Case Study 1 - Adaptive Reuse Architecture

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Overview

• Architect’s Studio PLLC led the adaptive reuse of The Press Building, a former newspaper production facility at 549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640, transforming it into a multi‑program civic and workforce asset. The project introduced classrooms, commercial kitchens, coworking lounges, an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) with generator backup, LSCPA Culinary Arts space, and retail uses—anchored by a central lobby with gathering stairs designed to encourage collaboration and community activity.

Client & Delivery

• Client: Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation (PAEDC) 
• Funding: PAEDC with U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Disaster Assistance Grant support 
• Delivery Method: Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) 
• Completion: 2022 
• Final Construction Cost: $10,000,000

Scope of Services

• Programming; Schematic Design; Design Development; Construction Documents; Bidding/Negotiation; Construction Administration; Project Manual/Specifications; Cost Estimating; Interior Design; Historical Preservation; Feasibility Study. 
• Sequenced, three‑phase construction accommodated the building’s legacy structure and operational needs.

Challenges & Solutions

• Legacy industrial fabric & historic character → A preservation‑guided approach retained meaningful structure while introducing new life‑safety, accessibility, and systems performance. 
• Multi‑program fit (EOC, culinary, coworking, retail) → Planning balanced occupant safety, clear circulation, acoustics, and utilities for food service and emergency operations within a single facility.
• Budget discipline → Targeted value engineering achieved ~5% cost reduction via material optimizations—without sacrificing durability or function.

Results

• On budget with zero design‑related change orders and no change orders to the GMP; completed within budget.
• Program achieved: classrooms, three complete commercial kitchen suites, coworking lounges, EOC w/ generator backup, LSCPA Culinary Arts, and retail space.
• Community benefit: a resilient, multi‑use hub that supports skills training, entrepreneurial activity, emergency readiness, and downtown activation.