Norwegian Consulate selects Bailey Architects

The local Royal Norwegian Consulate General chose to upgrade an old structure with a new “green” look in selecting a building at 3410 W. Dallas for new offices.

The consulate general even recycled the building’s original architect - Bailey Architects, Inc. – to help with the renovation plan that will re-use 75 percent of the revitalized 28-year-old facility.

Principal Ray Bailey says he dusted off the original architectural plans and converted them into an electronic format for the renovation. “They were all drawn by hand, not computers – back in the dark ages,” Bailey says. “It was fun looking back at it. Things have changed.”

He says the original structure was ahead of the curve with an energy-efficient design, but not to this extent.

The renovation will meet silver standards in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design by using a high solar reflectance roof, bicycle racks, low-flow plumbing fixtures, energy-efficient mechanical systems and native vegetation.

The consulate general will move from current offices at 2777 Allen Parkway when the renovation is completed early next year.  

Jennifer Dawson, Houston Business Journal