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Adaptive Re-use
with a Higher Purpose

The Lakewood Center
Houston, Texas

The internationally recognized Lakewood Church outgrew its former complex and had the Compaq Center, a former professional sports and entertainment arena, converted into a worship facility for 16,000 people.

Structural challenges on the project included reinforcing the existing roof trusses for 350,000 pounds of new load for added lighting trusses, screens, catwalks and ceilings. Other major modifications included new stairs and elevators to improve accessibility, new mechanical rooms and a new mechanical plenum space across the entire facility.

The existing lower bowl structure was modified to create a new worship platform and orchestra pit, and a new central plant was added above an existing food court.

Civil services included a site investigation, site plan, utility service plan, traffic control plans, air and vault rights, storm water detention design and a retaining wall design.

A new five-level building includes assembly areas, classrooms and administration areas. This building is designed for future vertical expansion of an additional five levels.