2025 Texas & Southeast Best Projects
Award of Merit, Small Project: YWCA San Antonio Live & Learn Center
YWCA San Antonio Live & Learn Center
San Antonio
Award of Merit
Submitted by Joeris General Contractors
Owner YWCA San Antonio
Lead Design Firm Marmon Mok
General Contractor Joeris General Contractors
Civil Engineer AG3
MEP Engineer Alderson & Associates
To support youth at risk for homelessness and associated problems, the $5-million Live & Learn Center provides up to four years of affordable housing alongside comprehensive, trauma-informed support services. From private housing units to shared kitchens, reading nooks and community spaces, the facility’s layout reflects the YWCA’s vision to reconnect, restore and empower young women.
During the building renovation, one of the primary challenges was the discovery of unforeseen existing conditions amid demolition. The building’s structural integrity was significantly compromised, and these issues needed to be addressed before any further renovation work could proceed. The team collaborated with trade partners to quickly assess the issues and develop cost-effective and time-efficient solutions.
Following a comprehensive concrete investigation, the contractor introduced carbon fiber reinforcement in targeted areas of the existing structure, which would also maximize impact within the nonprofit’s limited budget. With tensile strength up to 10 times greater than steel, carbon fiber enabled the team to enhance the building’s load-bearing capacity without invasive demolition or reconstruction.
Midway through the project, the owner approved a significant design change, which was not included in the original scope, budget or schedule. The team integrated the new scope without compromising the original plans.
