After Hurricane Ike devastated coastal infrastructure in 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Sector Field Office in Galveston, Texas, sustained severe structural damage that rendered the facility unusable. To restore mission readiness and ensure long‑term resilience, the USCG relocated operations to a new 19.7‑acre site in Houston, where a 111,500‑square‑foot, multi‑functional headquarters complex was developed to support command, administrative, training and daily operational needs.
What challenges did STV address?
The project required a fully modernized headquarters that could withstand future weather events while supporting a wide range of operational functions – from command centers and medical facilities to berthing and fitness spaces. The team was tasked with designing a secure, resilient, Anti‑Terrorism/Force Protection (AT/FP)‑compliant facility that also met sustainability goals and accommodated diverse Coast Guard mission activities.
What solutions did STV deliver?
As designer of record on the design‑build team, STV provided comprehensive civil, landscape, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection design services. Using Revit 3‑D BIM software, the team developed a four‑story Sector Field Office that incorporates modern office areas, training rooms, a data center, medical and dental suites, berthing quarters, shops, a cafeteria, a fitness center and advanced support spaces. STV also delivered upgrades to site utilities, stormwater management systems and a rainwater harvesting tank. The design meets AT/FP requirements and was developed to achieve LEED® Silver certification.
How does this project benefit the Coast Guard and its operations?
The new sector building restores a critical Coast Guard presence along the Gulf Coast, strengthening emergency response, search‑and‑rescue operations, and coastal protection. Its resilient design ensures operational continuity during future storms, while sustainable systems support long‑term efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Key stats and accolades
- 111,500‑sf, four‑story headquarters
- Located on a 19.7‑acre site
- AT/FP‑compliant, designed for LEED® Silver certification
- Includes command centers, medical/dental suites, berthing & data center
- Nationally recognized with a DBIA Project/Team Award
