Phase I of University of Georgia Science Hill Renovation Complete

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Scientist working on colorful test tube to analysis and develop vaccine of covid-19 virus in lab or laboratory in technology medical, chemistry, healthcare, research concept. Experimental science testStudents at the University of Georgia are set to begin to their second semester of instruction and collaboration in a newly renovated chemistry building. The spruced-up structure is just one part of a multi-phase plan to modernize the research and instruction facilities on the school’s Science and Ag Hill.

The Project Beginnings

While the University of Georgia held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the completion of the first phase of renovations Oct. 30, 2024, the idea for the project stretches back much further than that. After building the Science Learning Center in 2016 and two interdisciplinary STEM buildings in 2021 and 2022, the University set its sights on improving and modernizing the existing academic structures on Science and Ag Hill.

In the 2022 state legislative session, Georgia lawmakers approved $49 million in funding for the renovation of 186,000 square feet of laboratory space between two existing structures in that area of campus. The first phase would focus on Cedar Street Building C, which was originally the school’s chemistry building.

A Modern Space for Research and Innovation

Renovation work, which was overseen by Holder Construction, began in Jan. 2023 and was completed in summer 2024, allowing students to begin using the facility in the fall semester. The initial structure, which had been in use since 1960, was overdue for a renovation.

The process started with a complete internal demolition. The old interior was replaced with more than 100,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory and support spaces that have provided a new home for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences’ entomology department as well as the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences’ microbiology and cellular biology departments.

The New Amenities and Beyond

Cedar Street Building C now features open laboratories, microscopy rooms, walk-in environmental chambers, plant growth spaces, and insect containment facilities. Meanwhile, the new conference rooms, workspaces, faculty offices, and administrative suites are designed to promote collaborative research.

Phase II of the Science and Ag Hill modernization project, which began in the fall, will include the renovation of the former Biological Sciences Building, now Cedar Stret Building B, which is the university’s largest mid-century science facility.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the University of Georgia Science and Ag Hill modernization project. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

 

Hopkins Bloomberg Center Brings Students into the Heart of the Nation’s Capital

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Pennsylvania Avenue towards United States Capitol Congress building on National Mall in Washington, D.C.For the past three semesters, students, faculty, and staff from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies have learned, taught, and completed research at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. This new academic building is located at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue in the heart of Washington D.C., allowing the prestigious Baltimore-based university to establish a foothold in the nation’s capital. The process to make this happen started with a fairly noteworthy closure announcement more than five years ago.

The Purchase and Planning Process

In Jan. 2019, Johns Hopkins announced that it had purchased the building at 555 Pennsylvania Avenue, which housed the Newseum at that time, for $372.5 million. The museum, which was dedicated to news and journalism, closed by the end of that year. That’s when the university and the D.C. government got to work planning the large-scale renovation.

Because of the building’s location in the historic Pennsylvania Avenue Plan boundaries, the project was highly regulated. The proposed design from Ennead Architects had to be reviewed and approved by the National Capital Planning Commission, Commission of Fine Arts, the National Park Service, and the General Services Administration, which represents Congress. Innovo Construction oversaw the renovation, which sustainably repurposed the existing space.

The Finished Product

The Hopkins Bloomberg Center was completed in 2023 and welcomed students in August of that year. Students, faculty, and staff from the School of Advanced International Studies now occupy the 435,000 square foot building, which is equipped with 38 adaptable classrooms, numerous flexible learning and gathering spaces, a state-of-the-art 375-seat theatre, lounges, several roof terraces with a view of Pennsylvania Avenue, an art gallery, an enhanced streetscape, and spaces for a future restaurant and café. The building also hosts students from the Carey Business School, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Peabody Institute, and the School of Government and Policy, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration.

An Ideal Location

What better place to teach and train the future civic leaders of the world than the heart of Washington D.C.? The Hopkins Bloomberg Center is just a few minutes’ walk from the White House, United States Capitol, Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, Department of Energy, and the National Mall. The event spaces throughout the building allow for collaborations, discussions, speaking events, and public forums with policymakers, newsmakers, journalists, researchers, and other notable figures from around D.C.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Hopkins Bloomberg Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

 

Academic Village at UC Law San Francisco Boosted by The Academe at 198

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Law school students standing outside of a building, holding booksThe Academic Village at UC Law San Francisco has a luxurious new addition: The Academe at 198. This mixed-use building features housing for students, faculty, and staff, in addition to academic space. The school, formerly known as Hastings College of Law, has brought together students and professionals from across the Bay area to work and live in this Downtown San Francisco collaborative space. This project was just one part of a multi-phase plan to expand the school’s “Academic Village.”  

