“What begins here changes the world.” The University of Texas adopted that motto, and Structure Tone Southwest helps build lasting campus spaces.
According to STSW project executive Mark Harrington, the team has shown total commitment to building long-lasting collaboration since their very first assignment. Indeed, it’s a rewarding experience to work on college campuses like UT, but it requires energy, teamwork, and a strong dedication to cooperation. Importantly, the relationships we develop with our team last long after we complete a project.
THE LAB REQUIREMENT: WELCH HALL
The reconstruction of Welch Hall—the largest structure on campus—began in 1999. This marked the start of STSW’s long-term collaboration with UT Austin. The building houses transdisciplinary classrooms and labs for chemistry, biology, physics, and technology. It serves up to 10,000 students daily, so construction planning had to be meticulous. When the university began a major upgrade, STSW led the reconstruction of the 55,000-square-foot west wing. All work had to align with the building’s constant activity.
Modern lab infrastructure and equipment were central to the renovation. The project included new fume exhaust systems and an explosion-proof chemical storage room. To support the upgraded systems, the team built a two-story mechanical penthouse. It houses two large HAVs and multiple exhaust fans. They finished the exterior with brick and limestone to match Welch Hall and preserve UT Austin’s architectural character.
THE TEST: WEBB HALL
Originally constructed as a visiting professor hostel in 1973, Walter Webb Hall was later converted into faculty offices. By 2021, the university decided to reorganize the distinctive building into a new space for ITS Security and ITS Networking. STSW oversaw the 38,000-square-foot renovation, which included a full demolition and abatement of the existing interior and the installation of a new MEP system to serve the building. due to limited space above the ceilings and a complex VRF mechanical system, the team relied on BIM to guide the MEP contractors’ scheduling, scope, and design.
because of supply chain delays, the long-lead switchgear wasn’t immediately available. As a result, the team used temporary power throughout most of the project until the new controls could be installed. Maintaining the building’s historical identity was a priority. “We modernized parts of Webb to give it a contemporary look and feel, but we were especially careful to preserve the historical exterior,” explains Harrington. Inside, an old tile wall mural was restored and enhanced with new millwork to honor the building’s artistic legacy.
THE GROUP PROJECT: VP RESEARCH, ENERGY INSTITUTE, CLEMENTS CENTER
In August 2021, the university brought STSW back for three simultaneous renovation projects at the Peter T. Flawn Academic Center. Flawn Academic Center:
1. The Vice President of Research Suite: 12,500sf interior demolition and rebuild to fully remodel the space into a mix of private offices, open work stations, a break room, and meeting spaces.
2. The Energy Institute: 4,000sf demolition, build-back, and installation of all new finishes, lighting, power, data, HVAC, and fire protection.
3. The Clements Center of National Security: 5,000sf renovation to add acoustic and millwork wall panels in the conference areas to meet a hard move-in date within the occupied space.
Located in the heart of campus, the Flawn Center remained active with faculty and students during construction. STSW’s plan ensured all classes continued without interruption. “We built temporary corrugated plastic walls around the construction openings and added signage to keep the area safe and dust-free,” says Harrington.
COMMUNICATION 101
According to Harrington, working under these conditions—especially on an operational and occupied campus—requires actions that go beyond standard safety and security protocols. In addition to this, our teams maintain the cleanliness of the building sites. Furthermore, they organize security measures to ensure that only team members and construction workers can access restricted areas.It is essential.
The STSW team values the trust and rapport built through open communication with the university’s faculty and administration.
as Harrington puts it, “a college campus is home to the faculty, staff, and students.” “We take great pride in the fact that our team members are visitors in their homes.”
