Our team just recently completed and opened the Swimming and Fitness Center Building at The University of Texas at El Paso Campus. The new building is  87,427 square feet, and houses multiple courts for basketball, volleyball, soccer, an indoor running and walking track and a 40 foot climbing wall. The University of Texas at El Paso President, Dr. Diana Natalico, during the opening celebration said: “The contribution of a facility like this to our campus climate is enormous, it is going to have a huge impact”.

Not only did our team deliver a first class building, but also our team was awarded a 2010 Silver Step (Safety Through Exemplary Performance) Award for its successful safety record during the construction of the new building. The OFPC SILVER STEP Award is given to contractors who are recognized in six consecutive months of providing exceptional safety leadership. To be considered for the award, contractors must meet the rigorous set of criteria every month and conduct daily safety inspections. OFPC initiated the STEP program in 2006 to recognize contractors working on UT Designed System projects who demonstrate an emphasis on the importance of jobsite safety and an injury-free environment.

“Safety on our campus is of the highest importance, and we want to recognize VCC Construction and Bill McHugh the Project Safety Coordinator for his outstanding efforts” said OFPC El Paso Director Edward Gill. Other VCC personnel who were recognized with the award included John Ellis, John Adkins, Aaron Huisman, James Alderfer, Andrew Frith and Juan Garza.

We all know how difficult it is to complete safe quality projects in our current economical environment, especially on a hard bid project, but our team has succeeded in doing so. Congratulations to the entire team on a job well done.

Below is a video of the opening celebration for your viewing pleasure. Thanks, and have a great day!