Project Background 

The first phase of the Academic Village project was the Cotchett Law Center, the college’s first new academic building in four decades. The six-story, 57,000 square foot structure features state-of-the-art smart classrooms, offices, and a Sky Deck which overlooks City Hall. It was dedicated in Aug. 2020 and named after distinguished alumnus Joseph W. Cotchett ’64.  

Just a few weeks later, the school announced that it had secured $364 million in financing for the construction of The Academe at 198, which was to take the place of the recently demolished Snodgrass Hall. Greystar oversaw a project team that included general contractor Build Group, landscape architect CMG, lighting designer HLB, civil engineer Langan, telecom operator Teecom, structural engineer Rutherford + Chekene and MEP engineers Taylor Engineering and The Engineering Enterprise. The project cost $282 million in total, was completed in 2024 and the building is now occupied by students and staff.  

The Academe at 198 Amenities  

The 14-story, 365,000 square foot structure features 656 units and 667 beds for UC Law SF students, faculty, and staff, as well as students from nearby colleges. The units come in a variety of sizes: efficiency (232 square feet), studio (275), one bedroom (397), and two bedroom (568).  

Beyond just housing, the property includes 43,000 square feet of office and academic space operated by UC Law. This includes an incubator for start-up tech firms, an event space called LexLab, classrooms, an auditorium, and mock trial and appellate courtrooms for instruction purposes. Residents and other UC Law students can enjoy a seventh-floor indoor/outdoor lounge, an enclosed courtyard with patio seating, a café, and 8,000 square feet of commercial retail space on the ground floor.  

What’s Next? 

The third phase of The Academic Village Expansion will be a renovation and structural upgrade of the college’s 28-story Tower at 100 McAllister Street. The fourth and final component is the redevelopment of the properties at 201-247 Golden Gate Avenue, which will feature academic and residential facilities, in addition to other offices.  

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of The Academe at 198. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system. 

Four Seasons Adds Luxury to Nashville’s SoBro District

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A view of Nashville from the Cumberland River The City of Nashville has seen consistent growth and new construction over the past decade and the South of Broadway (SoBro) District is no exception. One recent example is the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences, which opened nearly two years ago. This luxury complex adds yet another layer of beauty and sophistication to this thriving neighborhood. The incredibly large structure took more than three years to complete and is now a staple in the SoBro Neighborhood.

Project Origins

In March 2019, Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts made a joint announcement with the real estate investment and development firm Congress Group and AECOM Capital that the hotel and private residences would be coming to downtown Nashville. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in June 2019. The new building would be located along the Cumberland River, just a short distance from Nissan Stadium, West Riverfront Park, and Broadway, among many other attractions. General Contractor Aecom Hunt topped out the tower in May 2021 and the project was complete in Nov. 2022.

The Four Seasons Hotel

The Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences is difficult to miss, as it stands at an impressive 40 stories. It features 235 hotel guest rooms and suites, a full-service spa, a resort-style pool deck, modern event spaces, and a chef-driven restaurant and bar concept. Guests are treated to an unforgettable, panoramic view of the city and river, as well as an interior design that celebrates the local Nashville heritage and craftsmanship.

As a result of the hotel’s connection with the local arts scene, guests can choose to purchase the “Suite Sounds package” which is an opportunity to meet and spend time with music industry professionals in an intimate setting.

Meanwhile, the Four Seasons is also an excellent meeting space for groups of all sizes. There are two divisible ballrooms and a half-dozen additional meeting rooms located on the fifth floor. These rooms are highlighted by their soaring ceilings and full-wall windows as well as their open layouts and understated backdrops.

The Private Residences

If a few nights aren’t enough, there is a long-term option available in the form of private residences. There are 144 of these condos, but demand is high. In fact, the company sold more than $300 million worth of presales by Feb. 2022. By the time the building opened, all six half-floor penthouses had sold for a collective $57.5 million.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Nashville Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Junto Hotel Provides Gathering Space in Columbus’ Franklinton

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The Skyline of Columbus, OHThe Junto – the first independent hotel in the city of Columbus, Ohio – has provided a gathering space over the past year-plus in a historically underdeveloped neighborhood. It’s not designed like most other hotels, providing a place for people to come together rather than just a place to stay, and it’s become a major part of the redevelopment of the Franklinton neighborhood.

