A New Home for ACS
In June Port San Antonio joined Affiliated Computer Services (ACS), A Xerox Company, in showcasing ACS’ new facility. The space will enable ACS to add 300 employees to its existing workforce of more than 500 at the Port. A Port customer since 2000, ACS relocated from a 45,000 square-foot space it previously occupied in the Port’s Building 171. At Port San Antonio ACS provides transaction processing services to government clients.
Port San Antonio oversaw the $10-million project to transform an 84,000 square-foot former military warehouse on the Port’s northeast entrance into a modern office that is a model for sustainable construction. ACS now occupies 74,000 square feet of the building.
Further supporting the company’s local growth and job creation, in 2009 the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department provided ACS with a $300,000 economic development grant.
"We feel at home at Port San Antonio," said Alex Camacho, ACS Project Director. "The Port has a clear understanding of what we need to succeed—from meeting our day-to-day facility needs to undertaking ambitious projects such as this building, which supports our long-term plans."
"This effort is a true collaboration to promote economic well-being in our community," said Texas State Representative Jose Menendez, who spoke during the inaugural ceremony. "Smart real estate projects like those at the Port and backing from public officials are making our region an increasingly attractive place for companies like ACS to do business."
In keeping with the Port’s vision to create a community built to the highest sustainability standards, the new ACS facility has numerous environmentally-friendly features, including:
- Low-wattage lighting units;
- Low flow plumbing fixtures;
- Printing and mail handling areas which have separate exhaust systems; and
- A 13,000-gallon tank that collects condensation from the HVAC system so water can be used to irrigate surrounding landscaping.
Port San Antonio has presented the project to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for LEED certification, expected later in 2010. During the spring, the project received an honorable mention as part of the City of San Antonio Green Building Awards for sustainable building. It also was named the city’s Best Rehab Project by the San Antonio Business Journal’s Best in Commercial Real Estate Awards.
Michael LeMaire Is Port’s New Chief Operating Officer
Michael LeMaire, formerly the Port’s Senior Vice President of Real Estate Management, is the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer (COO).
"Michael’s experience leading large and complex projects is invaluable to Port San Antonio as it continues to evolve," said Bruce Miller, President and CEO of Port San Antonio.
"I look forward to supporting Port San Antonio as we continue advancing our mission," said LeMaire. "The Port is a national example of effective redevelopment helping an entire community—we’ve done a lot of good work and there are many opportunities ahead."
In his previous position, LeMaire led the organization’s largest functional area—the Real Estate Management Division. The team ensures the effective operation of Port real estate assets, including buildings as varied as airplane hangars, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, offices and residences.
LeMaire is a Certified Property Manager (CPM) and a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker. |
In August, Port San Antonio received the Base Redevelopment Community of the Year award from the Association of Defense Communities (ADC). The honor recognizes the Port’s work transforming the 1,880-acre property into an economic engine supporting thousands of area jobs.
