Historical Preservation Projects

There are many limitations when making modern upgrades to historical properties. Placing 21st Century mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a 19th Century building requires not only experience in system design, but also an appreciation for the historic architecture of the building along with a keen eye for detail.

We offer deep experience tackling challenging projects designed to improve or replace the building systems in historic structures. Our professionals produce designs that render the buildings more comfortable to live and work in, while maintaining the aesthetics and cultural significance that make the buildings so special.

Texas Governor's Mansion 

Two-story historical structure in Austin, Texas built in 1859 with 27 rooms, a carriage house, guardhouses, site lighting and security.

Project Architect:  Volz O’Connell Hutson Architects, Austin, Texas / STG Design Inc., Austin, Texas/ Ford, Powell & Carson, San Antonio, Texas
Total GSF Building: 24,000 gsf
Project Cost: $23,000,000 (from renovations in 1998, 2008, and 2010)

Our work for this building included:

• 1998 – Make-up air pressurization and modifications, upgraded electrical infrastructure and new emergency power system
• 2008 – Renovated the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• 2010 – After a fire in 2008, total removal and replacement of the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Systems, installation of ground source heat pumps, emergency generator, domestic hot water system, solar domestic hot water system, site sanitary sewer and potable water systems

Colorado County Courthouse

Renovation project of a four-story historic courthouse in Columbus, Texas, that was originally designed in 1875.

Project Architect: Volz O’Connell Hutson Architects, Austin, Texas
Total GSF Building: 20,000 gsf
Project Cost: $5,000,000

Our work on this project included:

• 135-ton cooling capacity with variable refrigerant flow heat pump system
• Two 100% outside air units
• 1000 A, 480/277V electrical service to the courthouse
• New analog addressable fire alarm system
• Automatic lighting controls
• New energy efficient lighting

Comal County Courthouse 

Renovation project of a four-story historic courthouse in New Braunfels, Texas that was originally designed in 1898.

Project Architect: Volz O’Connell Hutson Architects, Austin, Texas
Total GSF Building: 20,000  gsf
Project Cost: $8,700,000

Our work on this project included:

• 100-ton cooling capacity chilled water VAV system
• 30,200 cfm total air system capacity
• 650,000 BTUH non-condensing boiler for heating
• 100 kW emergency generator
• 2000 A, 480/277V electrical service to the courthouse and adjacent annex building
• New analog addressable fire alarm system
• Automatic lighting controls
• New energy efficient lighting

Additional Historical Renovation Experience Includes:

• University of Texas - Littlefield Home - Austin, Texas
• University of Texas - Renovation of Dorothy Gebauer Hall, Claudia Taylor Johnson Hall, and O'Henry Halls - Austin, Texas
• Santa Fe Depot Renovation - Ft. Stockton, Texas
• Indian Lodge - Fort Davis, Texas
• Garten-Verein Building
• Alcorn House
• Blanco County Courthouse
• Garner House
• Texas State University - Old Main Building
• Levi Jordan House
• Neill-Cochran House Museum
• City of Austin - Main Library Renovation
• Renovations at Texas Historical Commission
• Renovations at the Texas State Capitol
• St. Edward’s University - Holy Cross Hall
• University of Texas - Gebauer Building Renovations
• Fairmont Hotel Renovations - San Antonio, Texas
• Gethsemane Church
• Carrington House
• Christianson - Lebermann Building