May 29 2015
The Beck Group, a worldwide, integrated architecture, construction and technology firm, has earned first place honors in the 2015 AGC Build Georgia Award Program for its renovation of Lenox Square®, A Simon Mall, in the heart of Buckhead. Beck won in the Design/Build category for projects costing $20 million to under $50 million.
Beck used an integrated design and build approach, which means that it was both the architect of record as well as the general contractor on the project. Beck worked with Dallas-based design architect, RTKL Associates Inc.
Built in 1959, Atlanta's Lenox Square has long been a premier shopping destination in the Southeast. Over the years, it has grown and adapted to changes in the retail environment to offer an unparalleled shopping experience. This latest major renovation, which was completed in June 2014, modernized the Peachtree Street entrance with an impressive two-story glass facade, and added a two-story Nike anchor store and three new full-service restaurants: The Cheesecake Factory, Zinburger Wine & Burger Bar and True Food Kitchen. The dramatic change showcases the iconic property's street-side presence with a redesigned porte-cochere and updated sidewalks. In addition, the atrium was brightened and a two-story, open food court with LED lighting and backlit columns was added.
Beck's main concerns related to the project were ensuring that the construction process had minimal impact on tenants, and overall safety. The firm relied on 3D laser scans of the existing structure and 3D modeling to devise a staged construction plan and engineer a complex scaffolding system that would allow the food court and restaurants to remain open during construction while protecting mall employees, shoppers and construction workers. Beck's construction team performed much of the work at night, so that the mall could operate on its normal schedule for the entirety of the project. Despite the construction occurring alongside operating stores and restaurants for 18 months, tenant sales remained strong. With over 20 million shopper visits to Lenox Square each year, Beck's team delivered a complex renovation within a fully occupied facility with no reported lost-time accidents or mall patron injuries.
"The Beck Group is highly deserving of this recognition," said Robin Suggs, General Manager, Lenox Square. "The compelling design created an updated look for Lenox Square with a more modern appeal. The firm understood our operating schedule and completed work outside of our operating hours, always keeping safety top of mind."
"Lenox Square has been a treasured shopping destination in the Southeast for more than 50 years," said Ben Bard, Beck's Atlanta Regional Director. "We're pleased to have played a major part in reinventing it for the 21st century, and to be able to do it in a way that allowed the mall to conduct business as usual. Being recognized by AGC Georgia for our success is the capstone in this rewarding project."
The AGC Georgia Build Georgia Awards recognize general contractor and specialty contractor members and their construction teams for outstanding performances on some of Georgia's most remarkable projects. The 2015 winners were announced June 9, 2015, at AGC Georgia's annual convention in Amelia Island, Florida.
About The Beck Group
Founded in 1912, The Beck Group is a collaborative team of designers and builders, offering planning, architecture, interior design, construction and sustainability consulting services. Beck's 600+ employees work among offices in Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Denver, Fort Worth, Mexico City and Tampa. For more information, visit www.beckgroup.com.