Starr Family Home
Marshall, Texas

The master plan for this historic site is comprised of seven buildings on three acres. The project team led by Architects Clayton & Little were to address restoration work and accessibility at three of the buildings on site. Clayton & Little consulted with Arizpe for all engineering services on this project.

Work at the main building includes repairs to the building fabric, updating the HVAC system, and accessibility improvements. Work at the second building includes the addition of a new 700sf workshop addition. Work at the third building is accessibility improvements.

Maplecroft, the centerpiece of the historic site, was originally planned to recieve an update to the HVAC system however, as the project progressed the client asked for a more stringent environment to protect the museum quality artifacts displayed and stored inside. The building was constructed in 1871 which presented unique challenges for controlling the environment. Arizpe redesigned for the interior environment by including four separate split system DX heat pumps for heating and cooling separate zones. Engineers also included an air filtration system for dust control equivalent to a “museum standard” as recommended by ASHRAE. Three separate dehumidifiers were included for the interior and the crawl space below the building.