Fresch Architects

12/16/2025

How does the evolution of a Corpus Christi landmark transpire?

Originally built in the 1920’s and used as a cotton warehouse for the Port, the Ortiz Center officially opened in 2001 as a cruise ship terminal and conference center. Only minor improvements have taken place since it's 2001 addition by Richter Architects.

As the United States’ largest energy export gateway and the 3rd largest export port for crude oil in the world, the Port of Corpus Christi Authority decided a much-needed renovation was due to preserve this building’s legacy.

We at fresch Architects are proud to have contributed to just one part of this building's history. Final renovations have come to a close and the Ortiz Center is up and running. See you at the next event in 2026!

12/10/2025

If you would like to read more about our Uncommon Market project, check out this article from the Bend Magazine where we won the Editor's Choice Award for the AIA Corpus Corpus Christi Design Awards

https://www.thebendmag.com/aia-corpus-christi-design-awards-program-2022-winners/

12/09/2025

Uncommon Market | Beeville, TX

Continuing our talk about the Uncommon Market, the site plan extends the program beyond the building walls, including areas for gardening, outdoor education, composting, recycle collection, outdoor cooking, dining, and event areas.

Ideally, this space will be used for and by the local community!

11/17/2025

Uncommon Market | Beeville, TX

The facility adapts an existing historic linear wood-framed hardware store (approximately 24’ wide x 160’ long) to house a commercial kitchen, an education / demonstration kitchen, dining / event space, retail space, and support. This adaptive reuse design integrates the existing wood flooring where salvageable and repurposes existing interior wood siding. At the indoor dining/event area, HVAC and lighting are contained in linear soffits on each side of the room which allows the existing wood trusses to be displayed in an uninterrupted fashion.

The design works with existing clerestory window openings and drops the sill on the north-facing side of the building to create a visual connection between indoor and outdoor dining/event areas and to enhance daylighting at the interior space.

11/06/2025

Uncommon Market | Beeville, TX

The Uncommon Market will serve as a food, beverage, event, education, and community outreach hub in Beeville, Texas with a focus on farm-to-table, sustainability, equity, and community building. The new facility will be a home for the programs currently run out of Beeville’s ‘Coffee Barrel’ location with room for program and community involvement expansion.

Although still in a schematic phase, we like to share projects like this to show how a local business owner can elevate their business with architectural touches and guidance.

10/29/2025

RTC New Office Building | Riviera, Texas

The Riviera Telephone Company (RTC) was founded in 1934 with a single switchboard operating out of the general store in the small community of Riviera, Texas. In 1937, the our client purchased the phone company for $1500 and a cow. The business is now operated by the fourth generation of the family.

The site for the new office building (directly across the street from the original building) has immense significance to the Owners as the original family homestead site.

10/27/2025

Erma Center Bar | Riviera, TX

The “Burnin’ Daylight Bar” is a small stand-alone building on the Erma Center site in Riviera, Texas. The interior is a board-formed concrete and steel shell that wraps the south side of the historic brick structure. The detailing of the shell is reminiscent of the utilitarian structures and infrastructure components of the adjacent Riviera Telephone Company.

10/02/2025

The Ortiz Center has seen quite a transformation since 1920. Happy to be part of its architectural history and share the results with the public once it's finished.

Every corner of the facility is being redesigned to maximize space and improve comfort for the community.

09/25/2025

Riviera Chapel | Riviera, TX

Bringing back a historic chapel to life. Keeping the unique in tact while updating the space for its next stage of service. The Riviera Chapel holds a special place with our design team as it represents the upholding of historic architecture and keeping craft alive.