The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow stopped at San Jacinto College today to spotlight the pivotal role of engineering and public works in community development and innovative design at the award-winning Anderson-Ball Classroom Building. The classroom is the nation’s largest mass timber instructional building, which serves as a cornerstone of the college’s commitment to workforce readiness and student success.
The Roadshow, a collaborative initiative between the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), aims to highlight infrastructure excellence and inspire the next generation of engineering and public works professionals.
The building was chosen for the Roadshow because of the innovation that went into designing the 122,000-square-foot mass timber structure that includes 55 instructional classrooms, a robotics lab, and supports engineering and mathematics fields of study.
The use of mass timber was innovative in combining the structural strength of traditional materials with the sustainability and efficiency of engineered wood. The low-carbon construction delivered aesthetic warmth, flexibility, and reduced construction timelines.
The event featured remarks from Roadshow leadership, college administrators, local officials, and representatives from engineering firms involved in the Anderson-Ball Classroom Building. Guests toured the facility, which has become a regional model for sustainable, student-centered design.
Monica Silver, P.E., from ACEC Texas said, “Choosing mass timber isn’t just an aesthetic decision — it’s a statement about the future we want to build.” She continued, “Whether using advanced materials like mass timber or integrating cutting-edge technology, engineers are leading the charge toward a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
“At APWA, we like to say public works advances the quality of life for all. We believe the Anderson-Ball Classroom Building does this,” said Kristina Ramirez, P.E., CPM, CFM, APWA Region VII Director and the director of planning and development for Harker Heights, Texas. “The mass timber construction of this building is a model for sustainable construction practices, and it’s a model for future public infrastructure projects.”
“We often don’t consider the carbon footprint and the broader impacts of our buildings and infrastructure, especially long after they’ve been built,” said Adam Eaton, P.E., ASCE Texas Section. “Projects like the Anderson-Ball Classroom Building use techniques and materials that prioritize sustainability, benefiting communities now and in the future.”
The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow continues its nationwide journey, bringing attention to the critical infrastructure investments that support America’s economy and quality of life and to the educators and students poised to carry that work forward.
For more information about the Roadshow and upcoming events, visit https://www.infrastructureroadshow.org.
About the Engineering and Public Works Roadshow: The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow is a series of nationwide events highlighting critical infrastructure projects and the skilled professionals who make them possible. It is a joint project from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), American Public Works Association (APWA), and American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) that began in 2022. The Roadshow is an opportunity to learn about the importance of infrastructure investment, showcase the work of engineers and public works professionals, and celebrate projects’ positive impact on our communities. Learn more at www.infrastructureroadshow.org.