The Hotel and Its Amenities

The Junto is an eight-story structure that holds 198 rooms, in addition to a wide variety of gathering places. Plans for the project date back to 2019. Locally owned hotel company Rockbridge and operator Makeready collaborated to bring this independent venture to Columbus. GWS partners oversaw the construction work while JNS handled the architecture and interior design work. The hotel opened its doors in summer 2023 and has been a popular destination ever since.

Those who are looking for something to eat at The Junto will have quite a few choices. Guests and locals can enjoy breakfast at Maudine’s, which features a deep menu of coffee varieties. There’s also the Little West Tavern, which is a wood-hearth restaurant and bar where patrons can catch a game on one of the several televisions. Night owls can enjoy the Brass Eye – a rooftop bar with a lengthy cocktail menu and gorgeous views of downtown. And anyone looking for a midnight snack can hit up the Little West poutine window.

A Nod to the Neighborhood’s History

Franklinton, located across the Scioto River from Downtown Columbus, is actually older than the city itself. It was originally founded in 1797 and named after founding father Benjamin Franklin. In fact, “The Junto” is named after a club Franklin himself founded back in 1727. The Spanish phrase translate to “together”, which is appropriate given the vibe at the hotel.

Guests are encouraged to gather with one another in the lobby, which goes by the name “The Trade Room.” It’s a place for locals and visitors to work, socialize, or even start their day with a nice breakfast. There’s also an expansive patio featuring a large fireplace.

Revitalizing Franklinton

While Franklinton has a rich history, it fell on hard times near the end of last century. In the early 1980’s, the federal government declared the area a flood plain. This led to new rules that essentially stopped building and investment in the neighborhood, which became known for crime and poverty. In 2004, a large flood wall along the Scioto River was completed, leading to more development in the neighborhood. The Junto is joined by new restaurants, offices, apartments, and other new projects in the newly revitalized Franklinton.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of The Junto. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Kiewit Luminarium Makes Science More Accessible in Omaha

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Omaha in bright lightsThe Kiewit Luminarium is the jewel of Omaha’s ongoing reimagining of its Riverfront. The new science center opened just over a year ago and has been in the business of educating and entertaining people of all ages ever since. This impressive structure is the result of multiple years of planning and construction. In that time, key stakeholders came together to create an environment that has been called a space to “dream, play, wonder, experiment, and consider something new.”

Planning and Construction

The planning process for this structure began late last decade. Despite being a city of nearly a half-million people, Omaha didn’t have a major museum dedicated solely to science.

The first step was to acquire the appropriate funding. Heritage Services, a local philanthropy organization that has been a major part of many Omaha civic projects over the years, was responsible for raising the $101 million sum that it took to construct the project.

Meanwhile, Kiewit, a local construction and engineering firm with global reach, oversaw the construction work. The firm, which is also the namesake for the center, made a significant donation to the project.

The Exploratorium, Heritage Services, and architecture firm HDR partnered to bring this project to fruition. The construction work began in fall 2020 and continued for about two years. The Kiewit Luminarium held its grand opening on April 15, 2023. The 82,000 square foot structure already held 120 interactive exhibits at the time of its opening and has the potential to host even more.

“We are proud to be partners in making science accessible to Omaha and the surrounding region through playful, inquiry-driven experiences,” Anne Richardson, the Exploratorium’s Chief Global Officer said to local media. “Kiewit Luminarium embodies the values and aspirations of the surrounding communities and the ways in which science, technology, engineering, and math are integrated into their lives. We can’t wait to see visitors engage with the exhibits and discover new ways of seeing the world.”

An Accessible Museum

The interactive exhibits and programs held at Kiewit Luminarium are designed for anyone from children to senior citizens to enjoy., although there are “Nite Lite” events held each Thursday night for adults only. However, people of all ages can enjoy a meal any time at “Fig”, the museum’s café.

The center offers a membership program that has options for individuals, couples, families, grandparents, and educators. There are also discounted full family memberships available. Additionally, the museum is working with local community groups to offer free memberships to the economically disadvantaged.

The Exhibits and More

Many of the exhibits in the Kiewit Luminarium reflect the history and culture of Omaha. This includes the connection to the fields of construction, agriculture, and finance, as well as its relationship to the local Missouri River. Visitors to the museum can learn more about math concepts like financial literacy and immersive geometry; applied technology in the fields of farming, clothing design, and city design; and can view a series of original short documentaries covering STEM-related work.

