Plan facilities were evaluated considering drainage criteria as outlined by the City of Harlingen.
Campus storm sewer, potable water distribution, chilled water distribution, sanitary sewer, electrical and gas system layout maps
City of Harlingen Drainage Criteria
Flood Insurance Rate Maps published by FEMA
City of Harlingen web site (http://www.hwws.com/)
In areas where proposed Master Plan facility modifica‐ tions consist of replacing an existing paved parking area with a new structure, the proposed quantity of storm water runoff can be considered to be the same as the quantity of runoff for current conditions, meaning that the new drainage systems will not be required.
If the proposed facility includes replacing an unpaved area with a new structure, the storm water runoff from the proposed facility would need to be collected in a drainage system, considering the drainage criteria as required by the City of Harlingen.
There are no Master Plan facilities proposed to be lo‐ cated within the FEMA regulated 100‐year floodplain.
Key elements included in the City of Harlingen Drain‐ age Criteria are as follows: – New land development activity requires an ade‐ quate drainage system that provides the capacity to safely convey runoff from large storm events and to limit the impact of increased runoff to down‐ stream properties and drainage systems.
General Recommendations In order to determine impacts to the current utility systems due to the construction of proposed Master Plan facilities, a detailed evaluation of each system should be conducted. This detailed evaluation, should be conducted prior to con‐ struction of proposed Master Plan facilities and should in‐ clude mapping of the systems (storm sewer, potable water, chilled water, sanitary sewer, electrical and natural gas sys‐ tems) and development of system hydraulic models on at least the potable water system. Utility system mapping will identify system characteristics such as:
54
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS –
–
–
–
Provisions that specify storm water runoff re‐ quirements from new construction and redevel‐ oped areas. Storm water runoff quality management require‐ ments for land developed within the Arroyo Colo‐ rado Corridor. Erosion control measures for land development ac‐ tivities are both temporary and permanent in na‐ ture. A Drainage Statement and Report must be com‐ pleted and submitted for any proposed develop‐ ments or improvements.
Chilled Water System
Texas State Technical College’s chilled water system currently provides cooling for the section of the campus northeast of Loop 499, while individual air conditioning compressor and air handler units are utilized for the buildings located on the section of the campus south‐ west of Loop 499.
The chilled water system currently has the ability to isolate only a portion of the buildings served by the chilled water system, for either maintenance or indi‐ vidual air conditioning requirements.
The following three issues with the chilled water sys‐ tem have been identified as existing or potential prob‐ lems. – A portion of the buildings served by the chilled water system do not have an operating isolation valve system, which increases operational and maintenance costs of the system. – The North Chilled Water Plant only has the 440,000 gallon ground water storage tank for makeup wa‐ ter for the system. There is no backup water source available to the Plant. – Most of the chilling system at the North Chilled Water Plant is not automated within the plant’s SCADA system, which increases operational and maintenance costs of the system.
There are existing chilled water distribution lines lo‐ cated near most of the proposed facilities north of Loop 499 that could be used to provide chilled water for the proposed facilities. There is currently no common chilled water system located south of Loop 499. All buildings south of Loop 499 are served with individual units.
A new chilled water system will have to be constructed within the campus area south of Loop 499 to provide chilled water cooling to the campus facilities located south of Loop 499. This would be a very costly project and should not be implemented until a detailed evalua‐ tion of options is conducted and a formal plan is devel‐ oped.
The evaluation of the chilled water systems should con‐ sider both the current 10 year Implementation Plan re‐ quirements and also consider expansions to the system required later to meet future demands.
The following five areas on the campus have been identified as having experienced drainage and/or flooding problems.
The area located along both edges of Jasmine St.
The area located along Oleander St between Buildings G & S.
Approximately seven areas around the campus where larger storm sewer lines collect into smaller lines, which cause bottleneck flooding upstream of the collection points.
Areas where the storm drainage system has been silted in, which has effectively shut down a portion of the available storm drainage capacity of the system.
Areas all around the campus where temporary drain‐ age swales have been dug out to alleviate temporary draining and flooding problems
Water System
There are no known problem areas within the College’s potable water distribution system.
Texas State Technical College uses raw water obtained from the Harlingen Irrigation District Cameron County irrigation canals for landscape irrigation.
There are existing water distribution lines located near the majority of proposed new facilities capable of pro‐ viding water for those facilities.
Any proposed water system modification, or new water system design and installation, should be designed to comply with the City of Harlingen Waterworks System (HWWS); TCEQ rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes; and to support results from the hydraulic model‐ ing.
55
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Sanitary Sewer System
Aesthetic and Landscape Features
There are no known problem areas within the College’s sanitary sewer collection system.
There are existing sanitary sewer systems in the vicinity of the majority of the proposed facilities. However, ca‐ pacity limitations of these systems are not known with‐ out conducting detailed system flow monitoring and hydraulic analyses
A staff of seven persons maintains the developed 124+ acre campus, equating to one maintenance person for every 17+ acres of campus area.
The campus has access to an almost unlimited supply of irrigation water from the local irrigation district ca‐ nals, at a very modest price.
Two of the primary obstacles to improving the quality of the landscape and campus aesthetics are manpower and operating budgets.
Initial review indicates that construction of proposed Master Plan facilities are not located within existing wetland areas. Any construction within wetland areas will require a Section 404 of the Clean Water Act permit issued by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
Based on discussions with HWWS staff, the City should have the capacity to treat the projected sanitary sewer flow from the campus. HWWS staff indicated that they would like to eliminate at least some of the sanitary sewer lift stations in the campus and requested that the TSTC Staff and their consultants coordinate any water and sewer improvements with the HWWS. Any proposed sanitary sewer system modifications should consider both current and future Master Plan facilities and be designed complying with HWWS and TCEQ rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes.
STORM DRAINAGE SYSTEM
Natural Gas System
Existing Conditions
The area including the welding department building has insufficient natural gas capacity for departmental needs. It has yet to be determined whether the problem is due to the gas distribution line size or due to the gas meter.
There are existing natural gas systems in the vicinity of the majority of the proposed facilities. However, capac‐ ity limitations of these systems are not known without a detailed analysis of the current and projected gas re‐ quirements of campus facilities.
Storm water runoff within the campus is collected by a combination of subsurface storm sewer systems, curb and gutters, sheet flow and open channel systems (see the exist‐ ing storm drainage system map on Figure 1 at the end of this report). The existing storm sewer system pipe sizes range from 10 to 54 inches in diameter.
Regulating stations at critical points of the gas system should be analyzed and evaluated as proposed Master Plan facilities are constructed.
Electrical System
According to TSTC Staff, Reliant Energy has indicated that there are many inefficient systems on campus us‐ ing electricity. For this reason, Reliant Energy will now be including a monthly penalty fee on their monthly electricity bill to the College.
The chilled water system is one of the highest users of electricity on the campus.
There are no other known problem areas within the College’s electrical system.
There is existing electrical infrastructure in the vicinity of the majority of the proposed facilities. Capacity limi‐ tations of this infrastructure are expected to be minimal.
Coordination is required between TSTC and the local energy provider in order to safely and efficiently mod‐ ify any existing infrastructure in order to complete the various projected Master Plan facilities.
56
Existing Drainage Systems Due to the existing topography on the campus, storm water runoff drains both into the drainage canal located along the north part of the campus and to the City’s storm drainage system which is located to the south of the campus. Natural ground elevations on the campus range from 37 feet on the north side of the campus to 34 feet at southeast side near the Rio Hondo Road.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
The area located along both edges of Jasmine St consis‐ tently has standing water for long periods of time after rainfall events which causes accelerated deterioration of Jasmine St, which further allows for more drainage problems.
The area located along Oleander St between Buildings G & S also consistently has standing water for long pe‐ riods of time after rainfall events which causes acceler‐ ated deterioration of Oleander St, which further allows for more drainage problems (shown in picture on top right).
There are approximately seven areas around the cam‐ pus where a larger storm sewer line collects into a smaller line, which causes bottleneck surcharging up‐ stream of the collection point.
There are areas where the storm drainage system has been silted in, which have effectively shut down a por‐ tion of the available storm drainage capacity of the sys‐ tem (shown in picture on bottom right).
There are areas throughout the campus where tempo‐ rary drainage swales have been dug out to alleviate temporary drainage and standing water problems
The causes, extent, and frequency of the drainage problems at these five areas are not known at this time.
Regulatory Floodplain As shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Panel Number 485477 0005B published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the regulatory 100‐year floodplains on the campus are located across the entire campus. The regulatory 100‐year floodplain on the campus has been designated as a Zone C floodplain, which is de‐ fined as an area between the limits of a 100‐year flood and 500‐year flood or certain areas subject to 100‐year flooding with average depths less than one (1) foot or where the con‐ tributing drainage area is less than one square mile or areas protected by levees from the base flood. Drainage Problem Areas Based on discussions with College staff, there are five areas located within the Texas State Technical College campus that have been identified to have experienced drainage and/or flooding problems. The storm drainage problem ar‐ eas are at the following locations:
57
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Proposed Improvements Storm drainage requirements for the proposed Texas State Technical College Master Plan facilities were evaluated con‐ sidering drainage design criteria as outlined by the City of Harlingen. A brief summary of City of Harlingen drainage criteria is included at the end of this section. Initially, a de‐ tailed evaluation should be conducted in the areas where previous flooding problem areas (as discussed in the Exist‐ ing Infrastructure Report) were reported, to determine the cause of the flooding problems. Evaluation results could impact system requirements for future Master Plan facilities. For areas where facility modifications consist of replacing an existing paved parking area with a new structure, the quantity of storm water runoff from this area could be con‐ sidered to be the same as for current conditions, therefore may not require new drainage systems.
vent significant areas of standing water around the campus. However, many of the proposed projects considered under this Master Plan, will require new drainage systems ac‐ commodate these projects. For example, Implementation Plan Project 1a, consists of converting an existing parking lot to a pedestrian mall, the construction of a new entrance circle, the construction of new tree lined parking lots and the installation of landscape improvements along Raintree Street, one of the main thor‐ oughfares to the TSTC campus (see photo 1 below). Completion of this project alone will require the construc‐
If the proposed facility includes replacing an unpaved area, such as an open space, with a new structure, then storm water runoff will need to be collected in a system designed in accordance with the drainage criteria of the City of Har‐ lingen. However, in many of the projects proposed by the new Master Plan, previously paved areas are planned to be converted back to unpaved areas, where the quantity of storm water runoff could be considered to be less when compared to the previous site state. Construction of pro‐ posed Master Plan facilities should always try to consider practices that limit erosion and storm water pollution. Any potential encroachments to floodplains will need to be designed in accordance with FEMA requirements. Based on the proposed Master Plan facility locations, there are no proposed facilities that will be located within the designated 100‐year floodplain, therefore no action is anticipated. It is important to note however, that the final design of any improvements discussed for this Master Plan should not be completed without first completing a detailed master drain‐ age plan, to determine the most efficient and cost effective improvements possible for TSTC. The benefits for complet‐ ing a new master drainage plan for the campus have both short term and long term benefits for TSTC. Specifically, completion of a new master drainage plan will greatly re‐ duce the risk of over‐investing funds into the completion of the drainage systems needed for each individual portion of the Master Plan. This can happen when completing individ‐ ual pieces of an overall project without looking at the big picture first. The design of improvements identified in the 10 Year Plan must be closely coordinated with the design of any other infrastructure modifications required for this pro‐ ject or other nearby projects in the Master Plan. New Drainage Systems The existing storm drainage system on the TSTC campus currently utilizes a combination of surface water detention and underground collection and transmission to try to pre‐
58
Existing Oleander Street parking lot to be removed for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements in this Implementation Plan.
tion of multiple new drainage systems to collect storm water runoff from the newly constructed areas and either the relo‐ cation of the existing storm drainage system that parallels Raintree Street or the construction of an additional new storm drainage system that parallels Raintree Street. The last portion of improvements will be required since the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along Raintree Street will be in direct conflict with existing utility layouts along that street. Drainage Criteria City of Harlingen drainage criteria for new land develop‐ ment activities requires an adequate drainage system that provides the capacity to safely convey runoff from large storm events and to limit the impact of increased runoff to downstream properties and drainage systems. Erosion con‐ trol measures for land development activities are both tem‐ porary and permanent in nature. The following is a sum‐ mary of the general drainage policies to be used for the de‐ sign of new and/or modified drainage systems that may be required for the proposed Texas State Technical College master plan facilities.
