CLIENT
City of Houston

BUILDING AREA
24,338 sf

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
In late August 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused damage to Houston City Hall, displacing city employees from basement offices. Situated at 901 Bagby St., the City Hall is close to Buffalo Bayou. Floodwaters breached the existing floodwall and gate, flowing into the basement through downtown tunnel systems. This surge damaged mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as architectural features. The restoration project covered the historic preservation of the Carrie Slaughter Dining room near the mayor’s conference room and waiting area. City bonds funded the project, later reimbursed by FEMA.

RDLR Architects designed the approximately 24,338 gross square feet City Hall Restoration project, managed by the General Services Department. It includes renovating the historic Houston City Hall basement, preserving the dining room, lobby, and mayor’s elevator. Offices damaged during Harvey will be transformed into meeting areas to prevent displacement during floods. Additionally, a larger meeting space for the mayor and an official waiting area were created.

Working with a 90-year-old historic building presents challenges like using older materials and updating spaces for code compliance while retaining original character.