Riverfront Redevelopment

The Kiewit Luminarium is just one part of the larger Omaha reimagined Riverfront. So far, more than $400 million has been poured into redeveloping Lewis & Clark Landing – the northernmost component of The Missouri Riverfront. It is located just east of the CHI Health Center Omaha Arena and Convention Center and near the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. This area has undergone radical change over the past four years, being transformed into a destination recreation area. In addition to the luminarium, the area is now home to extensive green space, a destination playground, a sandy urban beach with fire pits, volleyball courts, and more.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the Kiewit Luminarium. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

First Academic Year Complete at Purdue’s Dudley and Lambertus Halls

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Screw and Nuts on graph paper background

Students at Purdue University’s Polytechnic Institute and College of Engineering recently completed their first academic year in the newly constructed Dudley and Lambertus Halls. The two halls make up the Engineering and Polytechnic Gateway Complex, shared by Purdue Polytechnic and the College of Engineering. This new facility has brought these two groups of students together in hopes of fostering collaboration for years to come.

“I know our Polytechnic faculty, staff and students are proud to work and learn here,” Purdue Polytechnic Dean Daniel Castro said at a dedication ceremony in April 2023. “I also believe this facility marks a major inflection point, [and I am] thrilled about partnering with and sharing this facility with the College of Engineering. There will be [opportunities] for collaboration among faculty and students that I wish existed when I was an engineering student here 20 years ago.”

The genesis of this collaboration took place for more than five years. Here’s the key information on the process and the project.

Planning and Construction

The Purdue University Board of Trustees approved the project back in the middle of 2019 and construction began in early 2020. First came the demolition of two previous academic buildings – the Nuclear Engineering Building and Michael Golden Labs, which dated back to 1910. The new facility was then constructed on the space where those structures once stood, and are buttressed by Knoy Hall of Technology, the other major facility dedicated exclusively to the Polytechnic Institute. Construction was completed by April 2023, with the first full semester of classes kicking off in fall of that year.

The planning and construction process featured a collaboration between Ennead as the design partner, Fink Roberts & Petrie as the structural engineer, Schneider Geomatics as the civil engineer, Rundell Ernstberger as the landscape architect, and Shiel Sexton as Construction Manager.

The New Facility

The two halls combine to make up the largest academic building on campus at 255,000 square feet. This massive structure cost the university $140 million to construct, much of which came from donations. Leading donors Bill and Marty Dudley and Peter and Ann Lambertus were honored by having the halls named after them.

Most of the space in the facility is taken up by classrooms, labs, and some academic offices. The purpose of building this gateway complex was to provide more space for lab-centric instructional methods, increase the quality and quantity of lab space, and to bring these labs all together under one roof.

The facility features 14 new polytechnic labs that had no prior equivalent at the university, allowing for totally new, hands-on instruction the university was not previously able to offer. These labs are used by the Schools of Construction Management and Engineering Technology as well as the Departments of Computer Graphics Technology and Computer Information Technology.

State-of-the-Art Equipment

The classroom and laboratory spaces are equipped with the latest and greatest in technology and equipment. For example, the computer graphics technology students have access to powerful Alienware brand desktops, allowing them to run the most complex 3D visualization software. Dudley Hall’s construction laboratory is a complete, modular construction site all located within one facility. The engineering technology’s labs offer equipment for a wide range of subjects, from welding and robotics. The computer and information technology students have access to a cybersecurity lab, which allows them to learn about how federal intelligence agencies and research institutions operate.

Meanwhile, the facility features a “Smart Learning Factory”, which is essentially a lab that allows to students to create physical products all the way from concept to post-manufacturing data analysis.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of Purdue University’s Dudley and Lambertus Halls. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

RLL Racing Thriving in New Corporate Headquarters

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powerful racing car at drag racing start leaves behind smoke of burning tiresRahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL) Racing Team recently began its third season of operation at its new corporate headquarters in Zionsville, Indiana. The state-of-the-art facility was designed to bring the entire RLL team together under one roof, a goal which was ultimately achieved.

The construction project was completed in a timely fashion, with the agreement to build coming in 2019, the announcement in 2020, construction beginning in 2021, and the headquarters open by 2022. Two years later, the new base of operations is thriving, creating jobs, and bringing the employees of RLL Racing together in one facility.

