W.G. Yates & Sons worked quickly when Hurricane Ike damaged 20 historic properties in Galveston, relying on its relationships with nationally recognized remediation companies and its network of qualified venders to start work before extreme water infiltration took its toll. The buildings, most of which are on the National Register of Historic Places, had between 4 and 8 ft. of standing contaminated seawater associated with the post-hurricane storm surge. Yates Construction was on the island two days after the storm hit to begin repair efforts.

Photo: Yates Staff

Each of the buildings were badly destroyed on the ground floors. Many had damage to the historic clay tile roofs and damage to upper floors from high winds.

Within 30 days of the storm, crews assessed a remediation plan, assisted in insurance claim development, removed more than 3,500 cu yds of debris, shored up damaged buildings and issued a cost budget for completion.

Key Players

Submitted by: W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Owner: Mitchell Historic Properties, Galveston Construction manager: W. G Yates & Sons Construction Co., Memphis, Tenn. Architects: Eubanks Group Architects, Houston; Ford, Powell & Carson Architects and Planners Inc., San Antonio; McIntyre & Robinowitz, Houston; and Michael Gaertner Architects, Texas City MEP engineer: WSP-Flack + Kurtz, Houston Elevator contractor: Schindler Elevator, Houston Restoration contractor: Blackmon Mooring, Houston Electrical contractor: A & H Electric, Galveston Fire protection contractor: A-1 Fire, Houston Environmental contractor: ATC Environmental, Houston