Author Archives: Courtney Tate

Project Update: Argyle High School Phase 2

Thank you to Superintendent Sam for this update and photos of our Argyle High School Phase 2 project.
On the day of this work, more than 30 finishers, carpenters and MEP trades arrived early to beat the rain and place and finish approximately 15,000 SF of concrete for the new band hall area of the project. This specific area doubles as the storm shelter for the facility and meets all the newly mandated building code criteria. Rigorous structural requirements and inspections are performed to verify that this building component will last and provide peace of mind and security to this district when the weather conducts its own test.

Team, Team, Team

We received a great compliment from one of our subcontractors and we are very proud to share it here:  “I wanted to take a minute to say how much we appreciate our relationship with Steele Freeman. I am going through my aging [invoices] report and low and behold Steele & Freeman is the only GC not on my list and most importantly rarely do you ever have a single invoice onto that list. That says a lot about how you guys partner with your subs.

Also, your staff from the field team and management team to your administrative team are always great to work with.  You guys run a good site, handle your business professionally and best of all take – care of your subcontractor partners.

So Thank You.” #TeamTeamTeam

Project Update: Flower Mound Library Expansion

We hope your 2020 is off to a great start! Superintendent Luke sent in an update on his Town of Flower Mound Library expansion. This project adds to the north and south side of the existing building. We are going to share this in two posts. Here is what’s happening on the south addition: Structural steel is complete. Roof joist installation and stud framing continue and the building envelope installation is beginning.

Project Update: Argyle High School

Special thank you to Superintendent Sam and Project Manager Nathan for this update! We are currently installing grade beams on the new administration area and they are 95% complete. We are wrapping up the grease trap which will be tied in soon and preparing to pour the first slab in the first week of January (see photo). This slab will be for the auditorium including the lower seating and back stage. The piers for the classroom addition, new field house and gymnasium are complete and foundation beams will start at the end of January.

Project Update: New Grapevine Animal Shelter

Superintendent Jim reported demolition is complete on the existing shelter structure and paving demo is 95% complete with asphalt removal starting today. Moisture conditioning will begin next week. This is our first project with City of Grapevine. This facility was designed by Quorum Architects! We are also working on the Grapevine Golf Course Club House project which is currently in pre-construction.

SFI Delivers Legendary Service

We strive to deliver legendary service on every project. On a recent school project we were approached about how to build a homecoming float. Rather than merely offering advice, Superintendent Javier and Carpenter Eustaquio took the time to build the float so it would be safe for the students to ride on. Javier and Eustaquio were excited to receive a card and cake as a thank you. #ThisIsWhyWeBuild #SacrificeEverythingForSafety

Project Update: Ennis Public Safety Facility

We are happy to bring you this update on our Ennis Public Safety Facility!

On the outside of the building, metal studs and roof decking are nearing completion on the main building. Roofing and exterior waterproofing will begin within the next week. Project Manager Nathan would like to thank our subs, Rice Drywall, Structural Fabrications Inc, and DMG Masonry for their work to date.

Inside the building, metal ductwork is being installed by Travis Mechanical, electrical runs are being installed by Intex Electric and metal stud walls are being started by Rice Drywall. Roof drains and copper piping are being installed by Curl’s Plumbing. This 38,000 SF facility was designed by RBDR Architects.

The Hills Church West Campus Grand Opening

Today we are at The Hills Church West Campus celebrating their grand opening! We build for people. It is a very special day when the buildings we construct open to welcome the people we built it for. This beautiful church was designed by BOKA Powell. Special thank you to our client, The Hills Church for the opportunity to work with them again and for our dedicated and skilled subcontractor team. Great work by Superintendent Mauricio and our Project Managers Glenn and Boyd and the entire field team! #ThisIsWhyWeBuild #ItsNotAboutTheBuilding #ItsAboutPeople

SFI Named One of Fort Worth’s Fastest Growing Companies for 2019!

Our company President, Mike Freeman stopped by the offices of FW Inc. Magazine yesterday for his moment in front of the camera. Mike was photographed for an upcoming issue of the magazine featuring the leaders of the companies that were recognized as the “Fastest Growing” in Fort Worth. Though corporate growth is not a priority to us, it just happens organically when you have a talented team that is dedicated to providing legendary service.

New Project

We are proud to announce that Steele & Freeman has been selected to build Fire Station #3 for the City of Haltom City. This new $5.5M, 14,000 SF facility was designed by RPGA Design Group, Inc. It will be located at the northeast corner of Old Denton Rd. and Northern Cross Blvd.

Space Improvements for Local Schools

Did you know that kids don’t use lockers at school these days? Check out the improved use of this space that is better suited for today’s teens. As part of a large, multi-phased renovation project at a local school, our team is removing lockers throughout the facility and replacing them with benches so kids can have a place to sit and visit.

SFI Sponsors the Ruffolution!