The New Global Headquarters

When RLL was looking to consolidate its operations into one location a few years ago, it chose to do so in the motorsports capital of the world – Indiana. Back in 2019, the team’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES headquarters was located in Brownsburg, Indiana while the International Motor Series Sports Association’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship headquarters was in Dayton, Ohio.

RLL Racing leadership – made up of former INDYCAR driver Bobby Rahal, former late night TV host David Letterman, and entrepreneur Mike Lanigan – chose Zionsville, Indiana as the place to bring the operation together. More specifically, they chose the northeast corner of Creek Way and 106th Street – just about a half-hour drive from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“We are very excited about this project, and excited about being in a park-like setting in Zionsville,” Rahal said in a press release at the time of the announcement. “We feel that this building will make a statement about who we are at RLL and what our intentions are about the future. Having our entire organization based in the Indianapolis area, in Zionsville, is going to be a big plus for our organization.”

A State-of-the-Art Facility

The new 128,466 square foot facility, which sits on a 13-acre piece of land, cost more than $20 million to construct. The massive space has allowed RLL to bring everyone together from leadership to engineering to marketing. A good percentage of the structure is made up of office and event space, but there’s also fitness and training areas, an indoor pit lane practice space, truck bays, and designated areas for automotive research and development as well as light manufacturing.

A race command room equipped with the latest in technology allows key stakeholders from all over the world to remotely view and offer real-time race day assistance. The room is outfitted with several Jupiter Pana monitors that can either act as one large screen or be broken up into many smaller views of locations such as the race car and the pit area, among others.

Other notable features in the building include a 142-foot truss in the lobby, bleacher seating along one of the two sets of monumental stairs, and more than 10,000 pounds of glass covering more than 18,000 square feet of the facility, allowing for uninterrupted views.

Renier Construction served as the general contractor, Archall Architects as the Architect of Record, and Moody Nolan handled the interior design.

About RLL Racing Team

RLL Racing has been a part of the open wheel racing world for more than three decades. They’ve competed in INDYCAR SERIES since 1992, winning the series championship in their inaugural season. They’ve won nearly three dozen races, including two Indy 500 titles, since then.

The team also competed in American Le Mans Series from 2009 to 2013, winning the Manufacturer and Team Championships in the GT category in 2010 and sweeping all three GT titles in 2011. Since 2014, Team RLL has competed in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a two-car program, winning more than two dozen races.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the RLL Racing Team Corporate Headquarters. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Loews Hotel and Convention Center Serves the Arlington Entertainment District

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A large conference room.

A metropolitan center that is thriving like the Arlington, TX Entertainment District needs the proper amenities to serve all the people that flock to the area. The aim of the new Loews Hotel and Convention Center in the area is to do just that. The mammoth hotel can accommodate thousands of guests and can host meetings and events of all sizes.

After a grand opening in February, 2024, the hotel and convention are now fully operational, adding even more attractions to an already booming entertainment district.

A Sizable and Sophisticated Structure

Loews is no stranger to Arlington, having already operated Live! By Loews in the city for several years. But the size and scope of this project dwarfs not only that previous hotel, but all other lodging and meeting spaces in Arlington.

The structure, which was built by JE Dunn Construction, is a 22-story tower, consisting of 888 luxury hotel rooms and 570,000 square feet of convention center space. Three ballrooms of various sizes make up 123,000 square feet of that space. There are also 62,000 square feet dedicated to meeting spaces and resort-style amenities. The facility additionally features 22,580 square feet of commercial kitchen space that can serve up to 25,000 convention guests.

The building is connected to a seven-level parking garage with a capacity of 1,500 cars. Meanwhile, guests can access the Live! By Loews – Arlington Hotel and its 300 guestrooms and meeting space via a skybridge.

A Bevy of Amenities

The meeting spaces at Loews Hotel and Convention Center are far from one-size-fits-all. An expansive event lawn allows for outdoor events of all sizes. Meanwhile, with the largest ballroom in North Texas – the 51,000 square foot Grand Ballroom – the hotel can provide top notch service to as many as 5,000 guests. There are also a range of large and small meeting rooms throughout the premises.

The hotel features five restaurants and lounges including a popular Italian spot called “Farena” which features wood-fired stone pizza ovens and a “Pasta Lab.” Additional dining options include Veranda, an extension of Farena, the poolside Tomar El Sol, the Railbird Coffee Shop, and a lobby bar/lounge. In addition, a pan-Asian fusion restaurant will debut this summer.

