Greater Harris County 911 Tom Bass Building
Strength in Design
Project Facts
| Location | Houston, Texas |
| Owner | Harris County |
| Size | 48,600 SF |
| Cost | $16 million |
| Status | Completed 2009 |
| Certifications | LEED Silver® |
Overview
Engineered to maintain critical emergency communications during catastrophic events, this 26,000-SF facility withstands Category 5 hurricane forces and operates independently for up to ten days, ensuring uninterrupted service across a two-county region.
Services
About the Project
Walter P Moore provided structural engineering services for the two-story, 26,000-square-foot facility. To achieve a higher ceiling, the roof of the first-floor boardroom was extended. In addition to the boardroom, the building includes offices, training rooms, and a command center.
The facility supports and maintains critical call center equipment for all 911 emergency calls across 41 answering points serving 49 cities in a two-county region. Designed to operate independently for up to 10 days during a disaster, it features dedicated server rooms, power generation, water supply, food storage, and sleeping quarters. The hardened structure can withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 150 mph and is equipped with advanced security, audio-visual, and information technology systems.