New drainage facilities (street curbs, gutters, inlets, and storm sewers) should be designed to collect storm wa‐ ter runoff from a 10‐year storm event.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
Peak flows shall not be increased at any location for the 2‐, 10‐, 25‐, and 100‐year storm events which causes in‐ creased flooding of any building or roadway.
Regulation of peak flows to allowable levels shall be achieved by storm water detention.
POTABLE WATER SYSTEM Existing Conditions Texas State Technical College is located within the City’s Water Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) ser‐ vice area. Texas State Technical College receives its potable water supply from connections to a 20‐inch water transmis‐ sion line maintained by the City. Water is distributed throughout the campus by City maintained water distribu‐ tion system (pipes and valves). Information on the average monthly water usage from the College is still pending from TSTC staff. Existing Water Systems Texas State Technical College distribution system water mains range in size from 2 to 16 inches in diameter includ‐ ing the required number and locations of fire hydrants throughout the campus (see water distribution system map on Figure 2 at the end of this report). There is no ground or elevated water storage tanks located on the College’s cam‐ pus for the potable water distribution system. There is one 440,000 gallon ground storage tank that is utilized strictly for the chilled water system. There are no known problem areas within the existing water distribution system. The City of Harlingen provides potable water for the Col‐ lege on a daily basis as needed. The College’s water connec‐ tion point to the City’s water system is along FM 499 at the Jasmine St, Oak St, Raintree St, Airport Dr and Rio Hondo Rd intersections. The actual water usage is metered indi‐ vidually at the various buildings throughout the College’s campus. The City owns and maintains all the water lines located along the perimeter of and within the campus. The City’s source of raw water is from the Rio Grande River, which originates as surface water released from the Falcon Reservoir.
Proposed Improvements Based on the locations of the proposed Master Plan facilities, there are existing water distribution lines located near most of the proposed campus facilities. These existing water lines could be used to provide a source of water for the proposed campus facilities. Prior to the construction of any proposed Master Plan facilities however, a detailed hydraulic model should be developed reflecting TSTC’s existing potable wa‐ ter system to determine if existing system requirements meet future demands. Development of the potable water
system hydraulic model would include determination of water demands required for each proposed facility. Any proposed potable water system modification or new water system should be designed in accordance with the HWWS and TCEQ rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes. Mini‐ mum TCEQ design standards are presented in Chapter 290, Subchapter D, Rules and Regulations for Public Water Sys‐ tems. The proposed Master Plan has some facilities that may re‐ quire a large water demand, such as the new the Hotel and Conference Center and Multi‐Family Housing projects. As previously described, based on a preliminary review of TSTC’s existing potable water system, Texas State Technical College should have sufficient capacity to meet water de‐ mand requirements for both current and Planned Coordination With respect to the projects currently proposed under the TSTC Master Plan, a key point needs to be addressed prior to the completion of any of those projects. As with several of the other existing utilities on campus, in several of the pro‐ posed Master Plan projects, the proposed landscaping alignments are in direct conflict with existing utility align‐ ments (see photo on the next page).
59
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
CHILLED WATER SYSTEM Existing Conditions
The location of potable water distribution lines are in direct conflict with Implementation Plan projects in many of the pro‐ ject areas on campus.
Texas State Technical College’s chilled water system cur‐ rently provides cooling for the section of the campus north‐ east of Loop 499, while individual air conditioning com‐ pressor and air handler units are utilized for the buildings located on the section of the campus southwest of Loop 499. The chilled water system utilizes a dual parallel heat ex‐ changer system at the North Chilled Water Plant (one of main dual heat exchangers at North Chilled Water Plant shown in picture to right). A companion boiler system is used for the periods of time when heat is required. The same air handlers are used for both chilled and heated wa‐ ter.
For example, Project 1a of the Implementation Plan consists of the new roadway entrance circle along with landscape improvements along Raintree Street. There is an existing potable water line alignment along the north side of Rain‐ tree Street, within the proposed alignment of the landscape improvements. In this instance, the existing water line will have to be relocated to accommodate the proposed land‐ scape improvements. Relatively minor modifications to ex‐ isting potable water system alignments will be required for many of the Master Plan projects, while a few projects will require that practically all of the existing water system in that project area will need to be relocated in order to im‐ plement the improvements proposed by the Master Plan. The final design of any improvements discussed for this Master Plan should not be implemented without first com‐ pleting a detailed master water plan, to determine the most efficient and cost effective improvements possible for TSTC. The benefits for completing a new master water plan for the campus have both short term and long term benefits for TSTC. Also, the design of these improvements must be closely coordinated with the design of any other infrastruc‐ ture modifications required for this project or other nearby projects in the Master Plan. Lastly, any improvements de‐ sign must be closely coordinated with the HWWS and must also follow all applicable rules covered under the TCEQ’s Chapter 290 rules on water quality.
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Texas State Technical College’s source of water for the chilled water system comes from the City’s water distribu‐ tion system. The chilled water system utilizes a 440,000 gal‐ lon ground water storage tank located at the North Chilled Water Plant in order to supply both base and makeup water to the system as needed. According to TSTC Staff, the only chemicals required for the chilled water system are those needed to prevent algal and bacterial buildup in the system. The chilled water system currently has the ability to isolate
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS only a portion of the buildings served by the chilled water system, for either maintenance or individual air condition‐ ing requirements (building without operating isolation valve system shown in picture to left). Because of this situa‐ tion, TSTC Staff spends more of their time in a reactive rather than proactive mode, in order to respond to problems with the components of the chilled water system that are not connected to the automated SCADA system. This situation causes both a constant drain on personnel and an increased usage of electricity when the air handlers at non automated buildings are forced to overwork in order to attempt to make up for problems with the chilled water system at vari‐ ous times. Chilled Water System Problems Based on discussions with College staff there are three prob‐ lems where operation of the chilled water system has raised some concerns. A summary of these chilled water system problems are as follows.
A portion of the buildings served by the chilled water system do not have an operating isolation valve system, which increases operational and maintenance costs of the system.
The North Chilled Water Plant only has the one 440,000 gallon ground water storage tank for makeup water for the system. There is no backup water source available to the Plant (plant storage tank shown in picture to right).
Most of the chilling system at the North Chilled Water Plant is not automated within the plant’s SCADA sys‐ tem, which increases operational and maintenance costs of the system.
Proposed Improvements Based on the locations of the proposed Master Plan facilities, there are existing chilled water distribution lines located near most of the proposed facilities on the north side of Loop 499, which could be used to provide a source of chilled water for the proposed facilities’ HVAC systems. There are no chilled water lines or distribution systems located on the south of Loop 499. While there are existing chilled water lines in close proximity to most of the proposed Master Plan facilities, additional work is also needed to bring the exist‐ ing system up to the operating level needed to provide ade‐ quate chilled water to future Master Plan facilities on the campus to the north of Loop 499. Also, in some of the projects proposed under this Master Plan, the proposed landscaping alignments are in direct conflict with existing utility alignments. For example, Pro‐ ject 2a of the Implementation Plan consists of the cross mall from Ash Street to Oak Street, and there is an existing chilled water line along the east side of this proposed cross mall. This chilled water line is in conflict with the new land‐ scaping. In some projects, little modification to the existing chilled water system alignments should be required to im‐ plement the Master Plan project, whereas in other projects, practically all of the existing chilled water system in that project area will need to be relocated in order to implement the improvements proposed within that individual project. Based on discussions with TSTC staff, several key points need to be covered prior to the implementation of any pro‐ jects in this Master Plan. First, many of the buildings on campus that are served by the existing chilled water system do not have the capability to be closed off individually from the system (see photo below).
Existing isolation valves are non operational, and prevent TSTC from isolating this building from the overall chilled water sys‐ tem.
In other words, when maintenance is required on buildings without operational isolation valves, the entire campus HVAC system must be shut down to complete repairs. Also,
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS there are times during campus holidays where the College has the opportunity to provide a venue for conferences and such. Unfortunately, to provide adequate HVAC to the con‐ ferences, in many cases TSTC has to operate the chilled wa‐ ter system and HVAC for all buildings on campus in order to provide service to the one building being used, Installa‐ tion of additional isolation valves will significantly improve the operational and maintenance efficiency of the system. Second, some of the proposed Master Plan facilities will require the construction of new chilled water distribution lines in order to bring both existing and proposed facilities online with the College’s chilled water HVAC system (see photo below).
south side of the campus, there are several options as to where a new south chilled water plant could be located. Two options could be analyzed, based upon the two chilled water systems being operated as stand alone systems, or where the two chilled water systems are joined at several interconnects to boost operating efficiency in the overall system. As with the development of any proposed chilled water system modification, a new chilled water system should be designed in accordance with the proposed design of any other current or future infrastructure improvements.
SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM Texas State Technical College is located within the City’ Sewer Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) ser‐ vice area. Sanitary sewer flow from College facilities is col‐ lected within the City owned and maintained sanitary sewer system and then treated by City treatment facilities.
Existing Conditions
The new LRC utilizes a conventional HVAC system. Additional campus facilities north of Loop 499 are similarly not utilizing the existing chilled water HVAC system.
The sanitary sewer system ranges in size from 6 to 15 inches in diameter (see sanitary sewer collection and transmission system map on Figure 3 at the end of this report). Some of the sewer pipes are considered old and may need replace‐ ment in the future due to wear. Information on the average monthly sanitary sewer usage from the College is still pend‐ ing from TSTC staff. Sanitary Sewer Problem Areas
Because of these situations, prior to construction of the pro‐ posed Master Plan facilities, a detailed system analysis should be developed for the existing TSTC chilled water system to determine if the existing system capacity will meet future demands. Development of the chilled water system analysis would include determination of chilled wa‐ ter demands required for each existing and proposed facil‐ ity. As with the other utility infrastructure requirements, any proposed chilled water system modification should be designed in accordance with the proposed design of any other current or future infrastructure improvements. New Chilled Water Systems As previously discussed, there is currently no chilled water system located on the TSTC campus to the south of Loop 499. However, as there are a significant number of projects proposed within the Master Plan to be completed on the south side of the campus, it is in the College’s best interests to consider constructing a new chilled water system on the south side of the campus, as a potentially more cost effective alternative for providing HVAC to the existing and pro‐ posed Master Plan facilities on the campus south of Loop 499. Due to the significant amount of open area around the
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There are no known problem areas within the College’s sanitary sewer collection system.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Proposed Improvements Similar to the potable water and chilled water systems, there are existing sanitary sewer systems that could collect wastewater flow from most of the proposed campus facili‐ ties. However, capacity limitations of these systems are not known without conducting a detailed analysis of the sys‐ tem. Development of a sanitary sewer system hydraulic model aid in the determination of system limitations reflect‐ ing both existing and future requirements including deter‐ mination of projected wastewater flows. The design of these improvements must be closely coordinated with the design of any other infrastructure modifications required for the projects proposed in this Master Plan. Planned Coordination Also, in some of the projects proposed under this Master Plan, the proposed landscaping alignments are in direct conflict with existing utility alignments (see photo 5).
As with the potable water system, there are sanitary sewer collection lines throughout the campus that are in direct conflict with proposed Implementation Plan project improvements.
