Texas State Senator Robert Nichols, a long-time friend to the highway construction industry, was invited to cut the ribbon. Senator Nichols of Jacksonville, Texas, currently serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Transportation. Prior to being elected to the State Senate in 2006, he served on the Texas Transportation Commission for eight years from 1997 until 2005.
Senator Nichols expressed the value of the AGC of Texas, “I can’t emphasize enough how very important your agency is. The research your staff does and your connection with members out in the field is so important.”
The AGC of Texas office, built in 1980 measures approximately 8,500 square feet. Design for the remodeling project began in 2021 and construction began in fall of 2022. The total interior remodel was designed by a Studio8 Architects team in Austin, led by Holly McKenzie IIDA, NCIDQ. Except for relocating the front entrance, only minor cosmetic enhancements were made to the exterior.
But the interior was a completely different story. A general idea to reorganize the staff’s open work area on the second floor began years ago. Once the plans began to realize, the idea morphed into a redesign of the entire first floor to provide a more spacious area for seminars and social gatherings.
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“It was time for a renovation,” said David Casteel, who was 2022 AGC of Texas President during most of the renovation process. “We were not ADA compliant and with changes in technology, the building was dysfunctional for the staff. The renovation brings us into compliance and increases the usable areas.”
Turner Construction served as the general contractor for the project. Gone is the huge switchback staircase that overshadowed the large entry room. The small multi-purpose room on the south side is now the main entrance. The main entry, stairwell, and elevator were relocated to the south corner of the building, which in turn allowed the two largest rooms to be adjacent to one another. When the doors are opened between the reception, multi-purpose room, and boardroom, guests can flow through the spaces during larger functions. The dark oak wood flooring and wall paneling was replaced with a lighter toned grey quarter-cut walnut and Calcutta porcelain tile. The boardroom remains in the same location.
The project finished in late May 2023 with the staff eager to move into these beautiful new quarters after working remotely for almost a year. The second floor staff area is now organized into 12 offices, a small conference room, a mail/copier room, and a small staff break area. New furnishings throughout both floors help tie the spaces together and provide employees a more comfortable setting.
In addition to many industry members and friends, the ribbon cutting event was attended by 10 AGC of Texas Past-Presidents: David Casteel, 2022; Kal Kincaid, 2021; Trey Pebley, 2019; Seth Schulgen, 2017; Joe Forshage, 2013; Tracy Schieffer, 2008; Terry Bryant, 2005; Zack Burkett III, 1991 and 2006; Johnny Weisman, 1988 and 2003; Bob Lanham, 2000 and 2011, and AGC of America President, 2020-2021.
