THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — The J. Beard Real Estate Company has brokered the lease of the former Crossroads Baptist Church, a 40,170-square-foot church complex located at 6565 Research Forest Dr. in The Woodlands. The lessee, Celebration Church, has re-opened the church and held its dedication ceremony earlier this month. Its lease carries a purchase option for the complex. Karyn Stephens of J. Beard represented the lessor, Crossroads Baptist Church.
NEW YORK CITY — The New York City School Construction Authority has awarded a 3-year, $8 million contract to Hasbrouck, N.J.-based DMR Architects. The contract provides for the firm to provide design consulting services at various schools throughout the city on an on-call basis. The scope of work will include an assessment of existing mechanical HVAC and climate control systems, followed by upgrades or replacement; plumbing and bathroom renovations; installation of new elevators; and the installation of fire alarms and security systems. DMR recently completed a 2-year, $5 million contract with the Authority in which the firm provided design consulting services at 15 public schools. In addition, construction is nearing completion for another DMR-designed project. This week will mark the completion of the Meadowlands Rail Station, a train station located in the New Jersey Meadowlands that will primarily serve the new football stadium and the Xanadu project. The 950-foot long station features pedestrian overpasses that connect several platforms and a pedestrian plaza with a series of ramps. The project is part of the larger Meadowlands Railroad and Roadway Improvement Project. The stadium and Xanadu are slated for completion in 2010.
CONCORD, N.C. — Castle & Cooke has borrowed a $26 million loan for construction of a 62,322-square-foot building on the Rowan-Cabarrus Community College campus in Concord. The property will include classrooms, offices and research and development labs. US Bank provided funding for the 20-year loan, which carries a 7 percent interest rate. Hal Kempson of CB Richard Ellis’ Charlotte, N.C., office secured the loan. Royal Net Lease and William Blair & Co. also helped with the deal.
WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS — Construction is complete for the $6.2 million renovation of Fowler Hall, located on the campus of Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. The 23,000-square-foot renovated building houses academic space for the McCoy School of Engineering. Construction included the upgrade of several laboratory spaces; the construction of classrooms, offices and collaborations areas; and new study pods that overhang into the lab space. The exterior of the building now features a translucent glass box that showcases the building’s three major labs and the design studio while providing ample daylight to the building’s interior. Finally, a new landscape plan was implemented that includes the use of indigenous plants, custom fabricated outdoor seating and new walking surfaces. The project architect was Dallas-based SHW Group.
DALLAS — Corgan Associates has been selected as the architect of record for the renovation of Dallas’ Love Field airport. The Love Field Modernization Program will begin with the demolition and consolidation of the airport’s three original concourses into one central concourse. The check-in and baggage claim areas will be redesigned and the main lobby space will be renovated. The number of airport concession areas will be more than doubled. The project plans to pursue LEED certification. Demolition work will begin in the fall, with Phase I construction scheduled for a 2012 completion. The project will wrap up by fall 2014. Corgan Associates has been involved in several renovation projects for the airport and was part of the original design team when it was constructed in 1956.
IRVING, TEXAS — Cadence McShane Construction Co. has completed Northlake College – South Campus, a satellite campus for the Dallas County Community College District that is located in Irving. The two-story, 33,278-square-foot facility is situated on 11.72 acres at 1801 W. Shady Grove Rd. It features 15 classrooms, three computer labs, a science lab, a library, administrative areas, study lounges, a multi-purpose room, catering facilities, a GED testing suite, a law enforcement office, vending areas and a 225-space parking lot. The project architect was F&S Partners. Dallas County Community College District currently operates a network of seven colleges with more than 89,000 students.
AZUSA, CALIF. — Hodgdon-Miank Construction, serving as design-build contractor, has broken ground for the $4 million remodel of the 30,000-square-foot Carl E. Wynn Academic Center at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa. The project includes the gutting and renovation of the former Carl E. Wynn Science Center building on the campus’ east side. The remodeled center will be renamed Carl E. Wynn Academic Center. The new center will feature 11 classrooms, 30 administrative and staff offices, a 1,800-square-foot lecture hall, a conference room, a small library, a computer lab and workrooms, two focus rooms with a viewing area and a presentation room for new and prospective students and parents. Irvine, Calif.-based GAA is providing architectural services for the project. The new center is scheduled to open for classes in January 2010.
FAIRLESS HILLS, PA. — New Brunswick, N.J.-based Tekton Development Corp. has completed the $7.5 million renovation of Oxford Valley Elementary School, located at 430 Trenton Rd. in Fairless Hills. Construction included a new library, a music room, a choral room, a media center, an addition to the cafeteria, a new roof and upgrades to every classroom. The project architect was Trenton, N.J.-based Faridy Veisz Fraytak. The renovation was part of a larger $15 million capital improvements project that is currently under way at the school.
REDONDO BEACH, CALIF. — The Redondo Beach Unified School District and Barnhart Inc. have broken ground on the $33.75 million construction and modernization of Redondo Union High School in Redondo Beach. The project includes a new gymnasium and aquatic center, a new artificial surface football field and tennis courts, a new student services building that will house administration, counselors, attendance, registrar, nurse and student government, and modernization of the school auditorium and band building. Completion is scheduled for between January and August of 2010. The project is being funded by Bond Measure C, a $145 million general obligation bond measure that was passed in February 2008. Irvine, Calif.-based MVE Institutional provided architectural services for the project.
SANTA PAULA, CALIF. — Thomas Aquinas College has completed the development of its Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, which is located on the school’s campus in Santa Paula. Designed by Duncan G. Stroik Architecture, the $23 million, 15,000-square-foot chapel features the Spanish Mission style while also incorporating traditional architectural elements from the Catholic Church. Ventura, Calif.-based Rasmussen & Associates served as architect of record; HMH Construction served as general contractor for the project.