(August 30, 2021) — UTSA Facilities is excited to announce the completion of the first-floor restroom renovations at the John Peace Library (JPL). The year-long makeover to improve the original restrooms in the first-floor included an impressive top to bottom upgrade for both the men’s and women’s restrooms, along with the addition of a new lactation room and an all-gender restroom. Together, improvements will help support UTSA’s growth and create a more inclusive work and academic environment.
Built in 1976, these restrooms were part of the original John Peace Library construction. Prior to this project, these locations had dated finishes, original tile and limited capacity. New improvements aimed to transform the high-used spaces with a modern contemporary look and increased capacity.
(JPL first level men’s restroom renovations)
(JPL first level men’s restroom renovations)
“We are very proud to reveal the transformative makeover of these central restrooms,” said Paul Goodman, UTSA’s Associate Vice President for Facilities. “This complete remodel, along with a lactation room and an all-gender restroom, are just a few of the many projects we completed at the John Peace Library. These changes improve the physical environment to meet the diverse needs of our Roadrunners.”
The half million-dollar renovation project began in early March and was executed by the Facilities project management team in partnership with Sullivan Contracting Services and designers at Chesney Morales Partners, Inc. Renovations included new tile, light fixtures, partitions, sinks, lavatories, and counter tops. New plumbing lines and water closets were also part of the project.
As a growing institution serving over 34,000 students, UTSA knew these restrooms needed a makeover to keep up with the bold growth. This project marks the completion of a multi-year effort to improve the largest restrooms in the core buildings to better serve students. “These large restrooms now have increased capacity to serve high-traffic areas, such as the library and the food court. Renovations also included new plumbing infrastructure and hands-free fixtures,” says Goodman.
Hands-free faucets, soap and paper towel dispensers were added to both restrooms. These motion sensor appliances will further reduce contact for COVID-19. The goal is to keep our Roadrunners as healthy and safe as possible!
(Motion sensor faucets in the women’s’ restroom)
Prior to the restroom renovations, hallway space between them was used to create an all-gender restroom and lactation room. The $315,000 project was created to provide safe, private facilities that enable a more inclusive environment for our UTSA community. The lactation room will support mothers that are balancing work or school loads while the all-gender restroom will create a safe judgement-free space to people of all genders and sexes. Both projects have been completed as of March 2021 and will further enhance UTSA’s inclusive-friendly environment.
(Inside the new JPL lactation room)
The first-floor restrooms along with the all-gender restroom and lactation room are now open to Roadrunners!
To stay up to date with how Facilities is improving the physical environment, follow UTSA Facilities on Instagram and Twitter, or visit our project page.