May 18th, 2018 by Jeanette Scarsdale
What started as a single project for DBR to upgrade the parking lot lighting for the South Texas College’s campuses has grown into a close working relationship that’s resulted in nine additional projects over the last four years.
In May of 2015, DBR’s McAllen team began working on two STC projects simultaneously. The team started off with the design of a new $4.4 million Central Thermal Plant that would be the start of STC’s Mid-Valley Campus’ expansion in Weslaco, TX. DBR served as the Prime consultant to consolidate three independent systems into a single water-cooled thermal plant and chilled water distribution system to serve multiple building expansions and one new building.
In that same month, design started on a new $14 million Health Profession and Science Building. DBR worked with ROFA Architects to create a new home for the nursing and health science programs, with nearly 70,000 sq. ft. of classrooms and laboratories. Later that summer, DBR and ROFA joined forces again to kick off a third project. The $3 million expansion of the Student Services Building added 20,000 sq. ft. of space for a new cafeteria, staff offices, and a new enrollment center.
The new central thermal plant was completed in November 2017 and serves the new building and the new addition, which both wrapped up construction in early 2018. South Texas College held a ribbon cutting ceremony and a tour open to the public to celebrate the completion of the Mid-Valley Campus expansion on April 26th.
DBR has had the opportunity to lead projects and work directly with STC’s leadership and work collaboratively alongside architects as a sub-consultant to help transform the Mid-Valley Campus. The projects that have been completed over the last four years are expected to result in greater energy efficiency and lower operating costs for the campus, and more importantly, better learning environments and educational opportunities for the surrounding communities.