Austin, TX
Army G-9, Team Bliss open DOD's first 3D-printed barracks
Two of three newly opened 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy Army chief of staff, G-9 (Installations), and Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry, his senior enlisted adviser, joined 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Garrison leaders for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. They are the first 3D-printed structures to comply with the Defense Department’s updated Unified Facilities Criteria, a mandate updated annually that provides construction guidance DOD-wide and now reflects standards for additive manufacturing, or 3D-printed, facilities.
VIEW ORIGINAL
FORT BLISS, Texas — The “Home of America’s Tank Division” now houses the Defense Department’s first 3D-printed barracks.
Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy Army chief of staff, G-9 (Installations), and Sgt. Maj. Michael Perry, his senior enlisted adviser, joined 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Garrison leaders for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 29, 2025.
The facilities on West Bliss are one of two new sites at Fort Bliss featuring this innovative military infrastructure. They are the first 3D-printed structures to comply with the Defense Department’s updated Unified Facilities Criteria, a mandate updated annually that provides construction guidance DOD-wide and now reflects standards for additive manufacturing, or 3D-printed, facilities.
According to ICON, an Austin, Texas, company that spearheaded the project, the buildings each encompass 5,700 square feet. When construction began in 2024, these barracks were the largest planned 3D-printed structures in the Western Hemisphere.
An example of the facilities in one of the new 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. According to ICON, an Austin, Texas, company that spearheaded the project, the buildings each encompass 5,700 square feet. When construction began in 2024, these barracks were the largest planned 3D-printed structures in the Western Hemisphere.
VIEW ORIGINAL
An example of the facilities in one of the new 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. According to ICON, an Austin, Texas, company that spearheaded the project, the buildings each encompass 5,700 square feet. When construction began in 2024, these barracks were the largest planned 3D-printed structures in the Western Hemisphere.
VIEW ORIGINAL
In total, three buildings were opened at Fort Bliss: two in the Pershing Heights area and one at Camp McGregor on the Fort Bliss Training Complex in New Mexico.
The project was completed with assistance from the Fort Bliss Garrison Directorate of Public Works and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who were essential in ensuring the safety certifications of these privately built structures.
The newly opened facilities will initially house troops deploying to Fort Bliss in support of the installation’s Mobilization Force Generation Installation mission. Fort Bliss processes and trains approximately 70,000 service members annually, with support from Army Reserve and National Guard units that deploy to Fort Bliss for annual rotations.
The new barracks at Fort Bliss can house up to 56 Soldiers per building. The Pershing Heights facilities will be first used by the 382nd Military Police Detachment, an Army Reserve unit from Massachusetts, which will be heading to Fort Bliss in support of the MFGI mission.
Army leaders, stakeholders and guests tour one of three new 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. According to ICON, an Austin, Texas, company that spearheaded the project, the buildings each encompass 5,700 square feet. When construction began in 2024, these barracks were the largest planned 3D-printed structures in the Western Hemisphere.
VIEW ORIGINAL
The 3D-printing, or additive manufacturing, process begins with designing the facility using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The barracks design was then virtually sliced into horizontal layers and vertically rejoined.
The barracks were built with ICON’s Vulcan printer, a five-ton, gantry-style 3D printer that stands almost 16 feet tall and 47 feet wide. The machine uses a proprietary concrete-based material called Lavacrete, which can be tailored to local environmental conditions, including humidity and temperature, ensuring optimal performance and aesthetic appeal.
Wilson served with the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss from 2008 to 2010 as the 121st Brigade Support Battalion commander shortly after the division moved its headquarters from Ansbach, Germany, to El Paso, Texas.
He recalled the borderland as “one of the warmest and most welcoming communities I had ever been a part of in my 38 years of service, both as an enlisted Soldier and a commissioned officer.”
(From right) Col. Brendan Gallagher, Fort Bliss garrison commander; U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar; Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy Army chief of staff, G-9 (Installations); and Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss commanding general, formally open the Defense Department’s first 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. The facilities will initially house troops deploying to Fort Bliss in support of the installation’s Mobilization Force Generation Installation mission. Fort Bliss processes and trains approximately 70,000 service members annually, with support from Army Reserve and National Guard units that deploy to Fort Bliss for annual rotations. The new barracks at Fort Bliss can house up to 56 soldiers per building. The Pershing Heights facilities will be first used by the 382nd Military Police Detachment, an Army Reserve unit from Massachusetts, which will be heading to Fort Bliss in support of the MFGI mission.
