Offices back in operation
Skanska’s West Memorial Place campus is recovering from Harvey.
Skanska’s West Memorial Place office campus in the Energy Corridor is back in business after being dealt a blow by Hurricane Harvey.
The two buildings, on 12 acres south of Memorial Drive next to Terry Hershey Park, took on 3 feet of water following releases from the Barker and Addicks reservoirs after the storm had passed in late August. They are among 52 Houston area office buildings that suffered damage after Harvey dumped more than 50 inches of rain, according to commercial real estate firm CBRE.
Water sat in the buildings for 10 days, taking out electrical gear and life safety equipment, but sparing the chillers used in the air conditioning system, according to Skanska. The company, which completed the buildings in 2015 and 2016, placed orders right away for equipment it knew would be damaged to get ahead of the game.
“The day after the water finally receded, we had 150 people on-site,” said Matt Damborsky, executive vice president for Skanska USA Commercial Development.
“It took us about 35 days to have the life safety systems back in order.”
Tenants gained full access to the buildings about a month ago, according to Skanska. West Memorial Place I, at 15375 Memorial Drive, is home to PGS, Siemens and Venari Resources. IHS Markit occupies part of West Memorial Place II.
While permanent power has been restored, work continues on the interior finishes and landscaping, Damborsky said. Inside the buildings, the stone and wood millwork on the walls has been taken down and is being replaced.
Skanska, which is still involved in the insurance claims process, declined to disclose the cost of the damages.