Steele & Freeman was proud to sponsor Ruffolution this weekend which was an event put on by NAWIC South Central Region. Proceeds benefit NAWIC Fort Worth Chapter #1 Foundation, Inc. providing scholarships for students in construction-related degree and apprenticeship programs. A portion of the proceeds will also be donated to Straydog, a no-kill shelter.

SFI Awarded Diamond Level Safety Award

We are pleased to announce we have been been recognized by the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) with a Diamond Level STEP (Safety Training Education Process) Award which is given to firms that are “dramatically safer than the industry average.” We sacrifice everything for safety. Safety is more than simply wearing hard hats and safety vests – it is about being tirelessly vigilant for the safety of each person on and around the site.

The Can-Do Crew Kids Go Back To School!

All the Can-Do Crew Kids have gone back to school! Steele & Freeman believes in putting family first. This Fundamental is a favorite among our staff and according to them, it is a big reason why they love to work here. Their positive feedback has resulted in Steele & Freeman being recognized as a Best Company to Work For in Fort Worth. We are proud to have a great work place and vibrant culture. Here is an album of our back-to-school memories for the 2019-2020 school year! #FamilyIsEverything

City Hall Selfie Day at our Town of Flower Mound Library Expansion project!

The Town of Flower Mound Library Services reached out to us for help with a photo on their library project for a selfie contest. We were happy to provide hard hats for the photo! We love the appropriate puns “Libraries Rock” and “Dig Into Reading” on their t-shirts! We are excited to be working with the Town of Flower Mound on their library expansion with design by Komatsu Architects of Fort Worth. #CityHallSelfieDay

Fort Worth ISD South Hills High School

We are currently in pre-construction with our Joint Venture Partner Post L Group Drywall & Acoustical Ceilings on an extensive renovation and addition project for Fort Worth ISD at South Hills High School in South Fort Worth. This $39.9 M project will provide new science classrooms, labs and other instructional spaces. Common spaces will be renovated to provide an ideal space for student interaction and collaboration. Architecture by Jacobs & Associates Architects.

June W. Davis Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Ribbon cuttings for our projects are always exciting. Today we had an especially meaningful and emotional ribbon cutting at Crowley ISD’s new June W. Davis Elementary School. Words like pioneer, trailblazer and legend are used to describe June W. Davis. It is obvious she is a powerhouse not only in the Crowley community, but in Tarrant County. We were honored to build this school that bears her name and honors her phenomenal legacy. The first day of school is Thursday!!

Steele & Freeman Sacrifices Everything For Safety!

We sacrifice everything for safety! We are conducting safety stand down sessions for National Safety Stand Down Day at all of our sites in effort to prevent falls. Here are a few photos of our Stand Down at our 150,000 SF $70M state-of-the-art Crowley ISD Collegiate High School and CTE project.
We had 95 subcontractors in attendance. We shut the job down and met with everyone to discuss preventing falls on site.
The meeting was led Senior Superintendent Eddie, Superintendent Jeremy, Assistant Superintendent Antonio. Senior PM Jared and General Superintendent Tim also participated. Thank you to Associate Project Manager Justin who assisted with the Stand Down and shared these photos!

 

Join Us for the Argyle High School Addition and Renovation Pre-Bid Meeting

CORRECTION – 1:30PM
Join us for the Pre-Bid Conference today in advance of sub-bidding for our Argyle High School Renovation and Addition project. 
Design by Corgan.
Size: 202,000 SF of addition; 38,000 SF renovation
Budget: $61M
Join us today at 1:30PM at 800 Eagle Drive in Argyle to learn more about this great project.
Email: bids@steelefreeman.com
Plan room: https://steelefreeman.com/plan-room-2/

Roanoke City Hall Grand Opening Ceremony

The Can-Do Crew was out in force at the grand opening of our Roanoke City Hall project on Saturday. This extraordinary building was designed by RGA Architects and was a labor of love for every person that worked on it. The building is chock full of stunning custom finishes such as the mahogany wood panels, cast stone details, hand chiseled masonry corners, wrought iron stair rails, atrium skylight and clock tower. The City of Roanoke had high praises for our project team and RGA Architects. It was such an honor to lead the construction of this beautiful building.

SFI’s project Whiskey Ranch Featured on Bisnow

SFI is proud to have built the beautiful Whiskey Ranch, in collaboration with Tryba Designs and Hahnfeld Hoffer Stanford architects. Check out this article to learn more about the 112-acre ranch that houses the corporate headquarters, manufacturing and event centers for owners Firestone & Robertson Distilling, Co.

https://www.bisnow.com/dallas-ft-worth/news/retail/tryba-designs-whiskey-ranch-near-fort-worth-96935?fbclid=IwAR2lNwsfuHuZ5_vM_djU9xjxXjMaCWqVI-s4hgjhd61gjJJpItserjixLI0

Birthday Celebrations for President Michael Freeman and Long Time Employee Sidney!

Happy Birthday to our company president, Mike Freeman! Mike’s wife hosted a fantastic surprise party today in honor of Mike’s 50th birthday at our company headquarters. Mike shares this birthday with one of our longtime staff members, Sidney Dove. Happy Birthday Sidney!