For example, Project 2a of the Implementation Plan consists of the cross mall from Ash Street to Oak Street, and there is an existing sanitary sewer line along the west side of this proposed cross mall. This line is in conflict with the pro‐ posed alignment of new landscaping. In some projects, little modification to the existing sanitary sewer system align‐ ments should be required to implement the Master Plan project, whereas in other projects, practically all of the exist‐ ing sanitary sewer system in that project area will need to be relocated in order to implement the improvements pro‐ posed within that individual project. Proposed sanitary sewer system modifications should con‐ sider results from the hydraulic model reflecting both cur‐ rent and future Master Plan facilities. Modified sanitary sewer systems should be designed complying with TCEQ and HWWS rules, regulations, ordinances, and codes. Minimum TCEQ design standards are presented in Chapter
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS 317, Design Criteria for Sewage Systems. Based on discus‐ sion with TSTC and City of Harlingen staff, it appears that the existing sewer lines on campus do not need to be up‐ sized. However, because the City of Harlingen is hoping to reduce the total number of lift stations operating on the TSTC campus, the HWWS may elect to replace some of the lines with larger sewer lines. This is the most important rea‐ son for the development of a sanitary sewer hydraulic model, because TSTC and City of Harlingen staff can utilize this model in order to determine where system modifica‐ tions can be best applied. Also, since the sanitary sewer sys‐ tem is constructed, operated and maintained by the HWWS, TSTC may be able to work out some sort of cost sharing between TSTC and the City.
NATURAL GAS SYSTEM Texas Gas Service provides natural gas to City customers including Texas State Technical College. There is an existing gas distribution system located throughout the Texas State Technical College campus that supplies natural gas to most of the existing buildings. The natural gas distribution sys‐ tem is utilized for the heating boilers located at individual buildings throughout the campus, the Welding Department, College food services and the Science Department, in addi‐ tion to serving water heaters and other ancillary equipment on campus. According to Texas State Technical College, Texas Gas Service owns and maintains 100 percent of the gas lines on campus.
Existing Conditions The gas lines serving the College range in size from 2 to 8 inches in diameter (see natural gas distribution system map on Figure 4 at the end of this report). The existing gas line pipe material has not been verified, but is assumed to be either of continuous welded steel pipe and/or HDPE heat welded poly‐ethylene pipe. Information on the average monthly natural gas usage from the College is still pending from TSTC staff. Natural Gas Supply Problem Areas Based on discussions with College staff, there is one area located within the Texas State Technical College campus that has been identified to have experienced problems with insufficient natural gas supply. The natural gas supply problem area is at the following location:
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The area including the welding department building has insufficient natural gas capacity for departmental needs. It has yet to be determined whether the problem is due to the gas distribution line size or due to the gas meter.
Proposed Improvements As with the sanitary sewer and the potable water systems, there are existing natural gas systems that could provide natural gas to most of the proposed campus facilities. How‐ ever, in some of the projects proposed under this Master Plan, the proposed landscaping alignments are again in di‐ rect conflict with existing utility alignments. For example, Project 2a of the Implementation Plan consists of the cross mall from Ash Street to Oak Street, and there is an existing natural gas line along the east side of this proposed cross mall. This line is within the proposed alignment of new landscaping. In some projects, little modification to the ex‐ isting natural gas system alignments should be required to implement the Master Plan project, whereas in other pro‐ jects, practically all of the existing natural gas system in that project area will need to be relocated in order to implement the improvements proposed within that individual project. However, since most future buildings will be located within close proximity to existing gas lines, the need for larger gas infrastructure should be minimal. As with the other utilities
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS on campus though, capacity limitations of the existing gas systems are not known. A detailed analysis of the natural gas system will result in determination of system limitations reflecting both existing and future requirements including determination of projected facility gas demand. Also, the design of these improvements must be closely coordinated with the design of any other infrastructure modifications required for the projects proposed in this Master Plan. If needed, any modified natural gas systems should be de‐ signed complying with Southern Union Gas rules and regu‐ lations. As with the other utilities previous discussed, the design of any additional improvements to this system must be closely coordinated with the design of any other infra‐ structure modifications required for this project.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Reliant Energy provides electricity to City customers includ‐ ing Texas State Technical College. Reliant Energy owns and maintains 100 percent of the electrical lines on campus.
Existing Conditions An existing electrical distribution system is located throughout the Texas State Technical College campus and supplies electricity to all of the existing buildings (see elec‐ trical system map on Figure 5 at the end of this report). In‐ formation on the average monthly electricity usage from the College is still pending from TSTC staff. Reliant Energy has sufficient capacity within the current distribution system to meet Texas State Technical College’s current and future electricity demands. Electrical Problem Areas There are no known problem areas within the College’s electrical system. However, according to TSTC Staff, Texas State Technical College has many inefficient systems on campus using electricity. Due to this situation, Reliant En‐ ergy will now be including a monthly penalty fee on their monthly electricity bill to the College. The chilled water system is one of the highest users of electricity on the cam‐ pus.
Proposed Improvements As with the other utility systems, there are existing electrical systems that will provide electricity for most of the pro‐ posed campus facilities. However, as with many of the other utilities on campus, in some of the projects proposed under this Master Plan, the proposed landscaping alignments are in direct conflict with existing utility alignments (see photo to the right).
Existing electrical alignments are in direct conflict with pro‐ posed landscape improvements on the majority of the campus.
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS For example, Project 2a of the Implementation Plan consists of the cross mall from Ash Street to Oak Street, and there is an existing natural electrical line along the west side of this proposed cross mall. This line is within the proposed align‐ ment of new landscaping. In a few of the projects, little modification to the existing electrical system alignments should be required to implement the Master Plan project. However, for the majority of the Master Plan projects, prac‐ tically all of the existing electrical system in that project area will need to be relocated underground in order to imple‐ ment the improvements proposed within that individual project. Based on discussion with TSTC and Reliant Energy staff, it appears that the existing electrical system does not need to be upsized. However, capacity limitations of these systems are not known without the development of a demand analysis for the campus electrical network. Development of an electrical system demand model will result in determina‐ tion of system limitations reflecting both existing and future requirements including determination of projected waste‐ water flows. Also, any improvements design must be closely coordinated with Reliant Energy. As with other util‐ ity infrastructure modifications, please note that the design of these improvements must be closely coordinated with the design of any other infrastructure modifications required for the projects proposed in this Master Plan. Annual O&M Cost Reductions According to TSTC Staff, Texas State Technical College has many non energy efficient systems on campus using elec‐ tricity. Due to this situation, Reliant Energy intends to in‐ clude a monthly energy efficiency penalty fee in addition to their monthly electricity bill to the College. This situation could be directly related to two situations, the condition of existing buildings and HVAC systems being utilized around the south side of the campus and the problem of being able to efficiently operate, monitor and isolate the HVAC for individual facilities being served by the existing chilled wa‐ ter system (see photo to the right). It is our understanding that some of the older energy ineffi‐ cient buildings are scheduled to be demolished. In addition, constructing a new energy efficient chilled water system for the section of the campus south of Loop 499, significant re‐ ductions in electricity usage should be noted upon switch‐ ing over from conventional HVAC systems to a chilled wa‐ ter HVAC system.
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Existing older buildings on the portion of the TSTC campus south of Loop 499 that are reportedly causing excessive electric‐ ity costs for TSTC to operate and maintain.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
UTILITY IMPLEMENTATION PLANS
Natural Gas
The following utility improvements are dived into elements of the 10‐Year Improvement Plan. Each element will include a brief discussion of recommended utility modifications. The recommended improvements and quantities (which do not include all appurtenant materials and effort to complete said improvements) are preliminary and do not constitute a final design. A more developed analysis of each existing utility system should be completed prior to the final design of any improvements recommended in this report. Close coordination should be maintained with any City, State and/or Federal agencies during the analysis, design and construction of any improvements discussed in this Im‐ provement Plan.
Implementation of this project may also require the reloca‐ tion of the existing natural gas main located in the existing Oleander Street parking lot (See Figure 5 at the end of this report). If the proposed landscaping improvements lie along the existing natural gas main alignment, approximately 550 feet of 2‐inch to 4‐inch diameter natural gas main will need to be removed and replaced outside the proposed landscap‐ ing improvements alignment. Close coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider, as the final design for the natural gas system improvements may require a gas main size reconfiguration to meet both the current and projected natural gas demands in this area of the College’s campus.
1A ‐ New East Entrance and Cross‐Mall Storm Drainage The proposed pedestrian mall system, traffic circle and parking areas will require new drainage infrastructure, in‐ cluding new construction of approximately 1,200 feet of 24‐ inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 4 and 8 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Raintree Street and continue between the proposed parking lot areas to tie into an existing drainage system at Airport Drive (See Figure 1 at the end of this re‐ port). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the re‐ moval of approximately 200 feet of 18‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently runs parallel to Raintree Street. Water Project 1a will also require the relocation of the existing wa‐ ter main along Raintree Street (See Figure 2 at the end of this report). Approximately 1,400 feet of 10‐inch to 12‐inch di‐ ameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the exist‐ ing water main alignment. Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
Electrical Project 1a will require approximately 2,600 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6 at the end of this re‐ port). If the electrical system improvements are placed un‐ derground, the 2,600 feet can be used as a basis for the pro‐ jected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the relocation of the existing electrical system.
1B ‐ New Cross‐Mall at Existing Mall Storm Drainage The proposed cross mall will require no new drainage infra‐ structure, due to the existing paved areas being redeveloped into a more permeable turf covered area. The only modifica‐ tion to the existing drainage infrastructure will include the removal of approximately 500 feet of 15‐inch to 18‐inch di‐ ameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to Ole‐ ander Street (See Figure 1). Water Project 1b will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Oleander Street (See Figure 2). Approximately 500 feet of 8‐inch to 10‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment. Chilled Water Project 1b will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing chilled water system along Oleander Street (See Figure 3 at the end of this report). Approximately 200 feet of 12‐inch diameter chilled water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improve‐ ments along the existing chilled water main alignment. Also, during the relocation of the existing chilled water line, the existing isolation valves at each connecting building in
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS this project area should be analyzed and either rehabilitated or replaced entirely. Sanitary Sewer Project 1b will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing sanitary sewer system along Oleander Street (See Figure 5 at the end of this report). Approximately 400 feet of 8‐inch to 12‐inch diameter sanitary sewer main will be re‐ moved and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing sanitary sewer main alignment. Close coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen, as the final design for the sanitary sewer system improvements may require a sanitary sewer main size reconfiguration along with other modifications to the existing campus sanitary sewer master plan to meet both the current and projected sanitary sewer production in this area of the College’s campus. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 1b will require approximately 200 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 200 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
2A – New‐Cross Mall from Ash to Oak St. Storm Drainage As with Project 1b, the proposed cross mall will require no new drainage infrastructure, due to the existing paved areas being redeveloped into a more permeable turf covered area. The only modification to the existing drainage infrastructure will include the removal of approximately 500 feet of 12‐ inch to 15‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to Oleander Street (See Figure 1). Water Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
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Chilled Water Project 2a will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing chilled water system along Oleander Street (See Figure 3). Approximately 600 feet of 6‐inch to 16‐inch di‐ ameter chilled water mains will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing chilled water main alignments. Also, during the relocation of the existing chilled water lines, the existing isolation valves at each connecting building in this project area should be analyzed and either rehabilitated or replaced entirely. Completion of this project also provides the oppor‐ tunity to connect buildings to the chilled water system that have not previously been served by the system. Sanitary Sewer Project 2a will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing sanitary sewer system along Oleander Street (See Figure 4). Approximately 400 feet of 8‐inch to 12‐inch di‐ ameter sanitary sewer main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing sanitary sewer main alignment. Close coordina‐ tion should be maintained with the City of Harlingen, as the final design for the sanitary sewer system improvements may require a sanitary sewer main size reconfiguration along with other modifications to the existing campus sani‐ tary sewer master plan to meet both the current and pro‐ jected sanitary sewer production in this area of the College’s campus. Natural Gas Implementation of this project may also require the reloca‐ tion of the existing natural gas main that parallels the exist‐ ing Oleander Street (See Figure 5). If the proposed landscap‐ ing improvements lie along the existing natural gas main alignment, approximately 400 feet of 2‐inch to 4‐inch diame‐ ter natural gas main will need to be removed and replaced outside the proposed landscaping improvements alignment. Close coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider, as the final design for the natural gas system improvements may require a gas main size recon‐ figuration to meet both the current and projected natural gas demands in this area of the College’s campus.
