Category

Higher Education

Campus Redevelopment

By | Higher Education

Huckabee had the pleasure of attending the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of a community college campus in northwest Tarrant County. The $350 million project includes the design of four new buildings and renovations to existing facilities that will create modern, flexible and student-ready environments. The campus opened in 1976 and has become integral to the community and region through its high-quality programs for students and professionals of all ages.

The planning process for the redevelopment ensured the continuation of the college’s legacy while building toward a bright and vibrant future. Through a series of charrettes, the team used the college’s goals and principles to guide conversation and shape the design in service to students, faculty and community. The resulting design includes four multi-level buildings that form a park-like plaza at the core of the campus.

Building 1 will be home to the early college high school as well as science labs. Building 2 features general-purpose classrooms, testing rooms, administrative and faculty offices and multipurpose space for events and student development services. The core feature of Building 2 is a large atrium and learning stair that can be used for student gatherings. Building 3 houses art, music and general-purpose classrooms and will connect via an enclosed bridge to Building 4 where students can access the learning commons that overlooks the nearby lake. Building 4 also includes a bookstore, a multipurpose center and food services. It also connects to Building 2, creating ease of access to student-focused amenities.

Building 1 and Building 2 are under construction, with Building 3 and Building 4 to follow in 2023. The project will be complete in December 2025. Huckabee is the Prime Firm and Gensler is our design consultant.

Advanced Manufacturing Lab

By | Higher Education

Grayson College recently unveiled a new addition to the college’s Career and Technology Center—the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, which was completed in partnership with Huckabee. The project is part of a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion to enhance Grayson’s learning environments for the 21st century. The Advanced Manufacturing Lab will directly impact students in North Texas by providing access to high-growth career opportunities.

The new 6,800-square-foot space is used as a middle skills shop and includes a manufacturing classroom, industrial machinery, instructional space, storage and an office. It houses seven new lathes and mills. This space provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of highly-technical, advanced manufacturing.

Grayson College has a rich tradition of true-to-life workforce programs and strong community ties, and the Advanced Manufacturing Program is no exception. The program was made possible through partnerships between local manufacturing companies and the college, along with educational grants.

The effects of the Advanced Manufacturing Lab will be far-reaching for the community of North Texas. Due to low unemployment in the area, the manufacturing industry needs more skilled workers. In the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, students will be able to develop significant skills, relationships and understanding of various machinery in order to prepare for successful careers.

C. Huckabee Elected TTUS Chairman

By | Higher Education

Christopher M. Huckabee, AIA, Chief Executive Officer of Huckabee, was elected Chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents on March 21. Chris, a graduate of the Texas Tech College of Architecture, was appointed to the board in 2015 by Gov. Greg Abbott. He was named Vice Chairman in October 2018 and previously served on the Facilities and Investment Advisory committees.

He is joined by the new Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents, J. Michael Lewis, in addition to three new appointees (Ginger Kerrick, Mark Griffin and Dusty Womble).

“Congratulations to Chairman Huckabee and Vice Chairman Lewis on being elected by their fellow board members,” Texas Tech University System Chancellor and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center President Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell said. “I look forward to working closely with these outstanding leaders as we advance the Texas Tech System and each of our institutions. I would also like to thank Regent Tim Lancaster for his leadership and service to the board as chairman. I am grateful for all of our regents’ commitment to serving their alma maters.”

Both personally and professionally, Chris is an advocate for all students. He has served on multiple boards and committees to help further initiatives focused on education and youth. Prior to being named a regent, Chris was twice appointed to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board by Gov. Rick Perry, where he chaired the Agency Operations Committee. He also served as a board member of Cook Children’s Health Foundation and Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Currently, he is Chair Emeritus of the Board of the North Texas Community Foundation.

As CEO of Huckabee, an architecture / engineering firm, Chris further imparts a deep commitment to education. Under his leadership, Huckabee has become one of the top educational design firms in the nation. The firm focuses exclusively on learning environments and serves clients in the areas of early childhood, K-12, higher education and community-based education.

Chris will begin his work as Chairman of the Board of Regents immediately. Of his appointment, Chris said: “There’s a lot of work left to do, and we need to put our heads down and do that. I’d like to say thank you to the governor for naming three great regents that are going to add to us immediately and excel us down the road.”

