Building C Renovations

Originally built in 1950 as a manufacturing facility, Building "C" underwent several past renovations that resulted in a maze of small, dark offices and computer rooms with low ceilings and no outdoor views. The resulting office structure was distinctly different from the other light-filled and open office spaces on the Zachry Corporate campus and the owner elected to remodel Building "C" to house new training rooms and flexible work areas totaling 20,000 square feet. In adopting a new design for the building, Zachry Construction Corporation made a commitment to implement sustainable design practices with the goal of attaining Platinum-level LEED certification. The project was registered with USGBC in August 2004 and became the first LEED 2.1-registered project in San Antonio, Texas. The building received Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Rather than increase the building footprint, the decision was made to raise the roof structure to provide the height required for two floor levels. Kell Muñoz Architects' design used over 75% of the existing foundation and building shell and reused the original steel roof trusses. The installation of new skylights and energy-efficient operable windows brought natural light to all work areas. Electricity is partially provided by 6 arrays of photovoltaic cells and the mechanical system utilizes under-floor air distribution. In addition, potable water consumption in the building is reduced by the use of collected rainwater for sewage conveyance and gray water landscape irrigation. All construction materials removed from the building during demolition were reused, donated or recycled. In addition, interior finishes includes a high percentage of recycled and reclaimed materials. Extensive new landscaping also included solely native and adapted plant species.