Electrical Project 2a will require approximately 300 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 300 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS 2B ‐ New Cross‐Mall from Oak to Jasmine St. Storm Drainage The proposed cross mall system will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of approximately 200 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 2 and 4 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Jasmine Street and will connect to proposed drainage improvements to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastruc‐ ture which will include the removal of approximately 200 feet of 12‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently runs parallel to Oleander Street. Water Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Chilled Water Project 2b will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing chilled water system along Oleander Street (See Figure 3). Approximately 200 feet of 14‐inch diameter chilled water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the exist‐ ing chilled water main alignment. Also, during the reloca‐ tion of the existing chilled water line, the existing isolation valves at each connecting building in this project area should be analyzed and either rehabilitated or replaced en‐ tirely. Completion of this project also provides the opportu‐ nity to connect buildings to the chilled water system that have not previously been served by the system. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
Electrical Project 2b will require approximately 450 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 450 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
3A ‐ Revised Parking Lots between Ash and Oak Streets Storm Drainage The revisions to the existing parking lots will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of ap‐ proximately 1,100 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 6 and 10 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Oak Street and will connect to the existing storm drain transmission pipe that parallels Loop 499 (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastruc‐ ture which will include the removal of approximately 400 feet of 15‐inch to 18‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to Oak Street. Water Project 3a will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Oak Street (See Figure 2). Ap‐ proximately 850 feet of 8‐inch to 10‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment. Chilled Water Project 3a will also require the construction of a portion of a new looped line to be included on the south side of the looped chilled water system, to provide new chilled water to previously unserved buildings (See Figure 3). Approxi‐ mately 750 feet of 12‐inch diameter to 16‐inch diameter chilled water main will be constructed to provide service to previously unserved campus buildings. Also, during the relocation of the existing chilled water line, the existing iso‐ lation valves at each connecting building in this project area should be analyzed and either rehabilitated or replaced en‐ tirely. Completion of this project also provides the opportu‐ nity to connect buildings to the chilled water system that have not previously been served by the system. Sanitary Sewer Project 3a will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing sanitary sewer system along Oak Street (See Figure 4). Approximately 900 feet of 8‐inch to 12‐inch diameter sanitary sewer main will be removed and replaced to allow
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS for the proposed landscaping improvements along the exist‐ ing sanitary sewer main alignment. Close coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen, as the final design for the sanitary sewer system improvements may require a sanitary sewer main size reconfiguration along with other modifications to the existing campus sani‐ tary sewer master plan to meet both the current and pro‐ jected sanitary sewer production in this area of the College’s campus. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 3a will require approximately 1,100 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,100 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
3B ‐ Revised Parking Lots between Oak and Jas‐ mine Streets Storm Drainage The revisions to the existing parking lots will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of ap‐ proximately 900 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 6 and 10 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Jasmine Street and will connect to the proposed drainage improvements to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the removal of approximately 100 feet of 12‐inch diameter and 100 feet of 15‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently run paral‐ lel to Jasmine Street. Water Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
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Chilled Water Project 3b will also require the construction of a portion of a new looped line to be included on the south side of the looped chilled water system, to provide new chilled water to previously unserved buildings (See Figure 3). Approxi‐ mately 300 feet of 12‐inch diameter to 16‐inch diameter chilled water main will be constructed to provide service to previously unserved campus buildings. Also, during the relocation of the existing chilled water line, the existing iso‐ lation valves at each connecting building in this project area should be analyzed and either rehabilitated or replaced en‐ tirely. Completion of this project also provides the opportu‐ nity to connect buildings to the chilled water system that have not previously been served by the system. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Implementation of this project may also require the reloca‐ tion of the existing natural gas main that parallels Jasmine Street (See Figure 5). If the proposed landscaping improve‐ ments lie along the existing natural gas main alignment, approximately 400 feet of 2‐inch to 4‐inch diameter natural gas main will need to be removed and replaced outside the proposed landscaping improvements alignment. Close co‐ ordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider, as the final design for the natural gas system improvements may require a gas main size reconfiguration to meet both the current and projected natural gas demands in this area of the College’s campus. Electrical Project 3b will require approximately 900 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 900 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
4 ‐ Loop 499 Improvements Storm Drainage The Loop 499 improvements will require new drainage in‐ frastructure, including new construction of approximately 1,300 feet of 36‐inch to 60‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 8 and 12 drainage inlet structures. The new
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS drainage system will run parallel to Loop 499 and will con‐ nect to the proposed drainage improvements to be com‐ pleted under other project elements (See Figure 1). This pro‐ ject will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the removal of approxi‐ mately 1,300 feet of 36‐inch to 48‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to Loop 499.
wood Street and will connect to the existing storm drain transmission pipe that parallels Loop 499 (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the removal of approximately 500 feet of 12‐inch, 15‐inch and 18‐inch di‐ ameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to Box‐ wood Street.
Water
Water
Project 4 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Loop 499 (See Figure 2). Ap‐ proximately 1,000 feet of 16‐inch to 24‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment.
Project 5 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Boxwood Street (See Figure 2). Approximately 900 feet of 6‐inch to 10‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment.
Chilled Water
Chilled Water
No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project.
No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project.
Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary Sewer
Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
Project 5 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing sanitary sewer system along Boxwood Street (See Figure 4). Approximately 1,100 feet of 8‐inch to 12‐inch di‐ ameter sanitary sewer main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing sanitary sewer main alignment. Close coordina‐ tion should be maintained with the City of Harlingen, as the final design for the sanitary sewer system improvements may require a sanitary sewer main size reconfiguration along with other modifications to the existing campus sani‐ tary sewer master plan to meet both the current and pro‐ jected sanitary sewer production in this area of the College’s campus.
Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 4 will require approximately 1,200 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,200 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
5 ‐ Cultural Arts & Development District Storm Drainage The completion of the new development district will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of approximately 1,300 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 8 and 12 drainage inlet struc‐ tures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Box‐
Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 5 will require approximately 1,600 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,600 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS 6 ‐ Housing Redevelopment Storm Drainage The completion of the new housing development project will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of approximately 1,800 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐ inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 12 and 16 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Pecan Street and will connect to the proposed drainage improvements to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the removal of approximately 1,000 feet of 12‐ inch, 15‐inch and 18‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to Pecan Street. Water Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area. Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 6 will require approximately 1,700 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐
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provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,700 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
7 ‐ 29th Street Improvements Storm Drainage The completion of the new housing development project will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of approximately 800 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 4 and 8 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to 29th Street and will connect to the proposed drainage improvements to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the removal of approximately 500 feet of 12‐inch, 15‐inch and 18‐inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to 29th Street. Water Project 7 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along 29th Street (See Figure 2). Ap‐ proximately 1,000 feet of 6‐inch to 10‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment. Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Electrical
Electrical
Project 7 will require approximately 1,400 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,400 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
9 ‐ Loop 499 Improvements 8 ‐ Recreation Area Improvements Implementation of Project 8 should require no modifications to the existing utilities infrastructure to remove proposed improvement and utility conflicts. However, some modifica‐ tions may be necessary to provide adequate service to the proposed improvements covered under this project. Those modifications are highlighted in the following paragraphs. Storm Drainage Though no improvements to the storm drainage system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing storm drainage system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Water Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
Storm Drainage The Loop 499 improvements will require new drainage in‐ frastructure, including new construction of approximately 900 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 4 and 8 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Loop 499 and will connect to the proposed drainage improvements to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1). Water Project 9 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Loop 499 (See Figure 2). Ap‐ proximately 400 feet of 16‐inch to 24‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment. Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer
Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 9 will require approximately 1,200 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,200 feet can be
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
improvements are placed underground, the 1,900 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
10 ‐ Jasmine Street Improvements Implementation of Project 10 will require modifications to the existing utilities infrastructure. Those modifications are highlighted in the following paragraphs. Storm Drainage The Jasmine Street improvements will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of approximately 800 feet of 30‐inch to 48‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 6 and 10 drainage inlet structures. The new drain‐ age system will run parallel to Jasmine Street and will con‐ nect to the proposed drainage improvements to be com‐ pleted under other project elements (See Figure 1). Water
11A and 11B ‐ New Parking Lot & Existing Parking Lot Improvements Storm Drainage The new parking lot improvements will require new drain‐ age infrastructure, including new construction of approxi‐ mately 1,000 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 4 and 6 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Oak Street and will connect to the proposed drainage improvements to be com‐ pleted under other project elements (See Figure 1). Water
Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
Project 11a & 11b will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Oak Street (See Figure 2). Approximately 800 feet of 8‐inch to 12‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment.
Chilled Water
Chilled Water
No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project.
No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project.
Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary Sewer
Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area.
Project 11a & 11b will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing sanitary sewer system along Oak Street (See Figure 3). Approximately 700 feet of 8‐inch to 12‐inch di‐ ameter sanitary sewer main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing sanitary sewer main alignment. Close coordina‐ tion should be maintained with the City of Harlingen, as the final design for the sanitary sewer system improvements may require a sanitary sewer main size reconfiguration along with other modifications to the existing campus sani‐ tary sewer master plan to meet both the current and pro‐ jected sanitary sewer production in this area of the College’s campus.
Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 10 will require approximately 1,900 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system
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Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Electrical Project 11a & 11b will require approximately 1,300 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed land‐ scaping improvement alignments (See Figure 6). If the elec‐ trical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,300 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to com‐ plete the relocation of the existing electrical system.
12 ‐ New Water Feature at Mall/Loop 499 En‐ trance
13 ‐ Existing Mall Improvements Storm Drainage The existing mall improvements will require no new drain‐ age infrastructure, due to the existing paved areas being redeveloped into a more permeable turf covered area. The only modification to the existing drainage infrastructure will include the removal of approximately 400 feet of 12‐ inch to 15‐inch storm drain pipe that currently run parallel to the existing Pedestrian Mall (See Figure 1). Water
Storm Drainage Although no improvements to the storm drainage system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing storm drainage system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Water Project 12 will also require the construction of approxi‐ mately 200 feet of 4‐inch to 8‐inch diameter water main across Loop 499 (See Figure 2). Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Chilled Water Project 13 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing chilled water system along the existing pedestrian mall (See Figure 3). Approximately 500 feet of 8‐inch to 14‐ inch diameter chilled water main will be removed and re‐ placed to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing chilled water main alignment. Also, dur‐ ing the relocation of the existing chilled water line, the exist‐ ing isolation valves at each connecting building in this pro‐ ject area should be analyzed and either rehabilitated or re‐ placed entirely. Completion of this project also provides the opportunity to connect buildings to the chilled water system that have not previously been served by the system. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Implementation of this project may also require the reloca‐ tion of the existing natural gas main that parallels the exist‐ ing pedestrian mall (See Figure 5). If the proposed landscap‐ ing improvements lie along the existing natural gas main alignment, approximately 350 feet of 4‐inch to 6‐inch diame‐ ter natural gas main will need to be removed and replaced outside the proposed landscaping improvements alignment. Close coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider, as the final design for the natural gas system improvements may require a gas main size recon‐ figuration to meet both the current and projected natural gas demands in this area of the College’s campus.
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Electrical
Electrical
Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
14 ‐ Eucalyptus Street Improvements
15 ‐ Loop 499 Edge Planting
Storm Drainage
Storm Drainage
The Eucalyptus Street improvements will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of ap‐ proximately 1,400 feet of 36‐inch to 60‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 12 and 16 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Eucalyptus Street and will connect to the proposed drainage improve‐ ments to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1).
The Loop 499 edge planting improvements will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of ap‐ proximately 1,000 feet of 48‐inch to 60‐inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 8 and 12 drainage inlet structures. The new drainage system will run parallel to Loop 499 and will connect to the existing City of Harlingen storm drain‐ age system (See Figure 1). Water
Water Project 14 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Airport Drive (See Figure 2). Ap‐ proximately 500 feet of 10‐inch to 16‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment.
Project 15 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Loop 499 (See Figure 2). Ap‐ proximately 2,000 feet of 16‐inch to 24‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the pro‐ posed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment. Chilled Water
Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project.
