Overview

Prime Architects is designing a 30,000 SF food service building to replace FCI Big Spring’s deteriorated one. The new building sits elsewhere on the compound so the old one keeps serving meals. The old building will be demolished once the new one is operational.

Technical Scope

• Assessment/Pre-design: Prime’s 2021 investigation found significant corrosion of structural framing. The freezer, bakery, butcher and food storage areas were deteriorating. After short-term shoring, BOP chose full replacement as the most cost-effective long-term solution.
• Architecture/Interiors: New kitchen, bakery, freezer, storage and service areas. New ceiling, wall and floor finishes and casework. Installation of government-furnished equipment.
• Food Service: All-new commercial kitchen equipment; basis of design Vulcan, Keating, Hobart and Baxter.
• Mechanical / Plumbing: New independent heating and cooling plant (chillers and boilers).
• Electrical: Connection to an existing 2,250 kW backup generator. New lighting and power.
• Structural: Slab-on-grade, pending soils evaluation.
• Demolition: Phased demolition of the existing building after the new facility is operational.

Challenge and Solution

The existing building could not be repaired economically and could not close. Siting the new building elsewhere on the compound keeps meal service running until cutover.