Earlier this month, Caldwell County broke ground on a new 45,000-square-foot evacuation center in Luling, Texas that will provide shelter to the community in the event of disasters such as severe storms and power outages.
In 2019, Kleinfelder/Doucet, along with Method Architecture, assisted the County in preparing a competitive federal grant for disaster mitigation funds to be used to construct an approximately 360-bed evacuation center. Even when not being used as an evacuation center, the facility will be able to host approximately 550 people when configured as a meeting space with tables, and up to 1,400 people when configured with lecture hall-style seating.
In 2021, the General Land Office of Texas, who is administering the federal funds, awarded Caldwell County $17.8 million for design and construction of the facility.
To overcome unprecedented increases in construction costs that occurred between 2020 and 2023, Kleinfelder/Doucet assisted the County and City of Luling with obtaining additional grant funds to fully fund the final cost of construction, permitting, and design – which amounted to about $22 million.
“The 20-acre evacuation center site is the core of a future complex of County facilities that will occupy close to 40 acres and house other County services and community gathering spaces,” noted Director of Land Development Tracy Bratton. “It is a pleasure to see this project break ground … having served as the County’s engineer since 2011, I have seen many highs and lows for the community. This multi-purpose facility will host many wonderful community events, but, most importantly, will be a much-needed place of refuge as an emergency evacuation center in the event of future natural disasters.”
The initial phase of construction is expected to be complete in May 2026 and will include a main hall, corridor, concourse, restrooms with private shower stalls, office space, and a kitchen.
Congratulations to Tracy Bratton (Senior Project Manager) and David Clark (Project Manager), as well as Chris Terry, Oscar Flores, Rey Tamayo, Yami Escobar, Abby Crawford, Daniella McKay, and all involved in this project!
Read the official press release here.