Abilene ISD Shotwell Stadium Pressbox Addition
Abilene, Texas
Expertise
- Education
Services
- mechanical / plumbing engineering
- electrical engineering
- structural engineering
Size
- 11,415 SF
BHB provided structural and MEP engineering for the new, 11,415-square-foot press box for Abilene ISD’s Shotwell Stadium. This addition replaced the original press box that was built in 1960 and includes a film deck on the third floor, two VIP suites, an area for scouts, and storage space. An elevator and HVAC were added for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This project utilized a mixture of rooftop units (RTUs) and ductless mini splits for the conditioned spaces. A wet pipe fire protection system was provided for the conditioned spaces and a dry pipe system was provided for the unconditioned spaces. Due to poor city water pressure, a fire pump and a domestic water booster pump were provided to have the correct water pressure required at the plumbing fixtures on the third floor.
BHB’s mechanical engineers wanted to avoid routing ductwork between conditioned and non-conditioned spaces, which made it challenging to condition the occupied spaces on levels one and two. This problem was solved by conditioning the spaces on those levels with ductless mini splits that utilized ceiling cassettes for the indoor unit. This also allowed for these spaces to have their own thermostat and individual control for better occupant satisfaction.
The existing stadium lighting remained in tact so the electrical design incorporated the back-feeding and relocation of the existing stadium controls into the new electrical room on the ground level of the press box.
In order to deliver unobstructed views of the field, BHB’s structural engineers moved existing columns back and had the beams cantilevered out, while making sure the structure could support sloped glass windows across the entire press/coach’s level. Building the new press box into an existing stadium while maintaining a new 2-inch control joint was a challenge that required extra detailing, but BHB’s engineers were ultimately able to complete the design in time for construction to be complete before the start of the new football season.
Key People
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Ian Bost, PE, LEED AP
Ian Bost, PE, LEED AP
Principal | Senior Mechanical Engineer
Ian Bost began working at BHB in 2001. As one of the youngest and newest additions to the leadership team, Ian still considers himself a kid despite being over the age of 35. Ian’s success at BHB has fostered several new relationships with higher education institutions for which he has become the primary point of contact. His projects at UNT, TCU, and UTA are some of the most technologically advanced for colleges and universities. They have included systems such as single-zone VAV AHUs and chilled beam systems.
Ian’s passion for engineering efficient systems stems from his desire to be a good steward of the land. He is involved with the AIA 2030 Challenge and works closely with our clients to provide sustainable design. Over the years Ian has continuously been involved with professional societies including the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. His role as a past president of the Fort Worth ASHRAE Chapter has grown into mentorships for new chapter presidents and members.
He tries to live a balanced life with his family: wife Carmen and their four kids. Ian is a Texas Tech Red Raider Alumni who enjoys supporting his college and its athletic programs. Ian enjoys living and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Project Experience
Arborlawn United Methodist Church
Central Texas College Nursing Center
Keller ISD Timberview Middle School
Northpark YMCA
TCU Annie Richardson Bass Building
TCU Charlie and Marie Lupton Baseball Clubhouse
TCU Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena
TCU Frog Alley Parking Garage
TCU Mary Couts Burnett Library
TCU Rees-Jones Hall
Education
Texas Tech University:
Bachelor’s Degree/2000/Mechanical Engineering -
Ronald Ishmael, PE, LEED AP
Ronald Ishmael, PE, LEED AP
Senior Associate | Structural Engineer
Growing up, Ronald’s family had strong ties to the construction industry and was often involved in some type of construction project – whether it be for a local nonprofit, family members, or the farm he lived on. In fact, his childhood home was a barn that his parents turned into a house. It comes as no surprise that Ronald knew he wanted a career in construction from a young age, and his success in mathematics pushed him toward engineering. He attended Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in construction management through the civil engineering department. During his last semester, however, the degree program was altered, and he decided to switch to the specialty of structural engineering. The unplanned change of course turned out to be exactly what Ronald had been looking for.
Now, he has garnered nearly 15 years of diverse industry experience and continues his journey at BHB as the firm’s first structural engineer. His background includes structural design services for new and existing buildings, structural assessments and evaluations, historic preservation, and forensic failure investigations. Ronald has experience with multiple construction materials such as steel, concrete, wood/timber, cold formed steel, ICF, foundations, and FRP, and has extensive experience in elevated concrete design. He is also heavily involved in the Fort Worth Structural Engineers Association of Texas (SEAoT) and is a past president of the International Concrete Repair Institute.
Outside of the office walls, Ronald spends his spare time with his wife, a high school anatomy and forensics teacher, and two children, Laykin and Cohen. He can often be found fishing, working on personal construction projects including his wife’s classroom, playing with his kids, and rooting for the Texas A&M football team. Ronald also enjoys traveling to unique places and finding activities that involve communicating and interacting with local residents. His recent expeditions include visiting off-the-path wineries in Napa and Sonoma, finding local hot spots in Alaska, and taking a road trip through the Philippines.
Education
Texas A&M University:
Bachelor’s Degree/2006/Civil Engineering