Globe Life Field Fully Open for 2021

Baseball On Mound

Originally set to open its doors at the start of the Texas Rangers’ 2020 season, the opening of Globe Life Field was put in flux after the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the nation.

Putting player and fan safety at the forefront, the MLB delayed opening day of the 2020 season until July 23, with the Rangers playing their first game at Globe Life Field on the 24th in front of an empty stadium.

The Rangers played the remainder of the season without fans, but the new park was awarded hosting rights, with limited attendance, for the 2020 NLCS and World Series. The NLCS featured the Los Angeles Dodgers and Atlanta Braves, and the World Series saw the Dodgers defeat the American League’s Tampa Bay Rays at the new ballpark.

Although things didn’t go as planned in 2020, Globe Life Field is now fully open to Rangers fans across Texas and beyond, and the ballpark is truly a sight to behold.

Breaking ground

In a surprising move to many, the Rangers announced in May of 2016 that they intended to build a new retractable roof stadium to be completed before the start of the 2020 season. With their current stadium (Globe Life Park in Arlington) opening only 22 years prior, Rangers fans quickly began to envision how grand this new stadium would be.

Ground was broke on the new Globe Life Field in September of 2017, where it was announced that the 41,000 seat park would cost an estimated $1.1 billion, taking up 1.7 million square feet and 13 acres.

A state-of-the-art facility

The park was designed by the Dallas based architecture firm HKS, Inc., and boasts a 20-wheel retractable roof, five entry gates, two giant videoboards (52-72% larger than at their old home), climate control when the roof is closed (with average temperatures in the mid-70s) and much more.

The stadium was designed with fewer seats than the Rangers’ previous home in order to give fans a better viewing experience. The seating at Globe Life Field goes against the grain, and is closer to the field, harkening back to days of more intimate stadiums like Fenway Park and Wrigley Field.

Other perks that fans will enjoy at the new park include gourmet food options, a large overhang that covers the upper deck seating (for much needed shade on those hotter days), upgraded suites, as well as beautiful arches and columns throughout the stadium.

2021 and beyond

Although Globe Life Field hosted the 2020 NLCS and World series, there was much anticipation for the 2021 season, as it would be the first time fans could see the Rangers in person at the new park.

Opening Day 2021 saw the Rangers host the Toronto Blue Jays in a packed house of roughly 38,000 fans. It was the first time that attendance restrictions were not in effect for a major sporting event since the pandemic began in the United States.

Fans have continued to flock to the new retractable roof park throughout the summer and have enjoyed everything there is to offer both inside and outside of the stadium. The popular Texas Live! is located right next door and there has been an emphasis on making the area around the park an entertainment destination for fans. As things continue to get back to normal, more and more fans will be wowed by this truly one-of-a-kind park and surrounding venues.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a part, however small, in the construction of Globe Life Field. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

 

Truman Medical Center’s $70 Million Expansion Opens New Doors for Primary Care Services

For over 100 years, the Truman Medical Center has served the Kansas City area. From emergency services to women’s health, the Truman Medical Center has offered a wide range of services and continues to do so today. In fact, the medical center has recently expanded those services.

With their most recent $70 million expansion, the Truman Medical Center is focused on improving patient experience, care, and accessibility.Truman Medical Center’s $70 Million Expansion Opens New Doors for Primary Care Services

Announced in 2019, the expansion was completed in December 2020. The result of the expansion was a 77,000-square-foot building focused on primary care services, women’s health, and outpatient services. The building features 60 exam rooms, seven prenatal ultrasound rooms, as well as a picturesque skywalk that connects the main campus of Truman Medical Center with the new building.

While the expansion was planned before the COVID-19 Pandemic, it certainly helped the medical center handle the extra challenges brought on by the pandemic. For example, a contact-less check-in kiosk helped the medical center maintain social distancing guidelines and limit unnecessary interactions between individuals. The extra space also helped keep patients separated, further limiting the spread of COVID-19.

The expansion will also help matters once the pandemic is behind us. According to President and CEO Charlie Shields, “One of the best ways to deal with these issues related to people who had COVID, or who are having COVID issues, is a strong relationship with primary care providers to provide that guidance and offer assessment for all of those things and challenges that came out of that COVID experience.”

