Author Archives: Courtney Tate
Waxahachie City Hall Annex Groundbreaking
We had a great time celebrating the our client City of Waxahachie on the groundbreaking of their new City Hall Annex project! We are excited to partner with the city, Architexas and VMG on this exciting project.
SFI Wins AGC Outstanding Construction Award for Bill R. Johnson CTE Center
We are proud to announce that our Crowley ISD Bill R. Johnson CTE Center project has won its second construction award, the state-level Outstanding Construction Award from the AGC – Texas Building Branch for the Educational Facilities 3 (Over $30M) category! We were eligible to compete for this title after winning first place in the TEXO, Distinguished Building Awards. Congratulations to our partners Crowley ISD, VLK Architects and all of our subcontractors for their hard work on this project!
Welcome Superintendent Guy!
We’d like to introduce you to our new team member, Superintendent Guy! Guy brings 20 years of municipal experience to the Can-Do Crew.
SFI Wins TEXO Distinguished Building Award for CHROMA Modern Eyewear Eyecare
We are honored to announce that our CHROMA Modern Eyewear Eyecare project won the TEXO Distinguished Building Award for the Building 1 ($0-2M) category! This is a great accomplishment for our dedicated team including Ibanez Shaw Architecture and all of our subcontractors. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in this award-winning project!
Photos by Chad Davis Photography.
SFI Wins the TEXO Distinguished Building Award for Bill R. Johnson CTE Center
SFI is Hiring!
WE ARE HIRING! We are currently accepting resumes for Project Managers with municipal and K-12 experience. We are proud to have been named a “Best Company To Work For in Fort Worth” for the last three years! Send your resumes to resumes@steelefreeman.com. Direct hire only! Recruiters will not receive a response.
Town Of Flower Mound Library Expansion Final Pictures!
We are delighted to share the final photos from our Town of Flower Mound Library Expansion project. Design by Komatsu Architecture. Photos by Future 360 Visual Marketing.
Haltom City Fire Station No. 3 Groundbreaking Ceremony
Congratulations to our client Haltom City on the groundbreaking of their new Fire Station No. 3 project. The new 12,364 SF, three bay fire station will provide an updated facility for the fireman of the existing Fire Station No. 3. Design by RPGA Architects.
City of Bedford Generations Park at the Boys Ranch Groundbreaking Ceremony!
Congratulations to our client the City of Bedford on the recent groundbreaking for their Generations Park at Boys Ranch Phase Next project. The project includes a new multigenerational facility, indoor and outdoor aquatics, new baseball fields and a new event space.
SFI Wins NAWIC Builds Excellence Award
We are delighted to announce that we have been awarded the NAWIC Builds Excellence Award for our Roanoke City Hall Project! This is a national award and is based on innovation, safety, sustainability, value and project team connections to the NAWIC organization. NAWIC is the National Association of Women in Construction. Our Controller Dena is a longtime member of NAWIC and is a past president of the regional chapter.
Project Update: Midlothian Fire Station #1
Superintendent Mason shared these photos originally taken by Fire Chief McCaskill of our City of Midlothian New Fire Station #1 project. This facility is on a high profile corner in the city off 287 and its beautiful design by Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects is hard to miss.
Project Update: Tarrant County Juvenile Facility
We recently drilled piers at our Tarrant County juvenile facility project. We are proud to partner with our protege firm, Post L Group Construction. Design by LBL Architects / HDR Joint Venture. #TeamTeamTeam
Project Update: Midlothian Fire Station #1
We are putting the finishing touches on our City of Midlothian New Fire Station #1 project. This impressive 18,000 SF facility was designed by Brinkley Sargent Wiginton Architects. Stay tuned for photos of the completed building!
Project Update: Hurst Animal Services Animal Shelter and Dog Park
Here is a photo of our Hurst Animal Services Animal Shelter and Dog Park! We are excited to collaborate with Ron Hobbs Architects on this project.
Project Update: Ennis Public Safety Facility
At our City of Ennis Public Safety Facility we achieved a project landmark, substantial completion in late June – two and a half months ahead of the contractual completion date! The Fire Department has moved in and is already operating out of it’s new quarters. We are wrapping up finishing touches on the building and the Police Department will be moving in soon! We are extremely proud of our work to build this combined police and fire facility designed by RBDR Architects of Waco. Stay tuned for our professional photos of the building!
Project Photos for The Colony Firehouse No. 4!
We are proud of our work on The Colony’s Fire House No. 4! Design by Spurgin & Associates.
Project Update: Crowley ISD New Bill R. Johnson Career and Technology Center
We are excited to share the progress at our Crowley ISD New Bill R. Johnson Career and Technology Center project! Design by VLK Architects, Inc.
