(March 31, 2017) – – In late January 2017, the UTSA Office of Research Support approached the Office of Facilities with a request to renovate existing space in the North Paseo Building for the newly assigned U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL). However, there was a challenge; complete the project by March 1, 2017.
With less than a month to complete the renovation, the Facilities Construction Team (FCT), under the leadership of Roy Garza, Senior Project Manager, accepted the challenge and immediately got to work. Undeterred by the short month of February, the FCT worked diligently to remove existing walls and doors, seal openings, and install new walls, door frames, doors, hardware, furniture, electrical, and lighting.
When asked how they were able to accomplish so much in such a short time, Roy responded with “We used all the tools at our disposal, we purchased furniture from our vendor’s in-stock catalog, and ordered carpet from a quick ship vendor for fast delivery.” In the end, the three offices and 2,240 square feet of lab space were completed by the deadline.
Thanks to their outstanding teamwork and determination to finish the renovation on time, Roy and the team (Matt May, Mark Ottinger, Michael Cole, Mike Fernandez, Arnold Villafranco, Freddie Robinson and James Pendleton) ensured the ARL was able to move in on March 1, 2017. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on March 6, 2017 to welcome the ARL to UTSA and acknowledge the exceptional collaboration between departments.
