Holcombe House Renovation and Expansion Underway

Non-profit breaks ground on phased revamp and 20-bedroom expansion of flagship facility

Photo Credit: Alexander’s Fine Portait Design www.alexandersportraits.com

HOUSTON – September 12, 2017 – Construction has started on Phase I and II of the renovation and 20-bedroom expansion to Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Houston’s 50-bedroom flagship facility, Holcombe House. Community and business leaders, including Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Representative Sarah Davis, celebrated the milestone today at a groundbreaking ceremony on the construction site at Holcombe House. Supported by the $22.5 million Behind Every Door capital campaign, the three-phase renovation project will further RMH Houston’s mission to serve families of seriously ill children receiving treatment in the Texas Medical Center.

“Our three-phase renovation and expansion of Holcombe House will allow us to better serve families in need, and most importantly, to serve 40% more families than before at our flagship facility.” said Rick Noriega, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Houston. “To date, Holcombe House operates consistently at full capacity, which means that, sadly, we are unable to provide services for 12-15 families in need each day. We are thrilled that this project will allow us to keep more families close to their sick child when it matters most.”

The initial construction will include a new two-story tower containing 20 additional bedrooms, increasing Holcombe House’s capacity by 40%, and update all critical infrastructure, including HVAC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing. Also currently underway, Phase II will include a revamp of the first floor and Atrium, substantial upgrades to the high-use kitchen and common areas with durable equipment and materials to sustain long-term use, the creation of an additional area dedicated to serving meals for families and their guests, and the reconfiguration of intake and resident services areas to better serve and accommodate new and current families.

In 2015, RMH Houston launched the $22.5 million Behind Every Door capital campaign to fund the three-phase renovation project in order to address the following challenges and needs: medical advances and improved patient protocols have expanded, and will continue to expand, pediatric care in the Texas Medical Center, creating an ever-growing need for rooms or home away from home; For 20 years the Holcombe House has seen high-volume use 24/7, 365 days each year, by almost 600 families a year, resulting in natural, but visible wear and tear; An evolving need for a reconfigured floor plan with open areas that foster community among resident families, as well as additional private, comfortable spaces to better facilitate the exchange of personal information.

“Thanks to generous support, funds raised to date for Behind Every Door exceed $18 million and we couldn’t be more thankful,” said Lesha Pulido Elsenbrook, president of the board of Ronald McDonald House Houston and Behind Every Door capital campaign chair. “This generosity allows us to make much needed upgrades to our flagship facility, improving functionality, comfort and energy efficiency, to better serve families needing a safe and loving home away from home.”

Construction for Phase I and II commenced in June 2017, led by W.S. Bellows Construction Corporation. The architectural team is Dewberry | Wilson Architects, and the project is being managed by Pin Oak Interests.

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