As part of its rebranding efforts, Thompson & Knight relocated its corporate headquarters to the Arts District of downtown Dallas. In addition to a bold new design, the 120-year-old law firm is seeking LEED silver certification, a first for any law firm in the state of Texas.
Totaling 180,000 sq ft over six floors, the new headquarters is located in One Arts Plaza, a newly constructed 24-story multiuse building in the heart of the fast-growing Arts District. The location gives the firm street visibility, space to accommodate growth and convenient access to public transportation.
Significant changes to the project’s original design required the design and construction team to be flexible. An internal staircase that was envisioned by the client as a gateway connecting the four main levels was found to be impossible to construct once it was determined construction noise would be too disruptive for the existing tennants. The entire team worked to develop a solution, and the decision was made to instead enhance the fire stairwell with high-end finishes, which would provide the same architectural elements and access to the floors but without the open visibility.
The contractor recommended materials for the newly designed fire stairwell that were cost-efficient, aligned with the office’s interior and earned the project LEED points. For example, terrazzo on the treads, which incorporated recycled glass, not only fit with the project’s overall aesthetic at the best value but also brought the firm one step closer to achieving its LEED silver goal.
Along with decorative panels to complement the interior, acoustic ceilings and stainless steel handrails were installed in the stairwell to control the noise level and ensure the safety of clients and staff utilizing it.
The project team extended its design and construction efforts to a charity event sponsored by the owner. The owner’s representative, the architect and the contractor joined to build a playhouse for the annual Parade of Playhouses event that helps raise awareness for Dallas Court-Appointed Special Advocates.
Key Players
Submitted by: Constructors & Associates
Owner: Thompson & Knight, Dallas
Owner’s representative: CB Richard Ellis, Dallas
General contractor: Constructors & Associates, Dallas
Architect: DMJM Rottet, Houston
Engineer: Blum Consulting Engineers Inc., Dallas
Communications contractor: Admiral Communications/AV, Addison
Acoustical finishes contractor: AEC Inc., Carrollton
Acoustical contractor: Integrated Interiors Inc., Fort Worth
Painting contractor: James House Commercial Interiors Inc., Dallas
Mechanical contractor: Mechanical Partners Inc., Dallas
Millwork contractor: Patella, Dallas
Flooring contractor: RWA Flooring Solutions, Grapevine