VIEW ORIGINAL
Lt. Gen. David Wilson, deputy Army chief of staff, G-9 (Installations), speaks at the opening of the Defense Department’s first 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. “Fort Bliss is not only a military installation; it’s a cornerstone of our nation’s defense and a symbol of resilience, strength, and enduring commitment to our nation—a place of growth and transformation,” Wilson said. “This post has evolved with the times, embracing new technologies, new strategies, and new ways of serving our country. So, it’s fitting that we gather here today to open new barracks that embody the same spirit of evolution and progress.”
VIEW ORIGINAL
Col. Brendan Gallagher, Fort Bliss garrison commander, speaks at the opening of the Defense Department’s first 3D-printed barracks at Fort Bliss, Texas, Jan. 29, 2025. “This is not just another barrack – this is the largest 3D-printed barracks ever and it is among the largest 3D-printed structures ever in the world,” Gallagher said. “It clearly and visibly shows that Fort Bliss is continuing to lead the way in innovation for our Army. We believe this represents the cutting edge of innovation and reflects technology that will shape the future for Fort Bliss and hopefully many other installations.”
VIEW ORIGINAL
The Army G-9 oversees Army housing, military construction and infrastructure investment, child care, energy and water security, resilience and sustainability, installation environmental management and stewardship, and other installation-related concerns.
“The great senator Robert Francis Kennedy once said, ‘Do not look at things and wonder why, dream new ideas and say ‘why not?’” Wilson said. “We’re here today because many people dreamed of new ideas and said ‘why not,’ and that’s why we’re delivering this state-of-the-art facility to the Army today.
“Fort Bliss is not only a military installation; it’s a cornerstone of our nation’s defense and a symbol of resilience, strength, and enduring commitment to our nation—a place of growth and transformation. This post has evolved with the times, embracing new technologies, new strategies, and new ways of serving our country,” he said. “So, it’s fitting that we gather here today to open new barracks that embody the same spirit of evolution and progress.”
AUSTIN, Texas – The winter storm has made its way to Central Texas, causing impacts across the region, including to schools.
Some Central Texas school districts have adjusted their operations for Wednesday, Jan. 28, due to road conditions.
You can view the full list below:
School district delays
What we know:
Florence ISD
Florence ISD will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Jarrell ISD
All Jarrell ISD campuses will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Leander ISD
Leander ISD will operate on a 2-hour delay on Wednesday, Jan. 28, due to lingering freezing temperatures and the potential for icy conditions early in the morning.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor will operate on a two-hour delay for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
- 9:30AM: Carline Start
- 10:00AM: Classes Start
The Source: Information from school districts
AUSTIN, Texas — Following a controversial deportation involving a 5-year-old, Austin City Council members and the city’s police chief will hold a community conversation to discuss the police department’s immigration policies.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis, Mayor Pro Tem José “Chito” Vela and Councilmembers Vanessa Fuentes and José Velásquez will host a community conversation on “APD’s policies that impact our immigrant community.” It was originally scheduled for Jan. 26, but it was moved due to icy roads.
The discussion is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Govalle Elementary Cafeteria, 3601 Govalle Ave. Spanish interpretation services will be provided. Those interested in attending virtually can RSVP here to receive a Zoom link.
This comes after an Austin mother and her 5-year-old child were deported after the mother called 911 from her home. APD officers called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on the mother after seeing an “administrative warrant” in a federal database. Following the incident, Austin City Council members released a statement condemning the actions of APD, and APD said they would update their ICE policy.
Nationwide, protests have erupted due to the actions of ICE officials, mainly in Minneapolis, Minn., where incidents like the detention of a father and his 5-year-old son to an immigration facility in Dilley, Texas, and the killings of Renee Nicole Good and VA nurse Alex Pretti by ICE officers have enraged residents.
In response to Pretti’s killing on Saturday, the Austin Immigrant Rights AC will hold a protest on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 5:30 p.m. at the Texas Capital south entrance. The group had previously held a protest in early January after Good was killed.
AUSTIN, Texas – The winter storm has made its way to Central Texas, causing impacts across the region, including to schools.
Some Central Texas school districts, colleges and universities have adjusted their operations for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to the arctic blast.
You can view the full list below:
School district closures/delays
What we know:
Austin ISD
All Austin ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Austin Community College
ACC will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Bartlett ISD
Bartlett ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to unsafe road conditions.
All extracurricular activities are canceled.
Blanco ISD
All Blanco ISD schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Brentwood Christian School
Brentwood Christian School will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Burnet CISD
All classes, activities, and events scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 27 are canceled.