Project Update: Argyle High School Phase II
Our $61M Argyle High School Phase II project has been going strong and Assistant Project Manager Bradley reports that foundations for all five additions are now in place. Structural steel work is wrapping up in the classroom addition, field house and gymnasium. The new football field and track are nearly ready for the surface to be applied. Site paving is 75% complete. The administration addition is now enclosed and being prepared for interior finishes. The new auditorium and band hall roof is approximately 50% complete and windows are being installed in this area. Great job to our entire field team for their leadership on the project!
Wishing You a Happy Fourth!
On behalf of the entire Steele & Freeman team, we wish you a happy and safe 4th of July! Here are some images of the US flag flying at some of our recent projects.
K-12 School Tour
We recently hosted a tour of one of our K-12 schools for the new principal and PTA president! Being able to see the classrooms and walk the halls helps school leadership transition to the new school.
Project Update: Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center
Our Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center project is progressing. Building pads are taking shape and forming connections to the existing building. Thank you to Field Coordinator Jordan for the update!
The Can-Do Crew Rides For The Brand
Superintendent Mauricio stopped by the office and we caught him trying on one of our new cooling and sunblocking neck gaiters. Stay cool out there everyone.
Project Update: Iowa Park CISD Kidwell Elementary School
Demolition is well underway at our Iowa Park CISD Kidwell Elementary School bond project! We are collaborating with VLK Architects, Inc. on the four-site, $19.6M bond program. Special thank you to our General Superintendent Tim for the photos.
Project Update: The Hills Church
One of our new team members recently toured our The Hills Church project with the team that built it and he shared these photos with us. He was very impressed with the construction quality and design by BOKA Powell.
Project Update: Ennis Public Safety Facility
We are wrapping up our work constructing the City of Ennis new public safety facility! Finishing touches are being completed inside the building and the exterior will be complete in a couple of weeks. With combined police and fire components, this 38,000 SF building will be a hub of service to the Ennis community. We are proud of our work in collaboration with the City of Ennis, RBDR Architects and the entire project team.
New Project Announcement: Granbury Police Department!
We are delighted to announce we have been awarded a new project to construct the City of Granbury’s new police department facility. This will be our first project with the city and our second project with architecture firm PGAL.
Project Update: Lake Dallas ISD Bond Program
Our collaborators from VLK Architects, Inc. stopped by to make some final preparations for our Lake Dallas Independent School District Bond Program projects. We are thrilled to work with Lake Dallas for the first time on these projects.
Welcome New Team Member, Manny!
We’d like to introduce you to our new Superintendent, Manny. He has decades of experience. Manny got started in construction by helping his grandfather who was also superintendent on construction projects.
Project Update: Grapevine Animal Shelter
Superintendent Jim and PM Jayson were spotted at our Grapevine Animal Shelter project. This 13,413 SF animal shelter designed by Quorum Architects is well underway and will be complete this fall.
Welcome New Team Member, Josh!
Please help us welcome Project Manager Josh and his family to the Can-Do Crew! Josh is a native of Louisiana and studied construction management at Louisiana State University. He brings years of experience on K-12 and municipal projects, making him a great fit for our project load.
Welcome New Team Member, Duane!
Please help us welcome our new Superintendent Duane. He has more than 35 years of experience including special expertise in structural steel and concrete systems, as well as ICF (insulated concrete forms) construction.
Welcome New Team Member, Mark!
We’d like to introduce you to our new team member, Mark. He is a superintendent with more than 30 years of experience. Mark is already at work on his project job site making big things happen for our client. Welcome, Mark!
Project Update: FWISD Northside High School
We are well underway at our Fort Worth ISD North Side High School project. Project Manager Chace reports that demolition and earthwork for the automotive shop addition have begun. Abatement and demolition are ongoing in the cafeteria and classrooms. Demolition and renovation are ongoing in the chemistry and life skills areas. The physical science labs are nearing completion. We are proud to work with WRA Architects. on this 119,000 SF renovation which has a budget of $25.2 M. This is our second project at the school. We built the culinary program addition a few years ago.
Welcome New Team Member, Gus!
We’d like to introduce you to our new team member, Gus. He is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and brings us his experience working in construction in the U.S. and abroad.
Project Update: Crowley ISD CTE Center
Our crew at the Crowley ISD Bill R. Johnson Career and Technology Education Center reached a key milestone that we have all been buzzing about (no pun intended). Our CTE Team placed this brightly colored airplane in a grand double-height space above the lecture stair area. This real plane serves as a focal point and also represents the aviation technology program offered at the school. Design by our frequent collaborator, VLK Architects.
Project Update: Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center
There is a lot of action happening at our Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center project. Superintendent Mauricio reports that electrical service from the existing building has been relocated. An existing power transformer has been replaced. We are prepping for concrete piers to be poured in the courtroom areas and soil is being treated for the court, housing and parking lot areas.