UMCA Golden Trowel Award

By | Higher Education

Huckabee and Skinner Masonry were awarded the first place Golden Trowel Award at the United Masonry Contractors Association’s 30th annual awards banquet this June. The Golden Trowel Award is a distinction given to architects, mason contractors and suppliers whose projects improve the standard of excellence in the industry. Skinner Masonry and Huckabee worked together on Mathena Hall at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. The building design utilizes arches and pillars to represent strength and bridging the gap. We are excited to share this special honor with Skinner Masonry and our team. All photos by Gary Lockwood.

Memorial Stadium Breaks Ground

By | Higher Education

Huckabee joined Tarleton State University for the “groundbreaking” of the Memorial Stadium expansion that will create a more exciting and engaging gameday experience for fans. It’s the largest renovation project in the stadium’s 65-year history.

Huckabee team members were in attendance, along with President F. Dominic Dottavio, A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, Tarleton officials, state representatives and special guests. To mark the symbolic groundbreaking, the group lined up on the field with a cup filled with turf. As each person threw turf on the ground, a rendering of the new stadium was revealed.

The expansion will transform the current visitor’s seating on the west side to host home fans and will be named the Lonn Reisman Athletic Center in honor of the university’s athletic director. The center includes a new press box, suites, enhanced concessions and modern amenities. Overall seating will increase from 7,400 to more than 9,000, as well as add premium seats and hospitality suites. Other renovations will be completed to the entrances and ticket booths as well as replacement of football and track-and-field surfaces.

Chris Huckabee featured Huckabee Texas

Texas Tech Honors Chris Huckabee

By | Higher Education

Chris Huckabee has been named the 2015 Texas Tech University College of Architecture Distinguished Alumni. The Architecture Alumni Association presents the award annually to graduates who have clearly defined excellence in their profession, as well as shown dedication to the field of architecture.

It’s truly an honor to be recognized by my alma mater. Texas Tech University’s College of Architecture has produced some of the best architects in the state, and I am proud to represent and support the program as a Distinguished Alumni.

Chris HuckabeeChief Executive Officer, Huckabee

Chris graduated from Texas Tech University’s College of Architecture in 1991. Upon graduation, he joined Huckabee full-time, having already spent the majority of his life learning about the field from his father, Tommie. Shortly after, Chris became President, and in 2001 took over as Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, Huckabee has grown from a 5-person shop to a more than 180-employee, multi-discipline firm with offices across Texas. It is one of the fastest growing architectural / engineering firms in the nation.

In addition to his business acumen, the Distinguished Alumni award recognizes Chris’ leadership in the community and his belief in developing a firm-wide culture of philanthropy. As a community leader, Chris served on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board where he worked to improve the quality and access of higher education to all Texans. He recently stepped down from his role, when he was appointed to the Board of Regents at Texas Tech University. Chris also serves on the Board of Trustees for Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth and as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Community Foundation of North Texas.

Through his family’s Huckabee Community Excellence Fund, Chris and the firm have given more than $1,000,000 to organizations that support education, health, community programs, arts and cultural affairs. Huckabee also routinely provides support to education foundations, local causes and continuing education opportunities, as well as encourages its employees to give back through volunteering and through the donation of goods and funds.

before the race Huckabee Texas
Chris Huckabee color Huckabee Texas

Chris is one of the foremost CEOs in Texas, both within his field and as a business leader. His philosophy focuses on empowering employees and inspiring innovation, with the goal of providing the best-quality service to his clients. Chris also developed one of the top internship programs for recent college graduates, providing them with first-hand experience as they develop into successful architects and engineers.

As a testament to his leadership, Huckabee consistently appears on top industry lists for growth, workplace environment and innovation. In 2015, Zweig Group voted Huckabee the “Best Firm to Work For,” placing number three on the list for architecture firms and number one for structural engineering firms. Zweig Group also named Huckabee as a 2015, “Hot Firm.” Other recent recognitions include Engineering News Record’s “Top 500 Design Firms,” and Building Design + Construction magazine’s 2015 Giants 300 list as a “Top 10 K-12 School Sector” firm, among numerous school design awards.

The Architecture Alumni Association will make the announcement during a special presentation at the Texas Society of Architects Convention in November. Chris is the 34th alumni to receive the honor, joining a list of individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of architecture.

Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to learn from many great architects and business leaders. Passing that knowledge along and creating an environment that supports growth, mentorship and integrity in leadership is an important part of Huckabee’s success. We have recruited an incredible team that is playing an integral role in how instruction is delivered in Texas’ schools.

Chris HuckabeeChief Executive Officer, Huckabee