Large Construction Projects Bring BIG Opportunities for Local Businesses
“It couldn’t be happening at a better time.” That’s what Bexar County officials are saying about University Health System’s $899.4 million Target 2012: Capital Improvement Program. Not only will the large construction project lead to much-needed expanded health services for the community well into the future, it also represents a welcome business opportunity for hundreds of local individuals and businesses involved in the construction industry.
University Health System and its construction managers Zachry Vaughn Layton (for the University Hospital project) and Bartlett Cocke General Contractors (for the University Health System - Robert B. Green Campus project) are hosting an informational meeting on Saturday, February 27 to offer those interested in bidding on parts of the project an opportunity to hear firsthand about what types of trades will be needed and when requests for proposal (RFPs) will be offered for bid. At a news conference Thursday, February 25, Bexar County Commissioner for Precinct 2 Paul Elizondo said identifying these opportunities and helping local businesses, especially small, woman or minority-owned enterprises participate in this work is a top priority of the project. “About half the cost of this project is being paid for through tax dollars,” said Elizondo. “So, giving as much of it back to taxpayers by hiring local people is the right thing to do.”
“This is one of the largest construction projects in Bexar County history,” explained Mark Webb, University Health System’s vice president of Facilities Development and Project Management. “It is a great ‘shot in the arm’ for our economy.” The project includes a new 10-story hospital tower and 3,300-space parking garage at University Hospital, as well as a new one million square-foot outpatient treatment and diagnostic treatment center at University Health System - Robert B. Green Campus. “We are expecting as many as 600 people to attend our contractor kick-off on Saturday,” he added.
Anyone hoping to work on either of these two major construction projects is welcome to attend the free informational meeting on Saturday, February 27 from 8 a.m. to noon at the St. Philip’s College Watson Fine Arts Center.
More information on the project is available online.