Project Update: Argyle High School Phase II
Special thank you to Assistant Project Manager Bradley for sharing this excellent photo of our Argyle High School Phase II project. Design by Corgan Inc.
Project Update: Hurst Animal Shelter
The dirt is moving out at our Hurst Animal Services Shelter and Dog Park project. Design by Ron Hobbs Architects.
SFI Team Shows Meaningful Appreciation
One thing we like to do here at Steele & Freeman is show meaningful appreciation. Recently, Senior Project Manager Glenn Nowell expressed meaningful appreciation for Superintendent Gene’s work on our Community Crossroads project where we are creating classrooms and a playground as well as expanding restrooms and a meeting area. Glenn said Gene “gives the project VIGOR!” We’d like to give some kudos to Glenn for doing a great job on the project as well and for living out out Fundamentals by showing meaningful appreciation to his teammate. #TeamTeamTeam
This Is Why We Build.
As an essential business, we are pressing on with our work to build several schools among other projects. One of the sayings you hear in our office is “The kids are coming,” because we know – the kids are coming and the schools must be ready. This year when schools re-open, the kids will be more excited than ever to get into their new school spaces and see their friends. We are proud to help make that happen. Special thanks to Superintendent Sam for this beautiful photo of a concrete pour for 600 SF of paving at our Argyle High School phase II project. #ThisIsWhyWeBuild
The Hills Church Expansion Pictures
Here are some new exterior photos from The Hills Church expansion project. We are so proud of this collaboration with The Hills, a longterm client and architecture firm BOKA Powell. Photography by Chad Davis Photography.
Crowley ISD High School Athletics Bids Tomorrow
SUBCONTRACTORS: As an “essential business” we are pressing on with our projects employing every safety measure to protect our staff, subs, clients and partners. We have an opportunity this Thursday for subcontractors to bid on our $14.4M Crowley ISD High School Athletics project – deadline 2PM.
Use www.buildingconnected.com to submit your bid from a safe distance. As always, plans and specs are available on our online plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
Design by VLK Architects, Inc.
Project Update: Concrete Pour at Grapevine Animal Shelter
Special thank you to Senior PM Brian and PM Miguel for sharing these fantastic photos of our concrete pour at Grapevine Animal Shelter and Adoption Center! Design by Quorum Architects Inc. Our team, including Superintendent Jim oversaw the pouring 270 yards of concrete to lay the foundation for this 13,000 SF facility.
Join Us in Applauding Our Community Heroes!
Join the cities of Fort Worth and Dallas tonight at 7PM as they salute essential front line workers. Residents are encouraged to step outside their homes and applaud community heroes that have stepped up during this challenging time. Mayor Price has also asked that you blink your front porch light or make it blue if you can as a special ovation. Here’s to all the essential medical professionals, first responders, educators, construction industry, sanitation and agriculture workers!
Congratulations Project Coordinator Janet!
Congratulations to Project Coordinator, Janet on her 22-year career with Steele & Freeman and her retirement. Janet has been such a positive and friendly presence in our office. She touched EVERY project that the firm has undertaken over the last 22 years. Here’s a toast to the fabulous Janet!
Fort Worth ISD South Hills High School Project Bids Thursday!
We are electronically bidding our $40M Fort Worth ISD South Hills High School project this Thursday, April 9th! Use www.buildingconnected.com to bid electronically and keep a safe distance. As always, plans, specs and a video of the pre-bid meeting are all available on our online plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/ Design by Jacobs & Associates Architects.
This project includes 80,000 SF of added square feet and 44,000 SF of renovations.
Client Whiskey Ranch Has A New Mission
Hats off to TX Whiskey Distillery and the folks at Pernod Ricard! They are using the Whiskey Ranch facility that we built for them a couple of years ago to make much-needed hand sanitizer! http://www.fortworthbusiness.com/news/tx-whiskey-has-a-new-mission-hand-sanitizer/article_0da9667a-746c-11ea-9127-bfcdafaf7dfd.html
SFI Recognized as a Best Workplace for Families in Fort Worth!
We are proud to have been selected as a Best Workplace for Families in Fort Worth! This recognition was received due to our company practices set in place by our company President Mike Freeman, a dedicated husband and father of two adult children.
Iowa Park CISD Project Bids Tomorrow!
BIDDING TOMORROW! Subcontractors: Our Iowa Park CISD multi-site bond project will bid tomorrow, Thursday April 2nd at 2PM! We are using www.buildingconnected.com to bid this project electronically. Plans, specs and a video of the pre-bid meeting are all available on our online plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
Staff Spotlight!
Meet Trenton (left) and Seri (right). Please note this photo was taken before the global virus outbreak and social distancing measures were enacted. Trenton and Seri recently received high praise from Superintendent Sam for their excellent work and dedication to safety on our $60M Argyle High School Phase II project. We wanted to give them a moment in the spotlight. Help us recognize these two hardworking team members!
