CLIENT
Port Houston

SITE / AREA
44,734 SF

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
RDLR Architects designed a 44,734-square-foot maintenance annex at the Port of Houston’s Bayport facility to support the ongoing operations of ship-to-shore (STS) and rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes. The project includes a two-story, fully sprinklered Type IIB pre-engineered metal building dedicated to crane maintenance, along with a separate one-story tire and spool storage warehouse, both designed for durability, efficiency, and long-term operational support.

The facility integrates specialized maintenance environments—including engine and gearbox repair shops, a metal fabrication shop, and support spaces such as locker rooms and administrative offices—creating a cohesive, high-performance workspace tailored to the Port’s operational demands.

Careful site planning was critical, as the project is located within an active parking and employee shuttle area. The design preserves existing non-secure parking while introducing secure truck parking and maintaining efficient site circulation. To meet budget constraints, the team prioritized cost-effective strategies, including the reuse of existing infrastructure such as site lighting, fencing, and access control systems.

The project required thoughtful coordination around existing underground utilities, including electrical duct banks and sanitary lines that needed to remain undisturbed. In response, the building and site layout were refined multiple times to minimize conflicts, reduce the need for heavy-duty paving, and achieve the most efficient and economical solution.

The result is a highly functional, resilient facility that enhances the Port’s maintenance capabilities while maximizing value through strategic planning, coordination, and resourceful design.