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See the Projects
For several weeks this summer, nearly a dozen judges read scores of project nominations from across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Oklahoma to decide the winners of ENR Texas & Louisiana’s annual Best Projects competition. The task wasn’t quick or easy as 2023 proved a banner year for submissions with more than 100 entries submitted for projects located in the region.
Nominations were divided into 17 main categories, and awards were also given for Excellence in Sustainability and Excellence in Safety. The judges had the option of selecting a Best Project winner or an award of merit winner in each category.
In the end, and after considerable debate, this year's team of judges decided that the Carrollton New Orleans project was deserving of ENR Texas & Louisiana’s 2023 Project of the Year award. The building has a rich history of serving as a parish courthouse, then various schools, before sitting vacant for years. After an extensive renovation, it is now a senior living facility.
During Zoom meetings, judges discussed various aspects of construction and engineering, focusing on many elements of each project, including overcoming challenges, teamwork, safety, innovation and contribution to the community and construction quality and craftsmanship.
This year’s contest featured a diverse judging panel, with each bringing their knowledge and experience to the discussion and final decision. Main category judges included:
- Michelle Alvarez, water/wastewater engineer, Hanson Professional Services
- Dana Birkes, CEO, AECorn Consulting LLC
- Grecia Diaz, roadway designer, Hanson Professional Services
- Hachem Domloj, founder and CEO, CIVE
- Eric Groat, division manager, Robins & Morton
- Britini Martin, marketing manager, Sundt Construction
- Natalie Pagano, director of marketing and communications, Manhattan Construction Group
- Steven Taylor, director, infrastructure business development, Fluor Corp.
- Jason Weeks, regional vice president and division manager, Brasfield & Gorrie
Also, Mikel Wilkins, senior associate and director of sustainability for landscaping design firm TBG Partners served as our sustainability judge, reprising a role he has served for several years. Read on to learn more about this year’s winning projects.
The Projects
- Texas & Louisiana Project of the Year: Landmark New Orleans Courthouse Born Anew
- Project of the Year Finalist/Best Cultural - Arkansas Museum of Art
- Project of the Year Finalist/Best K-12 — Bellaire High School
- Best Airport/Transit: Dallas Love Field
- Cultural Merit: St. John Catholic Student Center
- Best Energy/Industrial — Polypropylene Growth
- Best Governmentt/Public Building: Texas DOT Stassney Campus
- Award of Merit: Travis County Civil and Family Courts
- Best Health Care: Baylor St. Lukes O'Quinn Tower McNair
- Award of Merit: Rosedale School and Comprehensive Care Clinic
- Best Higher Education: University of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work & Smart Hospital Building
- Best Highway/Bridge IH-10 San Bernard
- Best Interior/Tenant Improvement Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center
- Award of Merit: Confidential Investment Management Firm
- Renovation Award of Merit: Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall Facility Improvements
- K-12 Award of Merit: Stratford High School
- Best Landscape/Urban Development, Award of Merit - Sustainability: Memorial Park Central Connector
- Award of Merit: Heroes Memorial Park
- Manufacturing Best Project: VGXI
- Award of Merit: RL Cold Refrigerated Warehouse
- Best Office/Retail/Mix Use: Hines Global HQ
- Best Residential/Hospitality: Rivermark Centre
- Award of Merit: Brava
- Best Small Project — Hill View House
- Award of Merit: Baylor College of Medicine
- Best Specialty Construction — Project Cayenne
- Award of Merit: Trinity University Dicke Hall
- Best Water/Environment — Village Creek Facility Biosolids
- Best Sustainability: Block 185
- Excellence in Safety: U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Corpus Christi Outpatient Clinic
- Award of Merit Safety: Encina Pilot Plant