Brasfield & Gorrie Completes South Texas Border Intelligence Center

LAREDO, Texas —Brasfield & Gorrie announced the completion of the South Texas Border Intelligence Center, a new 7,300-square-feet building that will provide administrative offices and communication services for approximately 20 U.S. and Mexican government agencies. The $3.5-million project was funded by the U.S. General Services Administration for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which is a division of the Department of Homeland Security.  

According to Brasfield & Gorrie Division Manager Alan Anthony, the building may become a model for future mission-specific projects of this type. “In addition to border security, this sustainable facility will play a key role in helping law enforcement agencies in the region more effectively gather and share information in a collaborative environment,” said Anthony.    

The facade of the two-story building features galvanized metal panels, precast concrete and glass. Interior spaces include private offices, conference rooms, break rooms, a data center and two mission support suites that are equipped with numerous wall-mounted television monitors.  

The building includes sustainable elements such as low-flow plumbing fixtures and a high solar reflective roof, and features raised access floors to accommodate complex telecommunications and data processing equipment used in intelligence gathering and communications. Additionally, materials and products were sourced from the south Texas region in an effort to reduce construction-related shipping and transportation expenses.

Working with Richter Architects of Corpus Christi, Texas, Brasfield & Gorrie began construction of the facility in April 2012.