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in the expansion of the Truman Medical Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Doctors Hospital of Augusta Finishes Construction on America’s Largest Burn Center

Burn injuries are some of the most common injuries in the United States. Whether it’s a small burn from touching a hot pan or third-degree burns from a fire, most of us have dealt with one at least once in our lives. When serious burn injuries occur, however, we need the attention of doctors in order to properly heal.

In April of 2019, the Doctors Hospital of August launched construction on what would become America’s largest burn center—the Joseph M. Still Burn Center, located in Atlanta, GA.Doctors Hospital of Augusta Finishes Construction on America’s Largest Burn Center

A recent $75 million expansion of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center consolidated and expanded the hospital’s current burn treatment services.

The new expansion doubled the number of patient rooms and added a six-level, 550-space parking deck for patients, visitors, and employees. The majority of this project was completed in the summer and fall of 2020, with final completion occurring in February of 2021.

The expansion included the construction of the Fred Mullins, M.D. Tower. Named for the late Dr. Fred Mullins, who was deeply involved in the design and layout of the burn center, the tower added 20 burn intensive care units, 4 operating rooms, a recovery room, an area for cleaning wounds, and a second helipad. The new tower also features a specially engineered HVAC system, which is designed to meet the needs of burn patients, who must maintain body temperature for optimum treatment and recovery.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in the construction of the Joseph M. Still Burn Center and the Fred Mullins, M.D. Tower. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Revitalizing Hawaii’s Fort Shafter

Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Fort Shafter acts as the main headquarters for the U.S. Army Pacific. It was established all the way back in 1907, making it the oldest military base on the island of Oahu. It is also a National Historic Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Fort Shafter has served the U.S. Army well for over 100 years, but with growing concerns around China and North Korea, politicians and military leaders alike realized that the fort required more to keep up with demands.Revitalizing Fort Shafter

The result was $311.42 million in appropriations set aside for Hawaiian military construction projects. This was an almost 38% increase in funds from the year prior, reflecting the nation’s international concerns in the Asia-Pacific region.

While the $311 million was used for several projects in the Hawaiian Islands, the largest chunk of the funds was used for Fort Shafter. Several years earlier, construction began on a 330,000 square foot complex that would act as the U.S. Army Indo-Pacific Command and Control Facility. This facility would boast five main areas ranging from general administration, sensitive compartmented information facilities, and even a 1100-car parking structure. In total, the project cost $284 million.

The appropriations would help complete this new facility. However, the project also helped bolster the local economy. In most construction projects for the Department of Defense (DOD), there are strict military contract requirements. However, these requirements were waived by the DOD, allowing local small businesses and contractors to take part in the project.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in the construction of the U.S. Army Indo-Pacific Command and Control Facility. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Going Green: Google’s Jackson County, Alabama Data Center

Facebook isn’t the only one coming to Sweet Home Alabama. In 2015, Google announced their plan to construct a $600 million data center in Jackson County, Alabama.

Six years later, that plan is now becoming a reality. Google began construction for their data center in April of 2018, and they hope to complete it in the coming year.

Going Green: Google’s Jackson County, Alabama Data Center

Formally announced in 2015, Google’s Alabama Data Center was always an ambitious project. It totals $600 million in construction costs, and it is expected to create 75 to 100 highly technical jobs in the Jackson County area. The entire data center will be spread across 360 acres of land adjacent to the now-defunct Widows Creek coal-fired power plant.

Yet, the data center seeks to set itself apart from the coal power plant. According to Google, the center will feature state-of-the-art energy efficiency technology. It will rely on sustainable, renewable energies that will power the center as well as the surrounding community.

Said Gary Demasi, director of Global Infrastructure at Google: “For more than 50 years, the Widows Creek plant has generated electricity for the region. Now the site will be used to bring Internet services and information to people around the world – powered by 100 percent renewable energy. We see a lot of potential in redeveloping large industrial sites like former coal plants, and we’re excited to bring the data center to Alabama.”

The Google Data Center will be the fourteenth to exist globally, and the eighth in the U.S.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in the construction of Google’s Data Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

North Kansas City High School Completes a 3-Year Project

Our kids deserve the best, especially when they’re at school. A good education depends on good resources and a great learning environment. At North Kansas City High School, they are doing just that.

