ATS Engineers, Inspectors & Surveyors E -Newsletter Q2/2010

ATS HAS TRUE GRIT !

If you haven't already heard, Paramount Pictures is filming a re-make of the 1969 western classic True Grit in Granger, Texas. The film, originally starring John Wayne in his academy award winning role, now stars Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon , Josh Brolin and, in a "supporting role", ATS.

The ATS Inspection and Structural Departments have been working with the movie production staff to provide inspection and structural analyses of some of the various sets. Many of the existing buildings now include false fronts built to make it look like an 1880's Old West town.

ATS has been busy providing analyses of several of the existing structures to ensure they can safely support construction loads and loads anticipated during filming.

Although ATS is not likely to receive a nod from the Academy for its "supporting role", we welcome the opportunity to lend our expertise.

Some of the engineering issues include:

  • Can the roof of the old Granger Bank handle the load of 20 stunt men?
  • Can the old Seaholm power plant in Austin support the weight of a "cave" set?
  • Can the floor of the courthouse in Blanco support the weight of a man-lift used to build sets?

For more information contact Mike Matustik.

ATS Selected by the City of Austin / Austin Energy as ARRA Weatherization Testing Partner

Austin Energy and The City of Austin approved a contract from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) on November 19, 2009 in the amount of $ 2.9 million. The purpose of the contract is to implement the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) federally funded Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) within the city limits of Austin, Texas. The ATS Inspection Department has been selected as one of the consultants to provide both "Test-In" and "Test-Out" services under this program.

The ARRA funded Weatherization Program is intended for households who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level Income Guideline and expands the eligible improvements beyond the current scope allowed. The new program allows a maximum of $6,500 (including cost of initial assessment, final inspection, and program support cost) to be spent per home on eligible measures. Eligible measures include: attic insulation, solar screens, air infiltration, replacements of qualifying appliances such as HVAC units and refrigerators, doors, and minor energy-related repairs for the purpose of health and safety. The program's intent is to increase the energy efficiency of the dwellings, reduce total residential expenditures for energy, and improve the health and safety levels of the home.

Source: based in part on information in Austin City Connection.

For more information contact Dondi Atwell.

Featured Project:

ATS Completes MEP Design for Brentwood Christian School's Center for Science and the Arts

The Center for Science and the Arts is the final project in Brentwood Christian School's 10-year campus plan.

The Iva Lea Worley Barton Theater was designed by Donovan Davis, AIA, Principal at Danze & Davis Architects and the project is under the direction of Project Architect, Cheryl Taylor, AIA. The 390-seat auditorium center will host theatrical productions, concerts, lectures, chapels, and other campus activities.

The auditorium will feature a stage worthy of 21st Century theatrical and musical productions, state-of-the art sound system, seating with obstruction-free views, and a beautiful lobby. The building also includes a science wing with classrooms. Construction is slated to begin late 2010.

Source: based in part on information in Brentwood Christian School's website.

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City of Austin Car Share Program

The ATS Civil Department processed the first of the City of Austin's Car Share Program! A great incentive for Urban developments. The Austin car share plan allows developers to take the maximum 40% parking reduction on a site to reduce impervious cover and keep Austin Green! For more information contact Marc Dickey, Civil Department Manager.


15% Discount on ATS Energy Audits for Your Home*

*This offer is applicable to personal homes of existing ATS clients. Call 512-328-6995 to schedule your audit and mention this offer to receive an additional 15% off our already low prices on an ATS Home Energy Audit.

That's Just The Way We Roll...

ATS Rolls Out Energy Audit Services for Homeowners

ATS is pleased to announce energy audit services for homeowners. ATS has long-provided Energy Star ratings and associated testing services for homebuilders. ATS now makes its energy testing expertise available to the home and business owner. To mark this event, ATS has rolled out the first of its Home Energy Audit fleet. ATS Energy Audit services are available to satisfy Austin's Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance when buying or selling a home.

Our services include:

  • Energy Modeling
  • Thermal Imaging
  • Heating / Cooling Duct Leakage Tests
  • Blower Door (Air Infiltration) Tests
  • Static Pressure Tests
  • Interior / Exterior Thermal Inspections
  • Attic Inspections

To order your Energy Audit call us toll-free at (866)908-6995.

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ATS Engineers, Inspectors & Surveyors
912 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Suite 450
Austin, Texas 78746
(512)328-6995
www.ats-engineers.com