EPIcenter Building Momentum on Mission Reach
By Iris Dimmick, Rivard Report
Read original article here.
EPIcenter, the former CPS Energy power plant on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River now slated to become a center for energy education and innovation, will be constructed by San Antonio-based Joeris General Contractors, officials announced Friday.
The nonprofit enterprise aims to become a highly visible symbol for sustainability across the river from the former Lone Star Brewery, also slated for redevelopment, a venue for presenting clean energy technology and incubating ideas for future energy innovations.
The local construction management firm – which has the Pearl, Alamo Stadium, and Bexar County Courthouse in its growing portfolio of renovation projects – was selected among five candidates.
“They were all very well qualified firms,” EPIcenter CEO Kimberly Britton told the Rivard Report Friday, but Joeris distinguished itself, she said, with its dedicated team, attention to sustainable and environmental details, and its commitment to keep the Southside and broader communities tuned into the project as it develops.
“Land use politics are so important,” said Britton, adding that EPIcenter has already reached out to neighborhood associations and individuals that live near the facility on Mission Road, just south of Roosevelt Park.
Some neighborhood stakeholders will be included in a collaborative, two-day charrette planned for February which will explore the nitty-gritty details of engineering and design as well as the philosophical mission and functionality of the building and its future occupants.
Representatives from Joeris, designers from Lake/Flato Architects, and project manager Raba Kistner Inc.-owned Project Control will attend both sessions to see the ambitious vision through from start to finish.
“We’ve been committed to the San Antonio community for 50 years and there is nothing more gratifying than engaging in projects that shine a light on the amazing things happening in our great city,” stated CEO Gary Joeris in a news release. “This is certainly one of those projects.”