After a 3-year long project, North Kansas City High School has updated its facilities to provide students with the latest technology for a better learning experience.North Kansas City High School Completes a 3-Year Project

The construction project totaled $65 million and added over 165,000 square feet to the existing school. A $114 million bond referendum helped fund this project, as well as the construction of two new elementary schools and two sixth grade centers.

New construction sites sought to update and expand the current school. These new areas included a performing arts center, a band rehearsal room, a weight room, a cafeteria, a gym, and a collaboration area. Throughout the entire 3-year project, the school never closed, and kids could continue their education without interruptions.

The project’s purpose was to “preserve the past but also update the school with the latest technology to adequately prepare students.” The 90-year-old school has deep roots in the community, and it was important to school officials that the construction project respected that history. Nevertheless, changes needed to be made. The addition of e-learning classrooms as well as a library media center has now brought North Kansas City High School into the 21st century. Kids will have the tools necessary for a high-quality education without sacrificing the history of the building.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in North Kansas City High School’s latest construction project. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Updates on Facebook’s $750 Million Alabama Data Center

In June of 2018, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, local leaders, and Facebook officials announced a $750 million project for a new data center in Huntsville, AL. The project, set to be completed in 2020, would be one of several new construction projects Facebook had in store for its company. But with the coronavirus now spreading across the country, has Facebook met its 2020 goal? Here we provide you with the updates:

About the ProjectUpdates on Facebook’s $750 Million Alabama Data Center

The Huntsville facility will be one of several data centers Facebook has around the world. Working in concert with this global data center network, the facility would connect the more than 2 billion Facebook users with their corresponding apps and services. It would also employ roughly 100 people in high-paying jobs.

The project, known as Project Starbelt, will cost approximately $750 million for the company. It will be located in the North Huntsville Industrial Park, spreading out around 340 acres, with the entire facility coming in at 970,000 square feet.

Delays from the Coronavirus

While Facebook’s plans were ambitious, no one could have foreseen the coronavirus’ impact back in 2018. Construction was scheduled for completion in 2020, but Facebook was forced to pause construction efforts after the outbreak of COVID-19.

In a post on March 23, Facebook stated: “To help protect the health and safety of construction crews during the COVID-19 outbreak, we are significantly reducing construction activities at our site. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on site as soon as it’s safe to do so.”

Thankfully, work has slowly returned to the Huntsville facility, and the project is scheduled for completion in 2021.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in the construction of Project Starbelt. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system. 

Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Expansion Project

Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill Expansion Project

The coronavirus has shown us how important high-quality medical centers are in our country. The Kaiser Permanente healthcare organization recognized this need early on when they expanded their Capitol Hill Medical Center in Washington, D.C. A high-tech facility that offers advanced urgent care, cardiology, and more, the Capitol Hill Medical Center is now primed to deliver expert care during these tough times.

About Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanent operates healthcare facilities across the country. From Washington State to Washington, D.C., they are leaders in providing preventative services and cutting-edge treatment. They focus on a wide variety of specialties, including cancer care, maternity, pediatrics, cardiac care, and more. They are also one of the nation’s most productive research institutions, well-known for their advancements in cancer research, heart disease, and vaccines.

About the Capitol Hill Expansion Project

The main goal of the Capitol Hill Project was to expand the current Adult Medicine clinic in anticipation of patient growth. However, this intial expansion also impacted other departments within the medical center. Existing departments, such as pediatrics, were relocated to other floors and areas of the facility. These other floors were also expanded to allow room for pediatrics, as well as the other departments in that area, such as Infectious Disease, and OB/GYN.

The pediatric center specifically went through several changes to provide a more comfortable patient experience. These included the following:

  • Ocean-themed rooms and colors
  • Ocean white noise playing through the speakers
  • Interactive elements such as whiteboards, projectors, and more
  • New playrooms

As renovations were ongoing, the medical facility remained fully operational. Hensel Phelps, the construction company in charge of the project, worked mostly at night, outside of the facility’s operating hours. This meant that neither the construction nor patient care was delayed throughout the duration of the project.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a small part in the expansion of Kaiser Permanente’s Capitol Hill Medical Center. Stay tuned for more updates from the innovators of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

Improving Specialty Care: Froedtert Center for Advanced Care

The coronavirus pandemic has shown how important it is to have high quality centers for advanced medical care. At the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, they did just that. In the past few years, they have constructed and completed the Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin’s Center for Advanced Care, a 609,000 square foot facility in the heart of Milwaukee, WI.

