Houston Endowment Headquarters (cont’d)

“The Houston Endowment evolved from a competition design to a real building on an accelerated schedule. Bellows joined the project during Schematic Design, and became an integral part of the design team. As we worked to reconcile the scope of the competition project with the budget, the Bellows estimating team priced multiple alternatives for the structure, building systems, and exterior cladding while providing timely advice on constructability issues and local trade practices.

When the world locked down during the pandemic and “Supply Chain” became a topic of everyday conversation, Bellows managed two separate transnational procurement efforts: the cross laminate timber structure was fabricated and shipped from Canada, and the custom aluminum trellis and exterior cladding was fabricated in Monterrey, Mexico. The team from Bellows was central to the success of the project from the earliest design meetings through completion.”

The new, two-story building focuses on collaborative workspaces, more small conference rooms for meetings and even small enclosed “Zoom rooms” for workers who need to make video calls. The new building furthers the Endowment’s mission in its design, structure, and meaning.

The inception of this project started when Stern felt it was time to stop renting a space downtown that was full of dark wood paneling and didn’t represent the Endowment’s staff and how they work. Accessibility was another concern. Having guests take two escalators and three elevators to visit the office wasn’t aligning with the Endowment’s desire to be open to the community.

The Houston Endowment now has a headquarters that mirrors their commitment to “support organizations and improve the systems that benefit the people of Greater Houston” as well as being responsible stewards of the environment. Centrally located, accessible, and architecturally reflecting its parkland location, the new Headquarters is an inviting, canopied oasis where all kinds of Houstonians can come and work together to better our community.