No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
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Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Electrical Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
16 ‐ Rio Hondo Street Improvements Storm Drainage The Rio Hondo Street improvements should require no new drainage infrastructure. Water Project 16 will also require the relocation of a portion of the existing water main along Rio Hondo Street (See Figure 2). Approximately 1,100 feet of 10‐inch to 16‐inch diameter water main will be removed and replaced to allow for the proposed landscaping improvements along the existing water main alignment. Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Project 16 will require approximately 1,700 feet of electrical line to be placed away from the proposed landscaping im‐ provement alignments (See Figure 6). If the electrical system improvements are placed underground, the 1,700 feet can be used as a basis for the projected amount of underground conduit that will need to be placed to complete the reloca‐ tion of the existing electrical system.
17 ‐ Property Edge Improvements at the Marine Military Academy Storm Drainage The completion of the property edge improvements at MMA will require new drainage infrastructure, including new construction of approximately 700 feet of 24‐inch to 36‐ inch diameter storm drain pipe and between 4 and 6 drain‐ age inlet structures. The new drainage system will run par‐ allel to the MMA Drive and will connect to the proposed drainage improvements to be completed under other project elements (See Figure 1). This project will also require a modification to the existing drainage infrastructure which will include the removal of approximately 100 feet of 15‐ inch diameter storm drain pipe that currently runs parallel to MMA Drive. Water Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Chilled Water No improvements to the chilled water system should be necessary to complete this project. Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS 18 ‐ New Academic Classroom Building
19 – Learning Resource Center Expansion
Storm Drainage
Storm Drainage
The new academic building should require no new drainage infrastructure.
The new academic building should require no new drainage infrastructure.
Water
Water
Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area.
Although no improvements to the water system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing potable water system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing water infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area. Chilled Water
Chilled Water The new academic building should be connected to the new chilled water main which should be modified in Project 3a and 3b (See Figure 3).
The proposed LRC expansion should also be connected to the new chilled water main which should be modified in Project 3a and 3b (See Figure 3). Sanitary Sewer
Sanitary Sewer Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area.
Although no improvements to the sanitary sewer system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the City of Harlingen to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing sanitary sewer system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element. A hydraulic analysis should also be performed to insure that the existing sanitary sewer infrastructure will be sufficient to meet both the current and projected campus needs in this area. Natural Gas
Natural Gas Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element.
Although no improvements to the natural gas system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s natural gas provider to insure that there are no adverse impacts to the existing natural gas system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this project element. Electrical
Electrical Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
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Although no improvements to the electrical system should be required, coordination should be maintained with the College’s electricity provider to insure that there are no ad‐ verse impacts to the existing electrical system during the completion of the improvements proposed under this pro‐ ject element.
SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT DIAGRAMS Figure 1 – Storm Drainage Improvements
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Figure 2 – Potable Water Improvements
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Figure 3 – Chilled Water Improvements
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Figure 4 – Sanitary Sewer Improvements
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Figure 5 – Natural Gas Improvements
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS Figure 6 – Electrical Improvements
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SYSTEMS ANALYSIS
CAMPUS TECHNOLOGY Campus Communication Direction Voice and Data The communications department currently has been provid‐ ing voice communications to all campus buildings and fa‐ cilities via a mix of a traditional TDM voice switch platform and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Traditional TDM requires extensive high pair count copper being placed to each new location. This in turn requires massive and elabo‐ rate communication underground duct bank or pathway infrastructures to be built or expanded, in most cases in and through existing campus utility corridors, streets and exist‐ ing amenities. Recently the college has begun providing Voice over Inter‐ net Protocol (VoIP) phone service to all academic and learn‐ ing facilities. This transition has not only provided state of the art communications services to the campus but has nearly eliminated the need for additional high pair count being placed to service future institutional buildings. If demolition and construction schedules take into serious consideration the ability to retrieve, reuse and reassign ex‐ isting voice cabling and switch ports, considerable funds can be saved and redirected towards providing the campus with tomorrow’s technology in communications equipment and software, rather than spending these funds on the con‐ struction of additional underground duct bank systems. This is not to say this will totally eliminate the need for ad‐ ditional underground infrastructure as it will still be re‐ quired for the fiber and minimal copper requirements to service the voice, data and other low voltage services which are rapidly being designed to run on the same shared data network. Additional infrastructure will also be required to provide physically separate and redundant entry into key voice and data facilities to provide reliable and self healing connec‐ tivity as more and more services and communications is provided via the campus data network. Information Technology Connectivity to the LAN, WAN and outside transmission sources for the Information Technology services is sup‐ ported directly through the IT department and campus fiber and copper communications infrastructure. Information Technologies Support maintains a server farm in building 14. Building 14 functions as both a Data network core router and a voice switch location for the campus. Building 11 houses the main copper demark connections for the service provider. Building 11 has been identified in the 10 year master plan as a building to be demolished. It is recommended that this demark be moved to building 14
creating a single location for all incoming services to the campus. Communications Pathways Currently the campus has a system of ductbanks and man‐ holes to provide pathways to connect each building with fiber optic and copper cables. These conduits are currently at or near capacity. As the campus completes it move to VoIP voice services, these conduits can be cleared of old copper cables allowing room to increase the amount of fiber cable needed to connect all required services in all growth areas of the campus. Due to the location of the current man‐ holes, any new buildings constructed can be easily inte‐ grated into the existing ductbank system. Community Antenna Television (CATV) There is currently no CATV distribution services provided on the campus. Televisions in the library are fed from a small dish satellite system that feeds coax cable locations only in that building. Consideration should be given to add‐ ing CATV services over the existing fiber links to each building. Services can then be distributed to televisions us‐ ing existing horizontal twisted pair cabling.
Redundant entry A very important factor to the consistent reliability of the campus communication system is to provide redundant entry pathways and redundant connectivity into each com‐ munications core facility. The requirement will provide the pathway and connectivity to provide a self healing fiber ring connecting all voice and data core facilities together. Redundant connectivity to the various local access service providers is a much desired requirement of this 10 year building plan for the continued uninterrupted connectivity to the outside networks, additional Texas State Technical College campuses and other learning institutions and ser‐ vices. In most case the service providers have established their own fiber ring providing this self healing capacity to the campus connection point on their ring, but that is were it stops, thus emphasizing the need for the campus itself to provide redundant pathways and connectivity to the service providers demark. Redundant pathways and connectivity will be discussed as part of the individual existing condi‐ tions and recommendations.
Building Projects As the master plan implemented, consideration will be given to new building and renovation projects. These pro‐ jects will be described along with the needs for connectivity for each project.
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES
EXISTING LANDSCAPE & IRRIGATION SYSTEMS Existing Conditions Aesthetic and Landscape Features Texas State Technical College Harlingen sits on approxi‐ mately 166 acres, and is adjacent to the Harlingen Airport. The campus has over 30 buildings and structures, with nu‐ merous roadways and parking lots that support access and parking for students and faculty alike. Approximately 124 acres out of the total campus are developed, with the re‐ maining 42 acres comprised of undeveloped farmland that the college recently acquired. Existing Landscape and Irrigation Systems Operations The entire campus is maintained by seven (7) employees, plus their supervisor, who are part of the Physical Plant. The size of the campus means that each grounds man is responsible for over 17 acres to maintain, not including the new farmland. The grounds crew is also responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of all of the roadways, parking lot paving, and signs that occur throughout the campus. The almost tropical climate of the South Texas region where the campus is located equates to a relatively short dormant pe‐ riod during the regular growing season. During the active growing season, the grounds maintenance crews mow the entire campus one time per week. This same crew also edges the walks and pavements throughout the campus once every two weeks; trims the bushes and hedges once per month; prunes trees twice each year; and prunes the palm trees once each year. The amount of landscaping maintenance and other activities the grounds crew is re‐ sponsible for may have an affect on their ability to ade‐ quately maintain various areas of the landscape throughout the campus. The campus gets its irrigation water from two irrigation district canals and the city’s potable water system. There are three buildings on campus that have automatic irrigation systems that use the city’s water system. The rest of the campus utilizes the irrigation district water for irrigation, which costs the campus approximately $600 per year to util‐ ize. The canal water irrigation systems utilize fixed position impact heads that are permanently mounted throughout the campus. The canal water irrigation systems generally run from 4AM to 6AM on week days, from 2PM to 6PM on Sat‐ urdays, and from 7Am to 9AM on Sundays. The portion of campus on the north side of SH 199 is irrigated on Mondays,
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES Wednesdays, and Fridays. The south side of the campus is irrigated on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. When the canal water irrigation systems are in operation, all of the heads on either the north or south sides of SH 199 operate at the same time. It should be noted that in many areas throughout the campus, many areas of the landscape do not receive adequate amounts of water. This is evident from the occurrence of brown turf areas, bare ground cover and shrub beds, and several impact sprinkler risers without at‐ tached heads.
Existing Landscape Components There is an abundance of turf on the campus, but a lot of the turf areas are comprised of a lot of plant materials other than grass, including several different ground covers, native grasses, and weeds. In addition, there are numerous areas throughout the campus where the turf has been eroded away because of foot traffic, adjacent plantings, grading and construction operations, maintenance operations, or a com‐ bination of all of these factors. There are also several significant stands of trees throughout the campus, with many of these having trees that are planted at consistent distances in rows, which help to rein‐ force building and campus edges and help define a sense of place. Some areas, such as the central mall, have numerous larger trees at the edge of the paved walkway that provide a strong linear pattern and space. In this particular location however, there are numerous trees near the center axis of the space that provide shade during the warmer times of year, but have no particular order or strength to their placement. This area, and others like it, might benefit from the selective removal of some trees, and pruning of others to appear more orderly. While the shaded areas, and many of the larger tree plantings throughout the campus provide a welcome break from the sun, they do not necessarily pro‐ vide a physical or visual tie to their surroundings, provide the basis for a recognizable ‘space’, or reinforce the image or character of the college.
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES The quality of shrub and groundcover plantings throughout the campus ranges from good to poor. Many of the bed ar‐ eas between buildings are either devoid of significant shrub and groundcover growth, or are planted with plants that are in severe states of decline, or not appropriate for the location or planting condition. There are several instances of plant beds that are severely overgrown, especially around the student housing areas, or plants that desire full sun being planted in deep shade conditions. Several areas around the campus have well maintained shrub and groundcover beds. The hedges along Loop 499 are a prime example of well maintained and healthy hedge plantings. Existing Aesthetic Elements In many ways, the aesthetic quality of the campus can be tied directly back to the quality of the landscape. The ‘land‐ scape’ of the campus might also be considered to be all of those exterior elements that define the character, sense of place and quality for the campus. From an overall aesthetic perspective, the campus utilizes a uniform material and color pallet in its use of tan brick on most of the buildings, and tan colored paint on the other buildings throughout the campus. This material pallet is carried to the front of the campus by the metal fence with brick columns that occurs along Loop 499. This fence is a good beginning point for a consistent character and aesthetic quality for the campus. Its use might have more of a strong impression if the masonry columns were more significant, and the metal fence compo‐ nent were substantial in appearance. Because of its location adjacent to the airport, and the sup‐ port buildings that occur around the airport, the campus edge seems to get lost against the backdrop of the airport, the Marine Corps Academy, and the South Texas Museum of History, making it hard to determine where the other facilities end and the campus begins. The different style and character of identity signs found along the campus frontage along the loop does not support a consistent identity either. As mentioned before, the ‘landscape’ of the campus has a huge impact on the aesthetic quality campus, many times in a negative sense. From a positive perspective, the campus is very ‘green’ in the developed areas. This is due in large part to the number and types of trees and shrubs that are planted throughout these areas. From a less‐than‐desirable perspec‐ tive, many of the plantings do not convey a strong sense of place, or identity, or order for the campus. Likewise, the large monument sign / planter at the main pedestrian cross‐ ing on Loop 499 functions both as a physical and visual bar‐ rier. This feature acts as a door stop into the campus, rather than a doorway. Should the college opt to retain this par‐ ticular feature, the quality of the landscape plantings around, and on top of the monument sign should be im‐ proved considerably.
