The west stair shaft wall nears completion.

Construction is under way on the Texas Rangers new baseball housing and meeting facility adjacent to the team's complex in Surprise, Ariz.

"The multi-story, 68,280 sq.-ft. facility will include housing for as many as 180 Texas Rangers organizational players and staff as well as classroom and meeting space. It will be utilized throughout the year for spring training, extended spring, Arizona rookie league, instructional league and other baseball programs."

The housing facility is being built on 3.8 acres at the northeast quadrant of North Bullard Avenue and West Greenway Road, directly across from the Rangers' baseball complex and Surprise Stadium. The project was approved by unanimous vote of the city of Surprise Zoning and Planning Committee on Feb. 19 and by the Surprise City Council on March 5.

The facility will consist of a two-story common area building which will be attached to a three-story residential building. The common area measures 12,753 sq. ft. and includes a lobby/reception, dining area, recreation room and outdoor patio space on the first floor. The second floor of the common area will house an auditorium, classrooms, and fitness area.

The residential building measures 53,527 sq. ft. and will include 36 units that can house up to 180 individuals at one time. This building also will feature lounge areas and a laundry room among other amenities.

The new facility is being designed by FM Group of Scottsdale, Ariz. with GCON of Phoenix serving as the general contractor. GCON has a number of local subcontractors on the project. At peak construction, 150 workers will be on site working in shifts. According to GCON, crews will export around 550 cu. yds. of earth and import 2,100. The building plans call for 49,502 cu. yds. of concrete and 4,722 sq. yds. of asphalt.

A portion of the building site lies on the former Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field which served as an active emergency landing facility to the Luke Air Force Base and the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base aircraft until around 1995.

"This new facility will be a game changer for our player development program in Surprise," said Jon Daniels, president of baseball operations and general manager. "We will be able to provide our young players with not only a great off-the-field living experience but also learning opportunities that have not been available currently. It will bring the organization closer together."

The privately funded facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2019 in time for spring training 2020. CEG

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