In 1986, SpawGlass constructed the Comal County Courthouse Annex and parking garage, located on the downtown square in New Braunfels. Thirty-five years later, our team, led by Project Manager Dustyn Cox and Superintendent Grady Frank, completed a multi-phase renovation and addition to the Landa and Annex buildings to increase the county’s capacity to serve a rapidly growing community. 

Renovations to the buildings took place while the facilities remained occupied and operational. Extensive planning, coordination, communication and safety measures were key to ensuring the successful execution of all phases. 

Totaling 62,444 square feet, work to the Landa Building included renovations and additions to the county clerk offices, courtrooms, jury rooms, bailiff quarters, judges’ chambers and conference rooms located on the first level; and the criminal district attorney offices, grand jury rooms, conference rooms and child services offices located on the second level. 

Work to the Annex Building included renovations to various offices as well as 6,000 square feet of renovated space on the third level to accommodate four courtrooms and district clerk offices. A portion of the fourth and fifth level Annex garage was converted to a 42-person in-custody holding facility. A sally port with a sliding gate constructed on the fifth level allows for the transfer of in-custody persons to the holding cells on the fourth level. The holding facility features two large group holding cells, three four-person holding cells, two no-contact rooms and a sheriff station. 

During the construction of the holding facility, the project team identified an innovative solution for building custom walls for the detention center using metal stud framing, steel plates and pre-drilled holes. Re-purposing steel panels from a previously completed county jail project produced project savings for the county. 

As a result of the pandemic, the project team also began to experience material and manpower shortages. While discussing a plan of action with the team, the owner recalled a quote from NASA Flight Director Gene Kranz – “In our line of business, we only worry about those things that you can do something about.”

“This phrase ended up becoming the mantra of the project and was even hung in the project office by the owner as a daily reminder,” said Dustyn. “Our team worked together to anticipate issues and identify solutions for those within our control.” 

As long-time residents of New Braunfels, both Dustyn and Grady shared a personal interest in this landmark project. The team credits their synergy, speed, communication and attention to detail to the project’s success. Even with the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic and the freeze in February 2021, the project was completed on time. Providing the absolute best construction experience on this project has already led to more opportunities with the county, including the Comal County Sheriff’s Office Renovation, which is currently under construction and expected to complete next year. 

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