McCarthy Architecture News

At Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano, construction is continuing to progress along on a new restroom facility for the park.  Across multiple site visits recently, observed work has primarily consisted on the installation of stone masonry and standing seam roof around the building's exterior, giving the building its final appearance which is designed to match the other existing structures throughout the nature preserve.

McCarthy Architecture is partnering with Pacheco Koch Consulting Engineers and the City of Plano on a new restroom facility at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.  The new restrooms are designed to accommodate a visitor base which has significantly increased since the park's opening.  Recently, the facility's slab was poured, and over the next several days, masonry work will begin on the exterior CMU walls.  As a part of this process, the project area has been covered with a plastic tent which aids in maintaining a controlled temperature and allows the masonry work to proceed.

Over the past couple of months, site clearing and grading have noticeably progressed along at Ennis Luxury RV Resort and Storage.  Provided below is some aerial footage of the sitework taking place.  Be on the lookout for additional updates over the coming months.

Over the course of last week, McCarthy Architecture had the opportunity to assist our neighbors at Miller Equipment in an exterior facelift of their longtime facility.  As construction progressed, dilapidated wood siding and a dated mansard roof around the perimeter of the building gave way to metal paneling which evokes a modern industrial aesthetic.  In addition, all existing windows were replaced with modern storefront glass, while the existing front door was enlarged to become a more prominent storefront opening.  In the coming weeks, the addition of a metal canopy over the entry along with new signage will complete the project.

Provided below are some photos which show the progression of construction over the course of the week:

This past Sunday, FreeLife Church in Forney celebrated the groundbreaking for their new church campus.  The church campus consists of a sanctuary for 450-500, an adjacent gathering area for interaction between services, a large children's wing with classrooms and an indoor playground, a coffee shop, production spaces, and expansion capability for future phases.  Be on the lookout for construction updates to come over the next several months.

At Royal Oaks Country Club, construction is continuing to progress along on the club's maintenance facility renovation.  Since our last update, spray foam insulation has been completed and all windows have been installed.  In addition, most mechanical, electrical, and lighting work is complete.  Key components of the project which remain are the installation of overhead doors at the vehicle bays, man doors, and the fire alarm and fire sprinkler system.

At Southern Methodist University, construction is underway for a new lab facility at an existing building near campus.  The renovation work is centered around two large lab spaces, with an adjacent conference room, storage room, and restroom.  In addition, a new ramp and stairs have been provided at the exterior to create code-compliant access into the space.

McCarthy Architecture is currently working with Royal Oaks Country Club in Dallas on a renovation and expansion of their maintenance facility.  Over the past few weeks, the existing maintenance building has been reskinned to match the new portion of the facility, while doors and windows are set to be installed over the next week or so.

McCarthy Architecture is excited to be working with FreeLife Church on a multi-phase church campus plan in Forney.  The first phase consists of a sanctuary for 478, a gathering lobby, secured childrens and youth classrooms, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a cafe, along with green rooms, restrooms, and storage spaces.  Later phases of the church's master plan provide for an expanded sanctuary for 1,200, an outdoor entry plaza with baptismal fountain, a large indoor gathering area which can also serve as event space, classrooms, offices, and conversion of the first phase sanctuary for expanded childrens and youth use.

At the OurCalling Women's Center, construction is rapidly approaching completion.  Within the women's center itself, all door/window frames, interior finishes, millwork, and lighting have been installed over the past month or so.  In addition, shower rooms and restrooms have been completed with the installation of tile and all plumbing fixtures.  At the adjacent second floor worship center and event space, carpet has been installed and all painting is complete.  McCarthy Architecture looks forward to seeing these spaces put to use in providing much needed services for the homeless population throughout the City of Dallas.

At the OurCalling Women's Center, construction is quickly progressing along on finish-out for the space.  Since our last update, framing along with mechanical, electrical and plumbing rough-ins have been completed.  In addition, the installation of window frames, millwork and new lighting has taken place.  Over the coming weeks, construction will shift towards interior finishes and the installation of electrical devices and plumbing fixtures.

At the Estates at Shaddock Park residential development in Frisco, construction is progressing along on a phase two fitness center expansion adjacent to an amenity center which McCarthy Architecture designed two years ago.  From the main fitness space, extensive windows have been provided on three sides to maximize views of an adjacent pool and greenspace.  Architectural forms and materials have also been coordinated to match those used at the amenity center facility.

At OurCalling, construction is contnuing to progress along on the church's new women's center.  Over the past couple of weeks, framing for new walls has been completed and drywall is being installed.  In addition, ductwork, electrical and plumbing components are all being put into place.

OurCalling is a church and homeless outreach ministry in Dallas which we have worked with on a number of projects in recent years.  At their existing facility which was designed in 2015, finish-out is underway for a new women's center in a second floor area originally designated for future expansion.  This new center will provide a dedicated, secure women's space and will house classrooms, counseling rooms, a laundry area, shower rooms, a catering area and a large multipurpose room.

At Southern Methodist University, construction is underway at an existing building near campus for the new home of the university's art program.  The renovation work is centered around several art studios, with a wash area, restrooms and storage spaces complimenting the program areas.

This past Saturday, Deanan Gourmet Popcorn celebrated the grand opening of their expanded production facility in Wylie.  Grand opening festivities included food and refreshments, a DJ, and a tour of the popcorn making process, along with other happenings.  With this expansion, Deanan Popcorn will be able to expand their distribution to new retail channels and introduce new customers to their products.  Be sure to keep an eye out for their popcorn as you shop over the coming months; you're in for a treat!

At Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Wylie, construction is quickly progressing along on the church's renovation project.  Throughout the nave, the installation of tile, new pews and acoustical panels have all been completed, giving the space its final appearance.  At the sanctuary platform, the majority of tile work has been completed, and a cast stone infill is being installed at the back of the platform as a background for the crucifix.  In addition, a new exterior canopy has been installed, which will be painted over the next couple of days.

Construction progress is rapidly moving along at Saint Anthony Catholic Church in Wylie.  Tile work has been completed in the chapel and is currently in progress across the nave.  Framing for the new platform is also being constructed.  Once tile work is completed in the next couple of weeks, new pews will be installed, giving the space its final appearance.

Recently, AYA Medical Spa celebrated the grand opening of their new Snider Plaza location.  AYA Medical Spa offers a wide range of skincare products and cosmetic skincare treatments.  The new store location includes a welcoming reception/retail space, treatment rooms. and support spaces.

Earlier this week, the office made a trip to Deanan Gourmet Popcorn in Wylie for a site visit and punch list as the project quickly approaches completion.  These visits are extremely useful both for monitoring the construction process and serving as a learning experience for the team.  Over the next few weeks, these spaces will begin to look much different as the manufacturing floor is filled with food preparation and packaging equipment.