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES The storm drainage and utility infrastructure have an im‐ mediate impact on the aesthetic quality of the campus. There are numerous locations throughout the campus where man holes, drain inlets, valve boxes or other types of utility equipment are brought to the attention of campus visitors by the use of brightly painted yellow handrails that surround these elements in many locations. Storm inlet grates in particular present a recurring visual protrusion throughout the campus. In addition to locations where these elements are protected by yellow railings, they are quite frequently constructed from materials that are in appropri‐ ate to their surroundings (such as grates that are potential hazards for pedestrians), are coated with colors that call attention to their presence, or roughly constructed in their application. In addition to the frequency of storm drainage infrastructure elements throughout the campus, there are numerous instances where the operation of these facilities is supported by hand dug swales and drainage channels. While the swales and drainage channels appear to be neces‐ sary to help the movement of water across lawns and cer‐ tain areas of the campus, and into the storm drainage sys‐ tem, they have a very obvious, less than positive impact on the aesthetic quality of the campus. Other elements that impact the aesthetic quality of the cam‐ pus include:
Pedestrian light poles that are different styles or colors, and are not plumb or level
Different styles, varying levels of quality and condi‐ tions of trash receptacles, benches and signage throughout the campus
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES Numerous instances of mismatched pavements, or pave‐ ment patches that are visual deterrents and physical obsta‐ cles
Large trash dumpsters that are not camouflaged from view, or encroach on pedestrian environments
Pavements that are inferior in quality, not contiguous in appearance, or uncomfortable to travel or walk upon
Drainage structures that are visually intrusive or pre‐ sent obstacles to travel
The use or barbed wire on fencing in various locations throughout the campus
Instances of un‐shielded storage and maintenance areas throughout the campus that present an industrial char‐ acter
Landscape and Aesthetic Problem Areas Other than the aspects mentioned above, there are no defini‐ tive problem areas on the campus. The largest issues may be related to available manpower for grounds maintenance, and available funding for improvements and maintenance operations.
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES
LANDSCAPE RECOMMENDATIONS Implementation of any new landscape improvements on the TSTC campus will require the design and installation of a new irrigation system to support new plantings. Prior to the commencement of any design activities for the implementa‐ tion of new irrigation system a campus‐wide evaluation of irrigation requirements should be prepared, followed by the planning and design of an irrigation water distribution sys‐ tem, then followed by the design of irrigation improvements for specific project areas throughout the campus. The ideal end result would be an irrigation system that functions using the available canal water as a supply source, and is totally automatic and able to operate by zones from a central control system, through satellite controllers located in strategic locations throughout the campus. The control equipment that is ultimately selected for use on the campus should be one that is nationally available, has a proven track record of performance, has both new and replacement com‐ ponents available from multiple sources, and is expandable and capable of being modified to address changes and im‐ provements in supporting and operating technologies
achieved. Projects 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B The implementation of a new pedestrian mall system, traffic circle, parking areas support infrastructure provides the initial step toward the establishment of a level of quality, character and finish that will continue throughout the re‐ mainder of the implementation projects identified by the master plan. The storm drainage system should be re‐designed and re‐ constructed to alleviate drainage ditches along side of the existing drives and roadways in this area. Pole mounted utilities should be moved underground, or relocated away from the roadway corridor or other highly visible areas. Landscape improvements should be uniform and consistent. Texas Sabal Palms planted on centers of 20‐feet or less, should be used to establish the vertical elements of the pe‐ destrian corridor, while the vehicular corridor on Rain Tree Street should be designed to accommodate Live Oak trees, and supplemented by Golden Rain Trees, that reinforce the street name. Covered trellis structures should support a single vining plant type throughout its length. Groundcov‐ ers and perennial plants should be hardy, drought resistant, and should frequently bloom throughout the growing sea‐ son. Paving systems and materials should present a high degree of finish and character, and should move beyond broom finished concrete alone. Suggested paving materials and finishes include WPA‐finish concrete used in conjunction with bands of pavers, and/or bands of integrally colored
concrete with stamped textured and finishes, smooth‐finish sand blasted concrete, and / or stained concrete finishes. Site furnishings should be used strategically to provide seat‐ ing and gathering places for students.
Projects 3A and 3B Landscape and amenity improvements in the parking lots between Ash and Oak Streets, and in the parking lot be‐ tween Oak and Jasmine streets should reinforce the new vehicular circulation grid proposed for the campus, while identifying a logical vehicular circulation pattern through the lots, providing shade for both autos parked in the lots, and for pedestrians leaving the lots; providing a consistent character for the parking lots and surrounding areas. Plant materials should be a monoculture or strategic mix of large shade trees (Oaks), and ornamental trees and shrubs, in‐ cluding Golden Rain Trees, and any number of blooming plants.
Project 4, Project 9 and Project 15 Pending the outcome of negotiations with TXDOT, the cam‐ pus should strive to initiate improvements that will rein‐ force their image, including new landscape median plant‐ ings in S.H. 499, and additional plantings along the street‐ facing building facades that front Loop 499. Tree plantings should be comprised of Live Oaks, while potential median plantings should be a combination of shade and ornamental trees with upright growth patterns that will not interfere with passing vehicles. Shrubs and groundcovers should be both extremely hardy, able to withstand vehicle dominated environments, and possess an extended bloom or showy foliage period, or both, to increase the visual quality. Paving in the cross walks will most likely have to comply with TXDOT standards, meaning that vehicular strength concrete paving bands, with integral color and stamped textures are the preferable choices in this area.
Project 5 Landscape and amenities improvement projects in this dis‐ trict will have to be closely coordinated with specific build‐ ing and uses. Streets should be lined with significant shade trees, offset and supported by ornamental tree plantings at strategic locations within the limits of the project. Paving and site furnishings improvements will also have to be closely coordinated with building and facilities improve‐ ments within the limits of this project.
Project 6 Landscape and amenities improvements for Project 6 will be at a more residential and pedestrian scale. Large trees should be designed and installed to establish and reinforce a series of ‘backyards’ within the residential zone. Numerous
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LANDSCAPE & AESTHETIC FEATURES opportunities for shaded areas, open areas and gathering areas should be provided. Paving and amenities improve‐ ments should be residential in scale and character, to pro‐ mote a sense of place that is more home‐like than institu‐ tional.
Project 7 Landscape and amenities improvements for this project should establish and strengthen the 29th Street corridor through the provision of shade and ornamental trees, and the implementation of pedestrian paving and site furnish‐ ings that establish the character for this project.
Project 8 Sports and recreational field sports improvements should be planned and designed to accommodate the ultimate recrea‐ tional activities desired by staff and students. Turf grasses should be chosen that can be maintained by site manage‐ ment staff, while providing the level of quality for facilities that users demand. Standard and sub‐surface drainage sys‐ tems might be investigated for use on these facilities if the level of use, and willingness and abilities of maintenance staff to manage the turf grasses is warranted.
Project 10 Landscape and amenity improvements along Jasmine and Eucalyptus Streets should consist of Eucalyptus tree plant‐ ings, which are offset by combinations of Italian, Star, Con‐ federate, and Asian Jasmine plantings. Eucalyptus trees selected for plantings in this area should be tall‐growing species that will grow in upright, columnar forms.
Projects 11A and 11B Landscape and amenity improvements in the parking lots between Jasmine and Oak Streets, and other existing park‐ ing lots in this project area should reinforce the new vehicu‐ lar circulation grid proposed for the campus, while identify‐ ing a logical vehicular circulation pattern through the lots, providing shade for both autos parked in the lots, and for pedestrians leaving the lots; providing a consistent character for the parking lots and surrounding areas. Plant materials should be a monoculture or strategic mix of large shade trees (Oaks), and ornamental trees and shrubs, including Rain Trees, and any number of blooming plants.
Projects 12 and 13 Landscape and amenity improvements within the existing campus mall, and the entrance along Loop 499 should result in paving, amenity and landscape improvements that are equal to the improvements done in Project 1. New pedes‐ trian pavements should be installed from the thresholds, porches, and stoops of the existing buildings back toward
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the center of the mall. These pavements should continue the character established for pavement improvements through‐ out the campus established by Project 1, meaning that this project should have pavements with a uniform character, color and finish, that is the same high level of quality as those pavements found elsewhere on campus. All of the splices between older existing pavements and new pave‐ ments should be removed and re‐worked. Many of the exist‐ ing trees that are growing in random locations throughout the Mall should be removed as well, and a uniform planting design be installed in their stead. All bare ground areas in and adjacent to flower beds should be covered with a com‐ bination of shrubs, groundcovers, mulch or a combination of all of these materials. There should be numerous plant‐ ings of long lasting, dependable flowering plants through‐ out the mall, with specific attention paid at each of the new fountain locations including the use of Altheas, Viburnums, Crape Myrtles, and many other hardy shrubs and flowering plants.
Project 14 Landscape and amenity improvements along Eucalyptus Street should consist of Eucalyptus tree plantings, which are offset by combinations of Jasmine plantings, or suitable vin‐ ing plants that can grow through the chain link fence that occurs around the perimeter of the Marine Academy.
Project 16 Landscape and amenity improvements along Rio Hondo Street should consist of large shade tree and smaller orna‐ mental tree plantings, which are offset by combinations of Jasmine plantings, or suitable vining plants that can grow through the chain link fence.
Project 17 Landscape and amenity improvements along the campus perimeter should continue the landscape character for the campus, but also consist of hardy, drought tolerant smaller to medium size ornamental shrubs.
Projects 18 & 19 Landscape and amenity improvements for the new build‐ ings shall adhere to the landscape guidelines described later in this report. In each case, the character and function of the surrounding improvements shall be maintained and im‐ proved if possible.
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
INTRODUCTION
THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
On any given school day, there are a multitude of classes and events happening throughout the campus, at the same time … all of which require vehicular and pedestrian way‐ finding.
While this plan embraces the spirit and brand of TSTC, its purpose is to help create a positive experience for faculty, students, and first time visitors. This plan provides a solid basis for the development of the signage program, by intro‐ ducing the individual sign type designations required for vehicular and pedestrian elements and their locations. Other purposes are to introduce the wayfinding methodology for future implementation, recommend the use of consistent materials and messaging, and emphasis the future aware‐ ness of maintenance and changeability issues.
The vision for this environmental graphics master plan pro‐ gram is to reflect the mission and spirit of the overall master plan, and encourage unity and character for the future im‐ plementation program. This plan can be built upon over several years, and is intended to contribute to the college’s culture and academic environment. Texas State Technical College welcomes all individuals, in‐ cluding those with disabilities; therefore it is important that the applicable signs comply with ADA guidelines. This in‐ cludes, but not limited to parking, identification and direc‐ tion to accessible areas and routes.
VISION
As the campus is located on the outskirts of the city and surrounding neighborhoods, the signage and wayfinding program, particularly the off‐site directional and entry sign‐ age, will not only direct users to the campus, but will pre‐ sent a consistent image. Each of the wayfinding elements are encouraged to support the TSTC brand identity.
OBSERVATIONS
A successful wayfinding program provides five fundamen‐ Environmental Graphics and Wayfinding are a graphic ex‐ tal steps in aiding in a positive visitor experience, One: Iden‐ tension of the TSTC brand that live in the environment we tifies the destinations, Two: Orients the visitor to the envi‐ navigate. Through the use of materials, colors, typography ronment, Three: Routes the visitor properly through the use and graphics, processes, location and of the hierarchy of information and scale, Environmental Graphics help • Create a seamless program from cities edge, to sign types at appropriate locations navigate, stimulate and celebrate our while, Four: Periodically reconfirming final campus destination, that contributes to journey the route and Five: Celebrates their the positive visitor experience. arrival. Exposure to TSTC’s identity occurs in many ways … each exposure is an • Encourage the collaborative use of interpretive, The vision of this plan is to provide opportunity to strengthen TSTC’s educational, elements with the wayfinding pro‐ the methodology and location guide image. If there is a disconnect in the for each of the wayfinding elements. gram. application of the identity, the TSTC While locations are important, the brand begins to weaken. • Encourage consistent design elements as to signage must be consistent in provid‐ The following Observations describe ing clear, concise information, or mes‐ strengthen the college’s brand identity. existing conditions throughout the saging, at the right place at the right time, in order to prevent confusion and aid in a positive campus, as well as make recommendations on how to im‐ visitors experience. Accurate sign locations, at key decision prove each condition. points, with a clear and concise hierarchy of information is crucial in the success of the program. Website Wayfinding and Information While the wayfinding signs work hard in directing visitors via location and messaging, the addition of interpretive elements to pedestrian wayfinding is recommended to cele‐ brate particular historical moments and educate, inform and create interest in TSTC’s historical significance. Finally, though development is not covered in this wayfind‐ ing plan, it is important to note that each wayfinding ele‐ ment is an opportunity to strengthen the TSTC brand iden‐ tity, while creating a sense of place. As the plan is implemented, it is imperative that for each phase of implementation, that this plan be used as a guide. Each sign location and configuration needs to be reviewed and/or modified as required by current conditions and needs.
