Anaheim, Calif. (Nov. 2) - The true test of a good team and its leaders comes in times of adversity. From the onset of the Hood Stadium replacement project, the team has faced tough challenges. However, Jim Martin (Sr. Project Manager), Chris Martin (Project Manager), Lysander Little (CQC Manager), Gary Lee (QC Specialist), James Steinke (SSHO), Mike Dyson (Superintendent), Paul Henion (Electrical QC), Randall Muir (Commissioning Agent/LEED Sustainability Manager/ Alternate QC), Lynda De La Sota (Project Coordinator) and Barbara Holt (Project Administrator) maintained a firm focus on the end results. On Oct. 9, RMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), Fort Worth District, DPW and Base Command met to discuss the possibility of getting the stadium up and running in time to host the first high school football game of the season. The realization that the season was scheduled to start in a mere 10 days added a new level of difficulty to this already complex project.
“Good communication is one of the key ingredients in any relationship. To communicate with key project personnel enables them to make informed decisions.” Chris Martin, Project Manager
RMA has taken this mantra to heart, collaborating closely with Guernsey, Lead Design Firm, and all stakeholders to ensure an understanding of the client’s vision and requirements, as well as constructability. With the extensive amount of construction that needed to take place, many of the subcontractors were short on manpower given the concurrent projects being performed throughout the installation. With some resourceful planning and scheduling, the subcontractors were able to bring in additional personnel to the stadium project to get the work completed. The COE also provided 24/7 assistance on all Quality Assurance and inspections. The team rose to the occasion not only in time for the inaugural game, but also in time for the ribbon cutting ceremony which was held the morning of Oct. 19. This event also marked the first time in over 10 years that Fort Hood has been open to the public since the events of Sept. 11.
Strong Team Commitment and Effort Achieved the Seemingly Impossible
October 4, 2012 October 19, 2012
A side-by-side comparison of the progress made in such a short amount of time serves as a true testament to the many sacrifices the project team made to get the job done, working sun-up to sun-down and sometimes throughout the entire night. Despite significant time constraints and additional owner-requested features, the project team pressed forward to maintain momentum and construction progress at the jobsite. Close to 150 people were on site on a daily basis, rotating shifts, with at least 120 people on site at any given time. Everyone from the Project Manager to the field laborers picked up their gear and went to work, completing any and every task needed to achieve the rapidly approaching deadline.
Our Subcontractors Went Above and Beyond the Call of Duty
RMA has maintained an on-going relationship with subcontractors from previous and current projects. Everyone collaborated with us to resolve problems and in many cases, going one step further; proactively identifying issues before they become problems and working with us to develop the most cost-effective and efficient solutions. Additionally, our project benefited from good ideas that enhanced the design as well as drastically shortening the construction period. Considerable recognition is paid to all participating subcontractors, including: A-1 Fire Security Equipment, APAC Texas, Inc., ARCK Facilities, Cali Signs, Dant Clayton, Corp., Five Star Roofing, Gerald Nunn Electric, LLC, Insight Environmental Engineering and Construction, Inc., Johnson Roofing, Key Enterprises, Lone Star Grading, P&S Masonry, Professional Services Industries (PSI), RLH Paint, Rochester Flooring, SAM, Sierra Metals, Silverado Doors, TTG Utilities, Underwood Bros. (AAA Landscape), United Sports System, and Wolff Construction, all of whom went above and beyond the call of duty by providing the necessary tools and equipment along with personnel to get the stadium ready for the grand opening.
Striking Stadium Features and Amenities
The new Hood Stadium complex, which is now approximately 85% complete, provides the capacity to host sporting, entertainment and military events across the 64-acre site while featuring seven new buildings totaling 12,000 SF (ranging from 2,300 SF to 3,600 SF). These include two concession stand facilities; two men’s and women’s restroom buildings; two locker room buildings with lockers, shower facilities, and dressing rooms; and a 3,600 SF storage out-building for maintenance equipment. The new complex boasts an eight-lane UIL-regulated running track; regulation football/soccer field; scoreboard; 5,500 seating capacity; a press box with five private suites; parking for 1,000 vehicles; enclosed perimeter fencing; entrance sign and decorative wrought iron fencing; memorial plaque; 700
CY of decorative concrete flatwork in the entrance plaza; landscaping and irrigation system; and associated site work and utilities. During game night, RMA and select MEP subcontractor personnel remained on site to ensure proper functionality of all systems and minimize disruptions.
Special Thanks to the Project Team and COE
RMA Executive Vice President, Mr. Steve Mohammad expressed sincere gratitude, stating, “Jim Martin, Chris Martin, Lysander Little, Gary Lee, James Steinke, Mike Dyson, Paul Henion, Randall Muir, Lynda De La Sota and Barbara Holt: what this project has achieved thus far could not have been possible without your commitment and enduring fortitude. I personally extend many thanks from all of us at RMA for all your hard work and dedication.” The COE remained a true partner in this endeavor, specifically Chris Krause (Resident Engineer), Eric Simpson (Project Manager) and Kevin Smith (Quality Assurance/ Construction Representative). The overall project is scheduled to complete early spring 2013 with the final construction of a four-field softball complex and additional parking and roadways.
###