The Froedtert Center for Advanced Care is intended to treat the rising number of patients while still providing expert care to each and every person who walks in.Improving Specialty Care: Froedtert Center for Advanced Care

It is centered on advanced and specialty care, with various clinics such as the Heart and Vascular Center and the Transplant Center. In all, the facility has 12 floors that are all connected to the campus’ other main buildings through the second floor. There is a universal exam room that can adapt to any patient and any situation, and there is plenty of space to house the many patients that will inevitably visit the Froedtert Center for Advanced Care.

There is cutting-edge work happening both inside and outside the Froedtert Center for Advanced Care. On the inside, the hospital has combined the surgical, interventional, and intensive care areas into one floor. This will better optimize patient flow to allow the hospital staff to more effectively handle the 18,000+ surgeries they perform each year. It also has a split waiting area with windows for visitors to enjoy the views of Milwaukee.

On the outside, the architectural design of the building features various vertical elements in order to lengthen and amplify the appearance of the facility. It has entire walls of glazed windows that reflect the many woods and ponds nearby, as well as an artistic aesthetic reminiscent of many modern art sculptures. Colors and shapes are also repeated throughout the entire building, tying together all of the various parts of the facility.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a part, however small, in the construction of Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin’s Center for Advanced Care. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.

 

The Facebook Campus Expansion at Menlo Park

Whether we use it for work or pleasure, Facebook has become an integral part of our everyday lives. However, while you’re liking and commenting and posting pictures, there is a team of Facebook employees making sure that everything runs smoothly. Many of them now work at Facebook’s Menlo Park Campus which has been recently expanded to accommodate the growing social media site.

Facebook HeadquartersThe Facebook Campus Expansion at Menlo Park

Facebook was founded in 2004, and in the past 16 years it has grown into one of the most powerful social media sites in the world. They’re headquartered in Menlo Park, California, or “MPK” as Facebook employees like to call it. The entire campus is like its own little town with coffeeshops, streets, and even a barbershop. It is truly a home away from home for the 45,000 employees who work there. There are even shuttle buses that will take employees from the Menlo Park Caltrain station to Facebook Headquarters.

The Expansion – MPK21

With so much to offer, it may be odd that Facebook decided to expand their Menlo Park Headquarters even more. And yet, that’s exactly what they did. Announced in 2017, MPK21, as the expansion was called, was a $300 million project. It is 962,000 square feet in total, with two buildings, a 200-room hotel, as well as a pedestrian and bike bridge which connects the campus to the nearby Bay Trail. It was designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and was built in less than 18 months.

Sustainability

MPK21 was built with sustainability in mind. It features a 3.6-acre rooftop garden, 200 trees, and a half-mile nature pathway that meanders through the campus. Water systems regularly clean and recycle the area’s water, saving a total of 17 million gallons of water each year. The Town Square also features 40-foot-tall redwood trees, and most of Facebook Headquarters is home to many families of foxes.

Collaboration is key

The best way for any business to function is through collaboration. Facebook’s MPK21 was built to do just that. It features quiet areas for people to focus on their work as well as open spaces for teams to get stuff done. Additionally, dining areas provide further chances for teambuilding, while a 2000-person event and meeting space gives the company ample opportunity for larger events.

Looking Towards the Future – Willow Village

MPK21 is not the only campus expansion that Facebook has been working on. In 2019, they announced plans for a new area of Facebook Headquarters. Called Willow Village, this new expansion will be just across the street from Facebook’s main headquarters. It will replace an outdated, one million square foot industrial complex. It adds office complexes, homes, retail outlets, hotel rooms, outdoor spaces, a town square, and more. Similar to the rest of Facebook’s headquarters, Willow Village would truly be its own community, sporting grocery stores and apartment complexes to allow employees to live and work in one place.

At Construction Protection Systems, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to play a part, however small, in the construction of Facebook’s most recent campus expansion. Stay tuned for more updates from the makers of 1-2-3 Door Shield—the original, reusable door protection system.