Lake Dallas ISD Project Bidding Tomorrow!
BIDDING TOMORROW! Subcontractors: Our Lake Dallas ISD project will bid tomorrow, Tuesday March 31st. Use www.buildingconnected.com to bid this project electronically. Plans, specs and a video of the pre-bid meeting are all available on our online plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
We’re Hiring!
Despite the current situation, we press on with our work observing every precaution and then some. Commercial construction has been deemed an “essential business” that should carry on with prescribed safety measures. That said, we are currently accepting resumes for project superintendents with K-12 experience as well as project managers and assistant project managers. Send your qualifications to resumes@steelefreeman.com. Direct hire only! Recruiters will not receive a reply.
Iowa Park CISD Bids April 2nd!
Subcontractors: We are electronically bidding IOWA PARK ISD Bond Projects on Thursday APRIL 2nd through www.buildingconnected.com. As always, to view plans, specs and VIDEO of the pre-bid meeting, go to our virtual plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
Remember – we already have this project under contract! Best wishes everyone!
COVID-19 Update
Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by COVID-19. We are getting creative to distance ourselves using technology as well as added levels of sanitation and personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep everyone safe during this challenging time.
Lake Dallas ISD Bids this Thursday!
Subcontractors: We are electronically bidding Lake Dallas ISD Bond Projects on Thursday through www.buildingconnected.com. As always, to view plans, specs and video of the pre-bid meeting, go to our virtual plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
Remember – because we already have this project under contract, it is not a moving target! Best wishes everyone!
Client Testimonial
Our pre-construction team is responsible for setting up each project for success with meticulous analysis and ideas for creative and strategic solutions. They are also the key contact for our subcontractor community, responsible for our extensive sub outreach. Our team makes it easy for our subs to understand project plans so they can provide comprehensive bids that we can compare – apples-to-apples.
Our complete and organized plans encourage more subcontractors to bid our projects which results in the best pricing options for our clients. This benefits our subcontractor network by making the process efficient so they have time to bid on more projects giving them an opportunity to grow their business.
Here is a wonderful testimonial we received from one of our subs: “Whoever organizes your plans deserves some recognition. 50% of the plan sets we encounter are single-volume PDFs with no page naming. 49% have the pages labeled in the file name. Then there’s the 1% (Steele & Freeman) who not only break them out, keep the file naming consistent, but you break it out into separate folders.
Because they’re so well organized, I can get to work right away without wasting a lot of valuable time renaming pages and breaking them into separate files. I’m sure your other trades really appreciate it. We certainly do!”
– Jeremy
Pre-Bid Meeting for Iowa Park CISD
CALLING ALL SUBS: Steele & Freeman is bidding exciting K-12 multi-site bond projects for Iowa Park CISD!
Join us for the Pre-Bid Conference at 10AM Tuesday at Iowa Park High School (1 Bob Dawson Dr, Iowa Park, TX) to learn more about these projects in advance of the sub bidding.
Design by VLK Architects, Inc.
Type: Additions & renovations to Iowa Park High School, Bradford Elementary School, Kidwell Elementary School
Budget: $16.4M
Email: bids@steelefreeman.com
Plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
Pre-Bid Meeting for Lake Dallas ISD
CALLING ALL SUBS: Steele & Freeman is bidding exciting K-12 multi-site bond projects for Lake Dallas Independent School District!
Join us for the Pre-Bid Conference at 10AM Monday at Lake Dallas High School (3016 Parkridge Dr, Corinth, TX) to learn more about these projects in advance of the sub bidding.
Design by VLK Architects, Inc.
Type: Additions & renovations to Lake Dallas High School, Lake Dallas Middle School, Corinth Elementary, & Lake Dallas ISD Multi-Purpose Indoor Practice Facility
Budget: $48.3M
Email: bids@steelefreeman.com
Plans available in our plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/
Project Update: Ennis Public Safety Facility
Things are progressing well at our Ennis Public Safety Facility! Project Manager Nathan reports that exterior masonry is wrapping up now and we have begun conditioning the building. Floors are being polished and overhead doors will be installed next week. This new 38,000 SF combined fire and police facility has a budget of $10M and was designed by RBDR Architects.




























































































































































