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The TSTC website campus map section is a good place to begin off campus wayfinding.
Recommend creating an easy‐to‐find “map” button on the website main page.
Recommend maintaining updated maps that may be downloaded off website.
Downloadable maps need to be higher quality for greater legibility.
Recommend maps be redesigned with more effective use of color hierarchy, exploration of 3‐D isometric building illustrations, symbols and proper building nomenclature, for more effective legibility and under‐ standing.
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
Recommend that a legend be designed as part of the downloadable map page.
Legend, and/or buildings in map could be interactive, providing current information per building.
Point(s) of Information could be highlighted on maps. Vehicular wayfinding to Visitor Information and park‐ ing areas need to be improved.
There is a lack of visible boundary marker elements identifying and separating the campus from surround‐ ing land. These elements can take shape through many different features.
Campus edges need cleaning and clearing for a more desirable first impression.
Inconsistencies in building identification naming, or nomenclature, was observed. Alphabetical and numeri‐ cal systems are currently being used, and are confusing.
Primary college identification monument along Hwy 499 is current student photo op. Improvements can be recommended, pending budget discussions.
All orientation maps should use the same nomencla‐ ture, from the visitors or students point of view. Facili‐ ties numbering may also be included, but as a secon‐ dary layer.
Existing secondary corner monuments appear outdated in design, with opportunity for greater branding state‐ ment.
Locations of secondary monuments to be re‐evaluated for desired effectiveness. Stronger, more pronounced boundaries are needed.
The different signage elements on the north side of campus, along Airport Blvd., need to be revisited for consolidating current college messaging and college branding aimed at the community.
Building Identification Nomenclature
Campus Boundary Markers
Campus Maps
Campus maps are currently being used in building lobbies, as orientation devices, but use inconsistent building nomenclature making orientation difficult for even faculty.
See Website Wayfinding notes above.
Information Center or Orientation Device
Information centers were not observed on site. In stra‐ tegic outer locations, the college could make use of a key Information and Orientation center(s), for both ve‐ hicular and pedestrian use.
Primary Information Center locations may be along outer perimeter of campus, with map and host rotated, facing into campus.
Center size and functions may be determined at a later date.
Show location of Information Center on website maps.
Pedestrian oriented locations to be strategically located, for both exterior and interior.
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SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
Center could make use of pin‐up boards for student postings.
Lighting for legibility and design for safety to be con‐ sidered.
Vehicular Wayfinding
Consistent sequencing, design, and messaging around campus are needed.
Multiple sign sizes to be considered, due to different speed limits around campus.
Current multi‐colored sign program needs to be revis‐ ited, in order to simplify the wayfinding, as well as strengthen the TSTC brand.
Directing to Visitor parking needs to have more of a priority.
Sign face and letter sizing to be larger.
Color methodology to be established.
Location, and orientation, of each sign to be positioned to have greatest visibility.
Off‐Campus Vehicular Wayfinding
Each surrounding Freeway needs a TxDot‐style, exit notification sign for approaching visitor’s notice ‐‐ cur‐ rently being requested by TSTC at this time.
Each surrounding primary thoroughfare from Freeway to college boundaries, need secondary TxDot wayfind‐ ing directionals, located at intervals, as to prevent gaps in the approach pathway.
TxDot style “Street next signal” signs may be useful along Hwy 499, to announce upcoming campus entry streets, in advance.
Parking area Identification
Website and on campus map color methodology can define parking areas better.
Wayfinding and Identification signs could make use of the international Parking “P” Symbol, and blue back‐ ground, as a quick visual identifier.
For visitors, it is unclear where they are able to park without being ticketed. Identifying Visitor parking should have more of a priority.
Parking lot identification, or naming, is suggested, and should be determined by TSTC Police Department.
Pedestrian Wayfinding
Consistent sequencing, design, throughout campus is needed.
Buildings with public events need pedestrian wayfind‐ ing from parking areas.
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and
messaging
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
Legible message sizes and hierarchy is needed for dif‐ ferentiating buildings from departments.
South campus – pedestrian wayfinding was not ob‐ served.
Building Identification ‐ Freestanding
Content, messaging and graphics to be reviewed, as a means to improve the wayfinding, branding, building and department identification.
Legible message sizes and hierarchy is needed for dif‐ ferentiating building from departments.
Consistent messaging methodology is needed through‐ out system.
Explore removable panel system as a means to meet changeability needs.
Pedestrian Wayfinding
Consistent sequencing, design, throughout campus is needed.
and
messaging
Buildings with public events need pedestrian wayfind‐ ing from parking areas.
Legible message sizes and hierarchy is needed for dif‐ ferentiating buildings from departments.
Building Identification – On Facade
South campus – pedestrian wayfinding was not ob‐ served.
Building Identification lettering locations and color were inconsistent throughout.
Due to unforeseen name changes, freestanding Building Identification signs are recommended at primary en‐ trances, in lieu of façade naming.
Secondary entrances could receive secondary identifica‐ tion sign types to identify building, and/or other spe‐ cific entrances to departments.
For departments with a direct access doorway, or store‐ front, from the campus, a criteria is recommended for creating consistent identification and branding.
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SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING Temporary Signage ‐ Student Postings
Street Identification
Explore opportunities to prevent cluttered student in‐ formation by introducing pin‐up hosts in determined exterior and/or interior locations.
Recently upgraded campus street identification signs are a nice place‐making device.
Explore opportunities to prevent cluttered temporary vehicular oriented information signs, by introducing lo‐ cation criteria throughout the campus.
South portion of campus streets, in and around hous‐ ing, need updating to match north campus signs.
Student Housing
The existing housing identification signing of façade mounted naming appears to be working well, but there is room for improvement.
There is an opportunity for a freestanding identification sign type that would visually connect the housing areas with the TSTC campus, while supporting the brand.
Individual unit identification nomenclature (i.e.: M) design could resemble the campus building identifica‐ tion design.
Pageantry
Sports Complexes
Different sports areas lack school identification, brand‐ ing or place‐making opportunities.
Rules and regulations were not visible.
Portable concession stand is opportunity for school branding.
Storytelling Opportunities
Informative storytelling applications were not ob‐ served.
The college could explore opportunities for creating historical storytelling “moments” throughout the cam‐ pus ‐‐ while educating the students and staff and create the opportunity to enrich college spirit and pride.
Moments may be “ah‐ha” facts of the college or histori‐ cal information.
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Pageantry was not observed on site. In strategic loca‐ tions, the college could make use of pageantry as a place‐making device.
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
WAYFINDING APPROACH The college’s wayfinding system requires the prioritization of information in a logical structure of ordered levels. This structuring and editing of information will facilitate the most common or desired user objectives as they traverse the surrounding roadways and campus prop‐ erty. Future sign messaging shall be based on logical or expected groupings and classi‐ fications, time critical information, and pertinence to proximity to available desti‐ nations.
The primary wayfinding objective is to facilitate the efficient flow of visitors, new faculty members and stu‐ dents, to the many destinations on campus, with mini‐ mum confusion.
Wayfinding and/or information kiosks shall be located at decision points along clear, logical vehicular and pedestrian pathways. The locations shall refer to a sign type designation for future message se‐ quencing. • Identify the destinations • Orient the visitors to the environment • Route the visitors properly through the use of hierar‐ chy of information and sign types at appropriate lo‐ cations.
Create a signage and wayfinding plan that provides a solid basis for the de‐ velopment of the future signage identi‐ fication and wayfinding program.
Create an initial environmental graphic voice that will allow the col‐ lege to develop and implement.
Establish general sign location plans that begin to inform the college of campus areas needing nodes of identi‐ fication and wayfinding information.
SIGNAGE . . . A BRAND EXTENSION This environmental graphics program has been created with the existing Texas State Technical College’s graphics stan‐ dards in mind. Through creative, yet rigorous design, the signage program will live in the campus environment, and strengthen the overall Texas State Technical College’s brand.
Typography
Colors
Elements of the Logo
Consistent Materials
Wayfinding Objectives
Fonts
• Periodically reconfirm the visitor’s route. • Celebrate their arrival.
This plan has been prepared as a section in the overall mas‐ ter plan document, and is intended to be used as a spring board for the development of the environmental graphics and wayfinding program. The objectives for this plan are a) to indicate preliminary sign locations per sign types included in this section, b) en‐ courage the combination of vehicular and pedestrian, and finally c) encourage consistent design solutions that will strengthen the Texas State Technical College identity. Preliminary sign locations have been provided for each sign type at key decision points in and around the campus. As the master plan is implemented, sign types may be com‐ bined where sign types occur in same locations. As the program is developed, consistency between the dif‐ ferent sign components themselves, along with the use of materials, colors and typography are encouraged in order to support the graphic framework, or voice, of the Texas State Technical College Harlingen identity.
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890 Palatino Linotype (TTF)
Colors PMS 540
C100 M50 Y0 K50 R20 G40 B85
PMS 222 C20 M95 Y45 K50 R140 G0 B55
White
Logo
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SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING
THE SIGN TYPES
Boundary Markers
Effective signage and wayfinding is an important element in TSTC’s master plan development. The primary goal for each wayfinding sign type is to aid in the efficient flow of visi‐ tors. With the different entrances to the campus, it is im‐ perative that different identification and wayfinding sign types be used at specific locations to route the visitor prop‐ erly, and then reconfirm their route at key decision points.
This section introduces the various wayfinding sign types, their functions and proposed locations. The sign types are presented in the sequence, or order, in which a first time visitor to the campus would experience them. Consistency of the many sign types will be achieved through materials, color, typography and the designs themselves.
The first set of sign types identify campus boundaries and entrances, as a means to celebrate the arrival to the college. The second set of sign types are based on perimeter and interior campus orientation and wayfinding, and are ve‐ hicular and pedestrian kiosks and directionals. Lastly, is the building identification, which also concludes and celebrates the arrival sequence. Note: As the master plan is developed, or implemented, each sign location and configuration may be modified as required by current conditions or needs. • Boundary Markers • Entry Monuments • Vehicular Directionals • Vehicular Orientation Kiosk • Pedestrian Orientation Kiosk • Pedestrian Directional • Building Identification Other sign types, which are not shown in this master plan, but are also important parts of the overall signage program are: 1. Off‐site wayfinding: Signs used for routing visitors through the surrounding streets to the campus. These types range from the interstate directionals to the campus’ perimeter directional signs. 2. Parking Area Identification: Signs used to identify parking lots. 3. Secondary Building Entrance Identification: Exterior building door signs mounted next to door, describing building name and nomenclature. 4. Pageantry: Banners may be used for creating excitement and enthusiasm.
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Secondary Campus Identification
SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING Vehicular Information Kiosk Strategically located just off Hwy 499, this Vehicular Ori‐ ented Information Kiosk will provide campus orientation information to first time visitors, in a curb‐side format.
Standing Seam Roof System
Poured‐in‐place integral colored concrete columns
Water‐tight enclosures with interior illumination
Accent colors for brand support
Isometric cam‐ pus map with al‐ phabetical desti‐ nation index with keyed loca‐ tions.
Back side used for campus post‐ ings, under lock.
Vehicular Directional Located along Hwy 499 and Airport Boulevard, this Pri‐ mary Vehicular Directional is designed for larger / legible message sizes and properly organized information hierar‐ chy.
Stencil cut‐out painted aluminum header panel
Painted aluminum copy panel with reflective vinyl copy
Removable copy panel system
Maximum mes‐ sages per sign face to be five.
Consistent brand colors and mate‐ rials
This Primary sign type may be used to de‐ velop a needed secondary size Vehicular Directional, with similar design features. Refer to location plan for Primary and Secondary sign locations.
