Whitehouse City Center is a 13,600-square-foot renovation and expansion that transforms a City-owned facility into a vibrant, multi-purpose destination for business, community, and civic engagement. Originally built as a church and later adapted as a martial arts studio, the approximately 60-year-old building has been reimagined to support Whitehouse’s continued growth and economic development. Designed to meet the increasing demand for flexible, accessible gathering and workspace options, the center brings together coworking environments, event venues, and municipal office space in a single, dynamic facility.
The coworking area offers a range of workspace solutions, including hoteling stations, private Zoom booths, semi-private meeting areas, collaborative lounge seating, an executive conference room, and a kitchenette with vending amenities. Adaptability was a primary design objective, with furniture-based planning and integrated audiovisual infrastructure creating a flexible environment that can evolve with future needs.
The first floor features a banquet hall accommodating up to 120 guests, complete with a private entrance and an outdoor terrace overlooking the site’s cherished heritage pecan tree. Designed to host a variety of functions from business conferences and training sessions to weddings and community celebrations, the venue serves as a key gathering space for the region. A flexible training room provides additional support for both City operations and public programming.
The second floor, made fully accessible through the addition of a new elevator, houses private offices and an executive conference room for City staff, providing an efficient and professional workspace for daily administrative operations.
Architecturally, the project preserves much of the existing structure while introducing a completely renewed exterior composed of limestone, metal panel systems, and a standing-seam metal roof. A new lobby and reception area positioned at the intersection of the building’s L-shaped plan establishes a welcoming arrival experience and serves as the centerpiece of the facility’s modern identity.