Roanoke City Hall

It’s a beautiful day in Roanoke, Texas! Special thank you to our superintendent for sharing this gem of a photo of the City Hall we built!

SFI Named as One of the Fastest Growing Companies In Fort Worth!

Our VP of Operations, Scott accepted our plaque for being one of the Fastest Growing Companies in Fort Worth as named by Fort Worth Inc. Magazine. Congratulations to our fellow honorees!

More Roanoke City Hall Details

Another beautiful picture from our Roanoke City Hall project featuring the lobby by the second floor balcony, located right next to the mayor’s office. This picture highlights even more of the high-end details in the new city hall such as the skylight, terrazzo floors, arched Venetian plaster ceiling and mahogany framework.

 

Steele & Freeman Groundwork for Success

What makes Steele & Freeman successful? We are dedicated to developing our practice through developing our people. Mentorships are a key part of our development. Here are some of our past and current mentoring pairs that lay the groundwork for our success.

Roanoke City Hall Details

The new Roanoke City Hall features masonry details carefully hand-chiseled corners to give it the look of an older Hill Country style courthouse. This stunning project is chock full of artisan-quality details. Stay tuned for more photos! The beautiful design is by Roanoke firm, RGA Architects. The building was designed to set the tone for a high standard of buildings in the heart of Roanoke. Great work by our project team led by Superintendent Sam and Senior Project Manager Brian. Special thanks to our subcontractors for their meticulous work!

 

SFI Named one of Fort Worth’s Fastest Growing Companies!

We are pleased to announce we have been named one of the Fastest Growing Companies in Fort Worth by Fort Worth Inc Magazine!

Business Developer Larry Clements Retires!

We would like to express our gratitude and congratulations to Larry Clements, our business developer. Larry came to us from Acme Brick where he worked for 40 years. He retired from Steele & Freeman. Larry is known as incredible kind and friendly gentleman. He will be spending more time with his four adorable grand daughters, his wife, two children and their respective spouses. Larry is an active volunteer in the community. We will miss you Larry!

SFI Founders

As we approach our 40th year in business, we had our company founders up to the office to take a photo that will go on our Can-Do Crew Wall of Honor. These two gentlemen started it all in 1979. Thank you to Mr. David Freeman and Mr. Bill Steele! They have quite a legacy – Steele & Freeman is now one of the Best Companies to Work for and Fastest Growing in Fort Worth.

New Project Announcements: Grapevine Animal Shelter and Adoption Center and the Grapevine Golf Clubhouse

We are pleased to announce we are working on a pair of new projects with the City of Grapevine – the Animal Shelter & Adoption Center and the Grapevine Golf Clubhouse. The 8,100 SF animal shelter is designed by Quorum Architects and has a budget of $3.3M. The Golf Clubhouse also has a budget of $3.3M and is designed by Thiel and Thiel, Inc. These are our first projects with the City of Grapevine.

Crowley ISD CTE Groundbreaking Ceremony

It is a very exciting day for Crowley ISD and we are proud to be part of this special day. Today the district breaks ground on their new $74M career and technology education high school designed by VLK Architects.

First Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Rededication

We are so proud of our latest work with First Presbyterian Church of Fort Worth and of the beautiful workmanship of the pulpit, chancel, nave and baptistry as part of our 11,300 SF renovation to their sanctuary in collaboration with architect Hahnfeld Hoffer Stanford. Congratulations to First Presbyterian Church on the rededication of the beautiful sanctuary! We were recognized as special guests in the worship service and included in the team photo – pictured here.

Northside Health Clinic Dedication

Local dignitaries, Congresswoman Kay Granger, Congressman Marc Veasey, Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley and Mayor Betsy Price helped celebrate the Ribbon Cutting of our Northside Clinic project on November 12! This healthcare facility significantly expands North Texas Area Community Health Clinics’ ability to serve our community. The project achieved significant completion two months ahead of schedule despite having to remove 60,000 cubic yards of limestone from the site.

SFI Wins the Prestigious Aggie 100 for the Fifth Time!

We are proud to announce that SFI has received the Aggie 100 award for the fifth time! The prestigious Aggie 100 recognizes the 100 fastest growing Aggie-owned or Aggie-led businesses in the world and creates a forum for these businesses to pass on their lessons learned to the next generation of Aggie entrepreneurs. With two Aggies at the helm, Mike Freeman Class of 1991 and Scott DePauw, Class of 1999, SFI operates consistently with the Aggie Honor Code and adheres to the values and image of Texas A&M University. We would also like to congratulate frequent collaborator VLK Architects led by Leesa Vardeman on their Aggie 100 award this year!

Happy Veteran’s Day!

We’d like to thank all Veterans and military families for their service to our country.
We are proud of our Veterans on staff at SFI, including Larry, Nathan and Blair. Picture here is Nathan who joined the Army in 1997 and deployed to Germany and the Horn of Africa. He retired this year from his unit in Lewisville where he was a paratrooper. Thank you for your service!