Champions School of Real Estate
Champions School of Real Estate Austin campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Chapparral Star Academy
Chapparral Star Academy will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Child Inc Head Start
Child Inc Head Start will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Cedars International Academy Schools
Cedars International Academy Schools will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Del Valle ISD
All Del Valle ISD schools and offices will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Dripping Springs ISD
All Dripping Springs ISD campuses are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
District offices will be closed, as well.
Eanes ISD
All campuses and district offices will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Elgin ISD
All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Florence ISD
Florence ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Fredericksburg ISD
Fredericksburg ISD will be closed Tuesday, January 27.
Georgetown ISD
All Georgetown ISD campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Granger ISD
Granger ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to expected icy road conditions.
All schools will return to normal operations on Wednesday, Jan. 28.
Harper ISD
Harper ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Hays CISD
All schools will remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Huston-Tillotson University
Due to ongoing winter weather conditions, Huston-Tillotson University will operate remotely on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Hutto ISD
Hutto ISD has canceled school for Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to continued freezing temperatures and the potential for icy roadways.
Hyde Park Schools
All schools will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
IDEA Public Schools
IDEA Public Schools Greater Austin Region will be canceling all classes and activities for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Jarrell ISD
All Jarrell ISD campuses are closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Johnson City ISD
Johnson City ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Lago Vista ISD
All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to hazardous road conditions from icy and refreezing streets.
Lake Travis ISD
All schools will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to possible road conditions.
Lampasas ISD
Lampasas ISD will remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Leander ISD
Leander ISD schools and facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Lexington ISD
Lexington ISD will have a two-hour delayed start on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Buses will run two hours later than normal.
Liberty Hill ISD
Liberty Hill ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to ongoing weather conditions.
Llano ISD
Llano ISD will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Llano Christian Academy
Llano Christian Academy will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to icy roads.
Lockhart ISD
All Lockhart ISD schools will operate on a two-hour delay on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Manor ISD
All schools and offices will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to winter conditions.
Marble Falls ISD
All campuses will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Rockdale ISD
All Rockdale ISD schools and district facilities will remain closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Round Rock ISD
All Round Rock ISD classes and before- and after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Regents School of Austin
Regents School of Austin will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
San Antonio ISD
San Antonio ISD will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 27, with a two-hour delayed start for students only.
San Marcos CISD
All San Marcos CISD campuses and offices will operate on a 2-hour delay for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
San Saba ISD
San Saba ISD will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27, due to road conditions.
St. Mary’s Catholic School
St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylor has decided to remain closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
St. Michael’s Prep
St. Michael’s Prep will be closed for Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Southwestern University
Southwestern University has canceled all classes on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Taylor ISD
Taylor ISD schools will remain closed Tuesday, Jan. 27 due to lingering icy conditions and roadways that may refreeze overnight.
Extracurricular activities are canceled or will be rescheduled.
Texas Empowerment Academy
Texas Empowerment Academy will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Texas State Technical College
Texas State Technical College’s Williamson County campus will be closed on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
Texas State University
The San Marcos campus will operate as normal on Tuesday.
The Round Rock campus will have a delayed start at noon.
The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin will remain closed through Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The Source: Information from school districts
Detroit Pistons find new altitude in win over Denver Nuggets
Video: Mountain Lion Spotted in San Francisco
DAL@STL Postgame: Glen Gulutzan | Dallas Stars
Darian Mensah Officially Joins Miami Hurricanes After Agreement With Duke
David Pastrnak, Bruins earn 3-2 overtime victory over Nashville
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Video: F.A.A. Ignored Safety Concerns Prior to Collision Over Potomac, N.T.S.B. Says
Democrats demand Kristi Noem be fired or warn impeachment will follow
EU Commissioner Virkkunen urges US to respect EU digital rules
Families of killed men file first U.S. federal lawsuit over drug boat strikes
Video: New Video Analysis Reveals Flawed and Fatal Decisions in Shooting of Pretti
-
Sports1 week agoMiami’s Carson Beck turns heads with stunning admission about attending classes as college athlete
-
Illinois6 days agoIllinois school closings tomorrow: How to check if your school is closed due to extreme cold
-
Pittsburg, PA1 week agoSean McDermott Should Be Steelers Next Head Coach
-
Lifestyle1 week agoNick Fuentes & Andrew Tate Party to Kanye’s Banned ‘Heil Hitler’
-
Pennsylvania2 days agoRare ‘avalanche’ blocks Pennsylvania road during major snowstorm
-
Sports1 week agoMiami star throws punch at Indiana player after national championship loss
-
Cleveland, OH1 week agoNortheast Ohio cities dealing with rock salt shortage during peak of winter season
-
Science1 week ago‘It is scary’: Oak-killing beetle reaches Ventura County, significantly expanding range