Mission Tejas State Park – Visitor Center
Location: Houston County, Texas
Owner: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Project Type: Public Facility / Visitor Center
Project Description
G Hyatt Construction completed the Mission Tejas State Park Visitor Center, a multi-building
facility designed to support public education, park operations, and historical interpretation within
the Davy Crockett National Forest.
Scope of Work
The project consists of three buildings connected by a central pedestrian pathway. Building A
includes public restrooms accessible 24 hours per day. Building B houses interpretive exhibit
space highlighting the history of Mission San Francisco de los Tejas and the El Camino Real.
Building C contains administrative offices, a park store, and a research library. Site work
included utility installation, accessible pathways, and preservation of existing trees wherever
possible.
Key Features
Exterior wall assemblies utilize Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) to improve energy efficiency
and building performance. The project incorporates Shou Sugi Ban wood siding, a traditional
wood treatment process that enhances durability and improves resistance to insects, rot, and
flame exposure. A rainwater collection system provides reclaimed water for toilet flushing.
Wood from trees removed during construction was repurposed for site furnishings, supporting
the project’s environmental goals.
Challenges & Solutions
Construction activities were carefully coordinated to minimize disturbance to the surrounding
forest environment and preserve existing site features. Building placement and orientation were
designed to maintain views of the Rice Family Log Home and surrounding canopy while
maintaining constructability and long-term durability of the facilities.
Outcome
The completed visitor center provides modern, durable facilities that support park operations
while enhancing the visitor experience and preserving the historical significance of Mission
Tejas State Park.
