Brenham Readiness Center
Major Maintenance and Repair
Brenham, Texas

The readiness center in Brenham demonstrates Arizpe’s innovative approach to building renovation. Instead of just fixing things, Arizpe fundamentally repositioned the building for the future by expanding its purpose and incorporating sustainable initiatives wherever possible.

In the latrines, wide stripes of tile run down the wall, across the space and up the opposite wall undergirding them with an organizational framework that defines partition and fixture spacing. The pattern evokes military themes of discipline, order and consistency. The scale and colors are unabashedly bold, echoing the nature of the unit’s mission. The layout carefully incorporates existing windows allowing for significant use of natural lighting throughout the space. Full ADA compliance allows this building to double as a hurricane evacuation shelter.

Principals of sustainability were used throughout the design. The parking lot paving utilized a recycled base method that incorporated existing material avoiding landfill waste. Energy efficiency was vastly improved with a new HVAC system combined with upgraded e-glass windows, high efficiency lighting combined with automated controls and gas tankless water heaters. High efficiency urinals contributed to water conservation.