GMI Contributes to Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center Expansion

(Newswire.net — January 22, 2015) Bryan, TEXAS — A mechanical contractor serving commercial, industrial, and health care clients in Texas since 1988, Garrett Mechanical, Inc. has provided its services for the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. The project has involved several upgrades throughout the facility. It also required the relocation of an underground chilled water service. This phase involved the installation of 30 inch and 24 inch supply and return lines that serve San Antonio Water System facilities including both the Convention Center and the Alamo Dome.

The Convention Center upgrade, expected to be completed in 2016, will upgrade the facility with nearly 727,000 square feet of new construction. About 78,000 square feet of existing space will also be renovated. To feature 70 meeting spaces and new ballroom, the center will also have an improved circulation system. The oldest part of the facility will be demolished while a newer section along the San Antonio River will feature the additional West Entry Lobby.

To accommodate the expansion, GMI was contracted to upgrade electric, water, sewer, chilled water, steam, and data communication utilities. Market Street was realigned, from Bowie Street to I-37, as part of the expansion. It will run parallel to Commerce Street while a pedestrian walkway will be built on this road under I-37. This aspect of the project had to be coordinated with a revised construction schedule for the overall facility.

“We are pleased to be the contractor of choice for the convention center expansion project,” Larry Garrett, Vice-President of GMI, said. “It is a complex project involving several utilities and upgrades, thus requires our experience handling demanding projects in the area. After all, we employ 250 of the most professional and experienced craftsmen in the industry.”

While two lanes reopened on Market Street this past August, the two lanes closest to the convention facility will remain closed for the duration of the project. Drivers now have access to Tower of the Americas Way leading into Commerce Street and I-37.

The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center expansion is well within the scope of GMI’s capabilities. The contractor has taken on landmark projects such as the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum and the University of Texas Health Science Center. It has also led major projects at local hospitals, clinics, and laboratories.

For more information about GMI and the current renovation and upgrades to the convention center facility in San Antonio, visit the company online at http://garrettmechanical.com/.