A Jan. 5 update confirmed that the first phase of the project would begin in January and last through the summer.
Project details
The first phase includes the reconstruction of the first floor of the building, with construction also taking place on the exterior and interior west side of The Commons. The east side will remain operational with limited food and beverage services during phase one, according to the update.
Other updates to know include:
- Temporary restrooms will be available during phase one
- Garage 15 parking will remain undisturbed throughout the first phase, with no construction plans or changes anticipated to the parking floors
- Chick-fil-A will remain open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. with a limited menu
- Fooda, a workplace food service company, in The Commons will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and feature a variety of rotating restaurants and cuisines
In case you missed it
Bill McKeon, president of the Texas Medical Center, first shared the news of the upcoming renovation during the State of TMC event in late November. Aside from renovating and upgrading the interior, the project also includes transforming the outer water wall into a 'kinetic wall."
A kinetic wall, according to Extech, a company that builds them, is a dynamic wind-driven facade that creates the appearance of rolling waves.
The outside green space will also be transformed to include a park with trees, seating options and a shaded bus stop.
Phase two of the project, which includes the construction of the east side, is set to begin in spring and last through winter.