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SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING Pedestrian Orientation Kiosk Located between the parking areas and pedestrian path‐ ways leading into the heart of the campus, this Pedestrian Oriented Information Kiosk will provide campus orienta‐ tion information to first time visitors.
Standing Seam Roof System
Poured‐in‐place integral colored concrete columns
Water‐tight enclosures with interior illumination
Accent colors for brand support
Isometric campus map with alphabetical destination index with keyed locations.
Back side used for campus postings, under lock.
Pedestrian Directional Located throughout the campus, this Primary Pedestrian Directional is designed for legible message sizes and prop‐ erly organized information hierarchy. Location and orienta‐ tion of each sign is very important.
Stencil cut‐out painted aluminum header panel
Painted aluminum copy panel with reflective vinyl copy
Removable copy panel system
Maximum messages per sign face to be five.
Consistent brand colors and materials
Non‐illuminated
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SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING Primary Building Identification
PHASING PLAN
Located at primary building entrances, this Primary Build‐ ing Identification is designed to identify the building name and identifier.
The overall master plan has described an implementation plan that breaks the campus into segments. Upon review of the segments, the following items may be considered as part of the implementation program. (Refer to the partial phas‐ ing plan, next page)
Stencil cut‐out painted aluminum header panel
Painted aluminum copy panel with reflective vinyl copy
Removable copy panel system
Maximum messages per sign face to be five.
Consistent brand colors and materials
Removable panel system
Implementation Plan ‐ Partial Phasing Refer to architectural implementation plan, for phased co‐ ordination items shown. Project
Sign Implementation
1A
Entrance Monument
3A
Vehicular Information Kiosk
4.
Boundary Markers and Vehicular Directionals
5.
Pedestrian Kiosk
6
Round‐about Graphics
12.
Water Feature Graphics
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SIGNAGE & WAYFINDING With the exception of the mentioned phased signage items, which could be installed with the individual segments, a full sign type implementation program is recommended in the following possible phases: A. Full Campus Implementation B. North Side First Implementation C. South Side Second Implementation If either the A or the B implementation program is selected, the following sign type order is recommended: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Vehicular Wayfinding Vehicular Orientation Kiosk Pedestrian Directionals Pedestrian Kiosks Building Identification Boundary markers Secondary Monuments
Surrounding Area As future development is planned along Hwy 499, in the South Campus area, it is imperative that the future signage programs of the developments be compatible with this envi‐ ronmental graphics master plans goals and vision for Texas State Technical College. Not only should the signage programs meet city and state code requirements, but non‐academic or commercial devel‐ opments shall also be considerate of the planned aesthetics and locations of the TSTC program, as not to compete or interfere.
Concluding Remarks This environmental graphics and wayfinding plan provides a road map that combines the long range planning by Broaddus and Associates’ with the present day needs. Particular phasing of the program will need to be deter‐ mined and aligned with future funding. A cohesive imple‐ mentation plan needs to be determined in order to prevent fragmented routing, identification and orientation messag‐ ing that would defeat in primary goal of providing a posi‐ tive visitor experience. As the master plan implementation progresses, each way‐ finding element will need to be studied and developed to determine the design details, most visible locations as well as the clearest messaging. Messages, locations, materials, color and typography are integral in providing a strong brand identity for TSTC.
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GUIDELINES
SITE & BUILDING GUIDELINES Site and Materials The existing architectural character of the North Campus is a mix of WWII vintage structures and relatively simple utili‐ tarian buildings. The older buildings will be demolished during the course of the 10‐Year Plan and will help strengthen the campus character. The campus’s primary buildings utilize a light tan‐colored sand‐faced brick that is attractive, durable and yields a positive consistency throughout. Earlier buildings are mostly one‐story with flat roofs and parapets, and have a distinctive detail of rounded corners or colored tile stringcourses. Later buildings are two‐story with sloping metal roofs. Occasional features such as the tall vaulted roof of the Semiconductor Building (M), the space frame canopy entrance to the engineering technol‐ ogy center (S) and the LRC colonnade enliven the otherwise austere architectural character. New campus building types will include various building types: academic classrooms, laboratories, shops, office and housing. Building configuration should align with and rein‐ force existing street and block geometry and in all cases should include extensive use of the campus brick for the exterior wall surfaces. The brick detailing can be minimal but include small amounts of other materials similar to the glazed color tile stringcourses and painted stucco archi‐ traves at parapets. Pierced window openings are recom‐ mended in brick walls in instead of ribbon glass assemblies. Low E coated window and door glass diminishes the need for shading, although glazing orientation and adjacent land‐ scaping should be considered.
Building and Roof Forms One‐story buildings should have flat or low‐slope roofs and parapets and generally avoid exposed pitched roofs. Pitched roof forms are acceptable for two‐story buildings and wide overhangs for colonnades and shading glass. The use of painted stucco on two‐story buildings above a one‐story brick datum, as seen at the LRC, is acceptable as long as the stucco surface is no more than two‐thirds of the upper‐level wall surface. A desirable alternate is a glass window wall system at the second level with cantilevered or braced shad‐ ing.
Façade Articulation Primary building entrances should be articulated through scale, use of special materials and provide protection from sun and rain. All egress openings should be accessible and rationally connect internal and external circulation paths. Service areas need to be functional but also maintain the building design aesthetic as existing buildings and future building sites are surrounded by public areas.
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GUIDELINES
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Plant Materials
Landscape, aesthetic and amenities improvement projects should have a consistent theme, character and level of qual‐ ity throughout the campus, regardless of the actual design of specific implementation projects. Plant materials should be used to establish an overall campus character, and to reinforce the character and theme of the individual im‐ provement projects. Plant selection is central to this feature of the landscape designs. All trees, shrubs, groundcover, and blooming plants selected for use on the campus should not only prescribe to the design requirements of each im‐ provement project, but should also perform in a manner that will not require management and maintenance atten‐ tion that is beyond the capabilities or available time for campus maintenance staff.
Landscape plantings should be uniform and consistent. Texas Sabal Palms (Sabal texana) are the preferred variety to use on campus, and should be planted on close centers to establish a vertical character when used. Other large trees to consider in plantings throughout the campus include: Live Oak trees (Quercus virgiania); Willow Oak (Quercus nigra), Willow Oak (Quercus phellos), Monterey Oak (Quercus polymorpha), Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis), Coolibah Tree (Eucalyptus mocrotheca), Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), Anaquas (Ehretia anaqua), Royal Poinciana (Delonix regia), Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosafolia).
In the same vein, all pedestrian pavements improvements should establish a character and quality that can be emu‐ lated elsewhere on the campus on other projects and throughout implementation of the 10 Year Plan. Pavements should evoke a better than average finish and appearance, be durable, and have low maintenance requirements throughout their service life on the campus. Pre‐cast pavers, or colored and textured concrete might be used sparingly, in strategic locations, to highlight or frame new paving sys‐ tems and to add emphasis and reinforcement to the new paving areas. Regular paving, most likely concrete because of its relatively low initial cost of installation compared to other types of paving, verses its ease of maintenance and long service life, might be installed with special finishes that add flair and character to the pavement systems. Examples of better than average finishes for concrete paving include concrete with tooled joints over a broomed concrete finish (a WPA finish), patterned broom finishes, rock salt finishes, sand blasted finishes, or any number of other finish tech‐ niques that impart an above average look to standard con‐ crete. Light fixtures, light poles, bollards, and sight furnishings such as benches, trash receptacles and bike racks should all have a consistent look and finish to establish the character that will become TSTC Harlingen. These elements might take clues from the new signage system on the campus in their final design form. In addition, the final designs for benches, trash receptacles, bollards and other suitable items, might be devised by some of the vocational technology classes on the campus, and actually constructed by students as a part of their class work.
Texas Sabal Palms
Live Oak
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GUIDELINES
Royal Poinciana
Medium size trees and ornamental trees that are deirable for use include: Golden Rain Trees (Koelreuteria panniculata); Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Desert Willow (Chilopsis lin‐ earis), Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), Chinese Pis‐ tache (Pistacia chinensis), Drake Elm (Ulmus parvifolia), and Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana).
As mentioned previously in this report, paving materials can make a drastic impact on campus character and image. Pre‐cast concrete pavers, or colored and textured concrete paving should be used in strategic locations to highlight campus features of call attention to a specific area on cam‐ pus. To ensure consistency in the final product and result of the paver installations, suggested concrete paver materials include those manufactured by the Pavestone Company. To establish a consistent texture, color, and pattern throughout the campus, the selected Pavestone product would be ‘Hol‐ land Stone’ pavers, in standard thicknesses. Preferred colors are ‘Antique Red’, or ‘Oaks Blend’.
Paving Materials
Contact information for pavers: Luke Kimble, Pavestone Companies; (512) 558‐7283.
Chinese Wisteria
Golden Rain Tree
Preferred vining plants include: Chinese Wisteria (Wisteria chinensis), Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans), Coral Honey‐ suckle (Lonicera sempervirens), Hardy Cross Vine (Bigno‐ nia capreolata), Queen’s Wreath or Coral Vine (Antigonon leptopus), Grape vines (Vitis sp.) , or even selected species of ever blooming, grandiflora climbing roses. Groundcovers and perennial plants should be hardy, drought resistant, and should frequently bloom throughout the growing season.
Holland Stone Pavers
Holland Stone Paver Patterns 110
GUIDELINES Plain concrete paving should have a finish that is beyond the standard broomed and jointed finish. Concrete paving typically has a broom finish applied when it is still wet, dur‐ ing the curing process, and then joints saw‐cut into the con‐ crete after it has been allowed to harden for a few days. The preferred finish for new concrete paving across the campus is to have all jointing applied or installed after the broom finish has been applied to new concrete paving (CCC or WPA Finish), while it is still wet. This approach imparts a higher degree of finish on the concrete paving, and actually establishes a pattern that is visible, but not
Parking Area/Vehicular/Roadway Light Standards: Parking area, vehicular and roadway light standards should be selected to match the pedestrian light standards.
Concrete Paving with WPA Finish
Site Furnishing Materials and Products Like the selection of landscape and paving materials, site furnishings go a long way toward establishing a consistent character and high level of quality on the campus. To that end, the following materials are suggested for use in im‐ plementing the campus master plan improvement projects. Lighting Standards Light standards are potentially the most consistent and un‐ obtrusive amenity elements to be used on the campus. Light standards should be durable, economical, and be sized to reinforce the scale of their application. Light standards should be Preferred light standards include:
Site Furniture Site furnishings are the most visible reinforcement to consis‐ tent character and style throughout a project. The main dif‐ ference between furnishings and other campus amenity elements is that site furnishings come in direct contact with users and every day. In addition, the furnishings on any project are often used in ways they were not designed for, and are subjected to encounters with the public that often borders on abuse. For this reason, the site furnishings se‐ lected for use on the campus should be extremely durable, as well as stylish and good looking. Selected campus fur‐ nishings include: Benches
Pedestrian Light Standards: TSTC has begun replacing existing pedestrian light fixtures throughout the campus with a pedestrian light fixture com‐ posed of Lithonia lamps on top of Whatley fiberglass poles. Future fixture installations should comply with this current standard.
Selected Manufacturer: Wabash Valley Manufacturing Products: Estate Benches with backs and aluminum slat seating surfaces (ES400/ES401 – 8 foot bench (2, 4‐foot sec‐ tions) with back. Finishes: Baked on powder coat finish in dark bronze color. Contact: Wabash Valley, Inc., (800) 253‐8619
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GUIDELINES
Bike Racks
Selected Manufacturer: Wabash Valley Manufacturing, Inc.
Products: 36‐inch Bike Loop (BL100)
Finishes: Baked on powder coat finish in dark bronze color.
Contact: Wabash Valley, Inc., (800) 253‐8619
Trash Receptacles
Selected Manufacturer: Wabash Valley Manufacturing, Inc.
Products: Estate Trash Can (Model LR300) with Dome Lid (DT100)
Finishes: Baked on powder coat finish in dark bronze color. Contact: Wabash Valley, Inc., (800) 253‐8619
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