Future-Proofing Garland’s Facilities

As the City of Garland, Texas, continues to grow, so does its commitment to quality public service and infrastructure. Guided by a mission to serve its community responsibly, Garland has faced the growing challenge of managing aging facilities while planning for future needs. Stepping into this effort, McKinstry’s recent Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) has provided the city with crucial insights into its infrastructure’s current state, paving the way for smarter maintenance decisions and strategic investments. 

A Trusted Partnership Born from Experience 

Bill Wilson, Garland’s Facilities Director, brought McKinstry into the project with a clear vision. His journey with McKinstry began years ago through his roles in Washington, where he observed the company’s commitment to quality firsthand. Bill recalls his early experiences, noting that McKinstry had proven to be a reliable partner on various projects across different municipalities. This long-standing trust was a key factor in his decision to select McKinstry for Garland’s FCA, especially after past challenges with other firms that fell short of meeting expectations. “My recommendation after I got hired,” Bill recalls, “was, hey, you know, based on what you guys are telling me, we really need to get our arms wrapped around where we’re at exactly.” 

Leveraging FCA: Beyond a Checklist 

Facility Condition Assessments are a powerful tool for cities like Garland, where decades of deferred maintenance had left many city buildings in a state of disrepair. McKinstry’s approach, which goes beyond a simple checklist, provides a comprehensive, high-level audit designed to help Garland understand where its most critical needs lie. The goal of the FCA was not to perform exhaustive audits but to capture the overall condition of major systems, from HVAC and plumbing to electrical and structural components in an effort to increase their building automation. With this insight, Garland can now plan necessary repairs and upgrades proactively, reducing the risk of unexpected failures that could impact public services. 

The FCA also serves as a strategic planning tool, allowing the city to prioritize its maintenance efforts efficiently. Bill explains, “The FCA is an observation, a list of areas where there is concern based on useful life or overall condition… It’s really just to give an idea of where you’re at and the things you may need to be concerned about.” McKinstry’s assessments provided Garland’s team with the knowledge needed to begin addressing decades of deferred maintenance while planning future upgrades that will better serve the city. 

Overcoming the Constraints of Deferred Maintenance 

The need for an FCA became particularly apparent as Garland’s infrastructure team grappled with the realities of deferred maintenance. Bill describes an approach that he describes as “run it into the dirt,” where equipment is only replaced upon failure. This approach has proved costly and disruptive over time, especially in Garland’s current market where securing replacements, such as chillers or boilers, can take months. 

McKinstry’s FCA uncovered the areas where deferred maintenance had left the most impact, highlighting equipment that was at the end of its useful life and in need of immediate attention. One of the biggest revelations was the difference between emergency repairs and planned maintenance: while replacing failed equipment can be up to three times more expensive than planned replacements, Garland had little choice under previous management practices. McKinstry’s assessment has opened the door to a more proactive strategy, allowing Garland to stretch its resources further and reduce downtime.

Scaling Expertise for Garland’s Needs 

Managing Garland’s expansive infrastructure is a significant task: with only a small facilities team responsible for overseeing 2.5 million square feet of city facilities, the capacity constraints are evident. For Bill, McKinstry’s ability to scale resources and provide tailored expertise makes them an invaluable partner. “When we’re talking about almost $10 million worth of work next year, you’re not going to have time to manage all of that stuff,” Bill notes. With McKinstry’s assistance, Garland is now better positioned to plan for long-term improvements and tackle its most pressing facility issues. 

This capacity to scale also sets McKinstry apart in the Texas market. With deep expertise across the U.S., the company brings a wealth of knowledge to municipal clients like Garland, ensuring they receive not only a comprehensive assessment but also guidance on best practices and potential solutions. This partnership goes beyond assessment, extending into the practical implementation of needed improvements and ensuring the city’s facilities meet the standards its residents deserve. 

Looking Ahead: A Path to Proactive Facility Management 

The FCA completed by McKinstry is just the beginning of Garland’s journey toward proactive facility management. While the assessment provided an in-depth snapshot of current facility conditions, Garland’s leadership sees this as a foundation for ongoing improvements. McKinstry is currently working with the city to determine the next steps, helping prioritize which projects will have the greatest immediate impact and best serve the city’s future needs. The potential for McKinstry to continue supporting Garland as it addresses identified priorities reflects the strength of the partnership and the shared vision of a resilient, well-maintained infrastructure. 

As Garland continues to prioritize smart maintenance and infrastructure investments, the collaboration with McKinstry stands as a model for other Texas municipalities seeking effective solutions for their facility needs. By investing in assessments like the FCA and working with trusted partners, cities can create sustainable, resilient infrastructures that enhance the quality of life for their communities.