The Sinclair
Fort Worth, TX
Expertise
- Historical
- Hospitality
Services
- electrical engineering
- mechanical / plumbing engineering
- civil engineering
Size
- 105,600 SF
There is nothing ordinary about the improvements and renovations being made to The Sinclair in downtown Fort Worth. What was once an office building built in 1929, the Marriott Autograph Series hotel will offer a one-of-a-kind experience for guests that will change the way they perceive outstanding amenities and technological advancements for luxury accommodations. The hotel will boast unrivaled tech-forward features such as digital showers, Bluetooth mirrors, wallpaper televisions, and more. Having an integral role in this project, BHB is providing CMEP engineering services for the 105,600 square-foot renovation that consists of changing the office building into a historic, 16-story hotel with 164 guest rooms, a rooftop bar, and a high-end restaurant, while keeping the look and feel of the building’s original architecture and art-deco design from the early 20th century.
To reduce the size of the electrical infrastructure in the building, BHB is utilizing exceptions in the code made possible by maximizing the use of energy efficient equipment and technology. In addition, a battery storage system has been implemented to provide emergency power to the hotel in place of a typical diesel-fueled generator. BHB is working closely with code officials, the equipment manufacturer, and the owner for a UL labeled energy storage system that provides emergency power to the elevators, smoke exhaust fans, fire alarm system, and lighting in the building. The team has also been tasked with guiding the implementation of Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting utilizing 8-port PoE network switches, intelligent PoE powered LED drivers, and high efficiency LED fixtures to replace the building’s existing lighting. The motorized rolling shades, OLED TV, and the mini refrigerator in each guestroom will also be powered by the PoE switch.
The mechanical scope of work includes plumbing, fire protection, and the replacement of the building’s traditional chilled and heating system with a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system. Because VRF doesn’t require as much space as a traditional unit, the original floor-to-ceiling heights and the ornate windows on the lobby level are being restored. By blending aspects of two separate centuries, The Sinclair is in a category of its own and will set precedents for not just boutique hotels, but the future of “intelligent buildings.” What was once a structure that lost its stylish look and feel, The Sinclair is now being restored to its original decadence with a modern twist that Fort Worth residents and visitors can enjoy.
Key People
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Richard J. Watters, PE
Richard J. Watters, PE
Principal | Senior Mechanical Engineer
Richard Watters came to BHB after working with a design-build contractor in the area for two years. As an active member of BHB’s leadership team, Richard manages some of the firm’s multiple long-term engineering projects, including healthcare, commercial, oil and gas, retail, and municipal. He is experienced in sustainable design, energy studies/audits, design-build, HVAC, plumbing, and medical gas design along with construction administration.
Richard has been named one of the Top 40 Engineers Under 40 in the country by Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine and one of the Top 20 Engineers Under 40 in our region by Engineer News-Record magazine.
In the office, his hands-on style has helped him successfully find solutions for clients and mentor young engineers. Outside of the office, Richard has been active with student organizations of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a guest speaker; he also travels back to Texas A&M to guest lecture and has sponsored projects for the construction science department at Texas A&M.
With his wife Yesenia, he enjoys being outside with their kids, traveling, working on multiple home improvement projects, and especially helping others. They have sponsored scholarships for children in El Salvador, his wife’s native country, who would otherwise not have access to advanced education. Richard is also a founding board member of the Paul Schulte Foundation, a non-profit organization with a goal to empower, inspire, and facilitate individuals with disabilities.
Project Experience
Arlington Animal Services Center
Doss Heritage and Culture Center
Ott Cribbs Public Safety Center
Star-Telegram Building
Texas Wesleyan University Jack and Jo Willa Morton Fitness Center
Education
Texas A&M University:
Master’s Degree/2001/Mechanical Engineering
The University of Texas at El Paso:
Bachelor’s Degree/1997/Mechanical Engineering -
Gibran Michel, DBIA, LEED AP
Gibran Michel, DBIA, LEED AP
Associate | Senior Mechanical Designer
Gibran Michel began his career at BHB in 1996 as an AutoCad drafter, back when AutoCAD was accessed through DOS. Since his time at BHB, he has moved up within the company, creating contacts, clients, and friends inside and outside the industry. Gibran is a member of the East Parker County Chamber of Commerce and is also DBIA certified and a LEED Accredited Professional.
When he’s not working, Gibran likes to spend time with his wife, Molley, and kids: Isabella, Will, and Hayden. He enjoys hunting when he can, and he can be found working out at CrossFit Aledo four or more times a week. His favorite place to vacation is the Caribbean.
At home, Gibran does a majority of the handiwork himself, anywhere from building a 200-foot-long railroad tie retaining wall to fixing the plumbing on a sink. He associates his ability to do these things with his understanding of the collaboration between design and construction.
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Larry Jones, PE
Larry Jones, PE
Associate | Senior Electrical Engineer
Larry Jones has always wanted to be an engineer. In college, Larry was given the opportunity to intern with a local utility company who also awarded him a partial scholarship to study electrical engineering. During his internship, he was introduced to electrical power systems engineering and was instantly hooked.
After working a number of years in the utility industry and consulting engineering business, Larry decided to leave the engineering industry and teach mathematics to help young, budding engineers get a good start in their careers. Not able to stay away, Larry was ready to resume his engineering career after 13 years of teaching.
Larry is a member of many organizations including Eta Kappa Nu National Electrical Engineering Honor Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, and the National Fire Protection Association. When he’s not working or participating in organizations, Larry likes to read; play the guitar; and spend time with his wife, Lisa, his daughter, and grandson, who’s already showing signs of becoming an engineer.
Education
University of Tulsa:
Bachelor’s Degree/1973/Electrical Engineering
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Trace Strevey, PE
Trace Strevey, PE
President | Senior Civil Engineer
Trace Strevey grew up around the construction industry and, although he always wanted to be a cowboy, building is in his blood. The majority of his 20+ year engineering career has been in the pursuit of diverse projects that are both challenging and rewarding.
His land development experience includes commercial, industrial, healthcare, and residential design, and his municipal engineering experience includes water distribution, wastewater system design, drainage studies, and roadway design. He has the proven ability to successfully coordinate with cities, counties, TxDOT, TCEQ, and other governing agencies for construction and environmental permits, zoning changes, and site planning approvals.
Project Experience
Cresson Crossroads Industrial Park
Park Hill Surgery Center
Presbyterian Night Shelter Morris Foundation Women & Children's Center
Rogers Road Pavilion
TCU Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena
Education
Tarleton State University:
Bachelor’s Degree/1994/Agriculture
University of Texas at Arlington:
Bachelor’s Degree/1999/Civil Engineering