Besides rooms and meeting spaces, the hotel features a resort-style beach club with two pools, cabanas, fire pits, a man-made beach, a water slide, and a 100-seat swim-up bar and a spa and fitness center.

The Arlington Entertainment District

The Loews Hotel and Convention Center is more of a necessity than a luxury for Arlington’s Entertainment District, due to the demand caused by rapid growth. The hotel is situated in the epicenter of sports and entertainment in North Texas. It is centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, only 10 minutes away from DFW International Airport. More importantly, it is across the street from the newly-constructed Globe Life Field – home of the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers – and in the same area of AT&T Stadium – home of the Dallas Cowboys. For those looking to do something together with the whole family, the hotel is also located a short drive from multiple amusement parks.

Nearby retail options include Arlington Highlands and Grand Prairie Premium Outlets. For those interested in cultural options, the Arlington Museum of Art, The Gallery at UT Arlington, and the Arlington Sculpture Trail at Richard Greene Linear Park are a short walk from the hotel.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take a short trip to Lake Arlington to fish, kayak, or paddleboard. Plus, the area boasts several impressive golf courses, including the first-ever MLB-branded facility – the Texas Rangers Golf Club.

An entertainment district with so much to offer is sure to attract many, who now have a modern, convenient, world-class place to stay in the Loews Hotel and Convention Center.

At Construction Protection Systems, we are proud to have played a small part in the development of the Loews Hotel and Arlington Convention Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

University of Cincinnati’s New Clifton Court Hall – School’s Largest Academic Building

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A group of college students listen to a lecture given by a professor

Students and professors at the University of Cincinnati are soon to be finishing up their first full school year in the newly built Clifton Court Hall, the school’s largest academic building.

The 185,000 square foot building, located on the university’s uptown campus, is home to the College of Arts and Sciences, the school’s largest college. It also houses the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. The state-of-the-art facilities offer students in these disciplines incredible opportunities to study, learn, and collaborate. Here’s some more information on the building and the process that led to its completion.

Planning and Construction

UC’s enrollment has been consistently growing for more than two decades now. The total student body increased more than 40% from 2002 to 2019, at which point it had reached nearly 47,000, a record total that has since been surpassed. With this major influx of students came the need for extra classroom space. So, in 2019, the university approved the construction of Clifton Court Hall at the intersection of Clifton Avenue and Clifton Court Drive.

Initially, construction work was set to begin in fall 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors pushed that start date back to May 2021. Despite the massive size of the structure, construction work was completed within two years. Local media were given a tour of the facility in May 2023, just after faculty and staff began moving in. The space opened for students the following month. The school held a grand opening ceremony on Sept. 19, 2023.

Messer Construction Co. oversaw the construction work, LMN Architects and KZF Design were responsible for the design and architectural work. Pedco E & A Services provided engineering work, and Buro Happold served as the structural engineer. The total cost of the project was $93 million, with $85.5 being borrowed and the rest coming in the form of gifts.

The New Facility and Amenities

A substantial number of students and faculty have found a home in Clifton Court Hall. In addition to the three colleges mentioned above, Clifton Court Hall houses several academic departments, including Philosophy, Psychology, Journalism, Romance and Arabic Languages and Literatures, School of Public and International Affairs, School of Communication, Film, and Media Studies, and Asian, Eastern European, and German Studies. Essentially, the College of Arts and Sciences is now under one roof rather than being scattered across the campus.

“Because of the size and growth of the college, Arts and Sciences has been distributed across many buildings over the past decade,” UC Director of Planning, Jamie Accurso, said in a press release after the grand opening. “So, Clifton Court gives each of these departments a center of gravity and front door.”

The building features 24 classrooms, more than 230 faculty and staff offices, multiple lounges, a shared space for interdisciplinary programs, and a modern TV production and digital animation studio. The seating in the classrooms and lecture halls can be adjusted so that students can work in small groups, allowing for seamless collaboration. One 150-seat auditorium has microphones built into the ceiling so that students who are attending the class remotely can hear questions that other students ask.

The interior of the building features a five-story, centralized atrium, with a large, custom staircase, and gates. The exterior façade of Clifton Court Hall is adorned with terracotta, which has been designed to blend in with the brick buildings in the area. Additionally, there’s a pedestrian bridge that links the building with the Arts and Sciences Hall and the Bearcat Commons.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have played a small part in development of the University of Cincinnati’s new Clifton Court Hall. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.