A School Is Born

PROJECT:     Adams Elementary, San Antonio, Texas.  

PROJECT MANAGER:     Robert Burnham (yours truly), Mexico, ME.

PROJ. SUPT.:     Mr. Gary Daniel, New Braunfels, TX.

OWNER:     Harlandale Independent School District

CONSTRUCTOR:     Pyramid Constructors, Houston, TX.

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Welcome to the 'School built by Rob'.  Since the project is entering its final month, I thought I would share a few photos of the project and a couple of thoughts I have had a long the way.  First, I will thank God for allowing me the opportunity to come to South Texas on such a splendid endeavor.  Thank you Lord for bringing me to this fine city of San Antonio and for letting me help, in a small way, with the education of the children here.  You are a wonderful and a giving God.  Amen.

Although my building preference remains infrastructure (bridges and highways), I will leave here with a sense of pride and accomplishment.  It is a pleasure to present children with a new and modern school.  Especially the children of the southside which is the area of least economic development in San Antonio.  These kids deserve a fine school and I believe we have given them one.  Once you view the photos, I am hoping you will be of the same opinion. 

The doors to the school were open for classes in early April and now after the summer break, classes are back in full-swing.  The interior work is complete except for a few odd and ends listed on the architect's punchlist which my crew is working on each day.  The exterior just received it's second and final parking lot, the main parking lot adjacent to Southcross Boulevard.  This parking lot itself took over $90,000 to complete.  It was slightly redesigned in an effort to save and keep a few ancient trees on the property.  The remaining work on the grounds is limited to landscaping, irrigation and signage.  I am hopeful to be 100% complete by mid-October.  Then I will have a couple of weeks to myself to close out all documentation and information requirements.

I have listed Gary Daniel as the project superintendent.  A nice old fella from new Braunfels.  A Bona-fide 100% Texans folks.  The real McCoy if you will.  Gary left in July for a new employer and new project as is a common case in the construction field.  The closing superintendent is Mr. Jake Sherrod who has been instrumental in many building projects in San Antonio for the past thirty years.  Lots of experience.  My employer has retained Jake's services and once Adams complete he will be finishing up a high school in Houston.  As for me, this may be the end of line for me with Pyramid Constructors.  At the moment there are no major projects on the table although we'll find out in Mid-October if we are going to do an airport job we bid on.  In that scenario, I would most likely be ratained to move to Houston to manage it.  Otherwise, it will be a new job search for me and possibly a little down-time on unemployment.  That is not a total negative folks.  In my line of work, unemployment offers an indirect vacation and necessary relaxation.  My last vacation was in the fall of 2005.  I'm tired.   Cities that I have my eyes on include San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Tucson and San Francisco.  Though all my family is back east, I'm not ready to head in that direction just yet.  Still looking for that special someone, she may even be a senorita, a southern belle or possibly a west coast angel (oops, Ramblin').

Anyhow, please look over these photos and let me know what you think, if you would.  I proudly present to you, another one of my footprints that will be here long after my demise.  I give you,  "A School is Born":

 Thanks for spending a few minutes at Adams Elementary in San Antonio, TX.  If anyone knows anyone who can use me as part of their construction or design/build management team; well, you know how to reach me.

God Bless.