The Esperanza Senior Living Facility in College Station passes DADS Licensure
the first time and opens ahead of schedule

(May 24, 2010 - Austin, Texas) Jamail & Smith Construction recently completed a 15,000 SF addition to The Esperanza Assisted Living Facility in College Station, Texas. This project, valued at $2.1 MM, was completed in conjunction with Relative Architecture, who designed the 27 rooms that were added to the facility. Throughout the project, Jamail & Smith Construction’s team was faced with various challenges arising from working within an operating assisted living facility. These challenges were overcome efficiently with close coordination of the owners and staff as well as early site evaluation meetings with the local Fire Department to ensure that sufficient evacuation plans were in place. Although the project experienced several weather delays, Jamail & Smith Construction successfully completed the project 74 days ahead of schedule. "We collaborated on value engineering ideas, reduced the budget, and streamlined the decision process to accelerate the construction schedule," said Darrell Smith, Vice President of Healthcare Construction for Jamail & Smith Construction.

Of unique importance for the Jamail & Smith Construction project team was their ability to obtain DADS licensure on the inspector’s first visit. This licensure is given after a thorough, two day inspection of all life safety features throughout the facility, including a re-test of all Fire Alarm and Fire Sprinkler systems and inspection of smoke wall penetrations and rated devices. The inspection also includes a review of all finish materials used on the project to ensure that they are in compliance with smoke and fire spread ratings required for assisted living facilities. To obtain licensure, the project must be completed to the point where owners are able to move residents in within minutes of the State Inspector passing the inspection; Jamail & Smith Construction was able to achieve this objective. Smith said, "The Esperanza of College Station additions and renovation project is a prime example of how projects can achieve great results when owners and contractors create a true partnership."