Project Profile

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.

St. Luke’s United Methodist Gethsemane Community Center / Houston, Texas

Composed of over 300 tons of steel, the new two-story, 55,000-SF center designed by Jackson & Ryan architects has reached its topping out milestone. To celebrate this exciting event, Bellows hosted a luncheon recognizing the project reaching over 36,000 hours worked without a lost time accident. Laura Bellows, CEO and Chairman; Erick Padilla, Bellows Director of Safety; and Ryan Villarreal, Director of St. Luke’s UMC Community Center spoke and thanked the team.

Aside from the steel, this building will feature a unique combination of finishes. The exterior alone has brick, plaster, two types of metal panels, hardie board, and two types of window systems. Inside, there are three main zones used by different tenants, each requiring their own signature layout and finishes while still complementing the overall cohesive feel.

When complete, the facility will serve as a community center for youth and their families in southwest Houston. The social services networking nonprofit Connect Community will be headquartered in the new community center where workforce training program PX Project will also open a classroom kitchen and cafe. Legacy Community Healthcare will have a clinic at the facility where it will serve uninsured and underinsured neighbors, with a focus on teens and young adults.

The faith-based, nonprofit Houston reVision will also have offices in the community center as well as offer a soccer program.The motto of the new campus is: “Where hope has an address” and we are humbled to build this significant project for such a deserving community.