Tarleton State University Research & Economic Development Building

Stephenville, Texas

Expertise

  • Education

Services

  • electrical engineering
  • mechanical / plumbing engineering

Size

  • 10,236 SF

BHB provided MEP engineering services for Tarleton State University’s new Research & Economic Development Building, a 10,236-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 281 and East Lingleville Road in Stephenville, Texas. This innovative building is shared with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, serving as a dynamic hub for collaboration to advance research, improve agricultural practices, and foster economic development across the region.

The facility features a unique architectural design, including a pair of parallel pre-engineered metal buildings and curtainwall systems that maximize natural light throughout the space. The building houses Tarleton State’s Institute for Rural Economic Development and Research and the university’s Small Business Development Center, further supporting the university’s mission to drive regional prosperity and innovation. Sponsored research and regional partnerships are key beneficiaries of this new innovation ecosystem, which is designed to bring together Tarleton State, Texas A&M AgriLife, other Texas A&M System institutions, regional universities, start-up companies, business incubators, and chambers of commerce.

BHB’s mechanical engineering design included a series of split systems with direct expansion (DX) cooling and electric heating, all located in a shared mechanical room. This room was carefully designed to minimize its footprint and maximize usable space for building occupants, while maintaining required clearances and providing easy access for Facilities staff to perform routine maintenance. Additional outside air ductwork was incorporated to meet ASHRAE ventilation standards. The team collaborated closely with the architect to provide custom ductwork fittings that complement the building’s unique angles, including exposed ductwork that matches the roof’s angle in the main entry space—a focal point of the building.

Electrical engineering services included an 800-amp, 208-volt/3-phase service for the new building, with receptacles and data outlets provided for the breakroom, meeting rooms, conference rooms, shared offices, and private offices. The project also received a new fire alarm panel and notification system. LED lighting, dimming, and daylighting controls were installed to comply with the International Energy Conservation Code, and exterior lighting was provided for the building’s façade and monument sign.

Key People

  • Ian Bost, PE, LEED AP

  • Mark Arnold, LEED AP

  • Chandler Iozzi, PE