Renovate and Re-Purpose Binnion Hall (ETAMU) in Commerce, TX

The renovation and re-purposing of Binnion Hall at East Texas A&M University in Commerce, Texas, is a $17,900,000 project spanning approximately 34,000 square feet. Located at 1500 Education Dr, this Hunt County initiative is registered with TDLR and is targeted for July 2028. The project is classified as a renovation and alteration, with construction scheduled to begin in October 2026. The filing indicates that plan review is pending.

The scope of work focuses on a predominantly cosmetic renovation coupled with targeted infrastructure upgrades to all bathrooms. The project also incorporates the addition of a new basement staff apartment and the full renovation of the existing Level 1 staff apartment. This comprehensive approach to the 34,000 sq ft facility results in an estimated cost of $526 per square foot. The work involves public funds and public land, consistent with the owner of record, the Board of Regents of Texas A&M University System.

Kirksey Architecture serves as the design firm of record for this project. The firm has six other TDLR-registered projects totaling $33,835,013, including the TFC Texas Insurance Building in Austin and the Anadarko Airport Hangar in Houston. Michael Lynn Kelley is the registered accessibility specialist for the Binnion Hall renovation.

Project Context and Comparisons

Compared to 289 TDLR-registered renovation and alteration filings in Hunt County, this project stands out for its scale. The estimated cost of $17,900,000 is above the county median of $300,000 for this work type. The scheduled build window of 669 days is longer than the county median of 120 days. Additionally, the $526 per square foot cost is above the county median of $112 per square foot. These figures reflect the significant scope of infrastructure upgrades and new construction within the existing building envelope.

The local area profile for ZIP code 75428 indicates a population of about 11,587 and a median household income of $48,372. The Hunt County unemployment rate was 4.8 percent in July 2026, higher than a year earlier. The project registration with TDLR occurred in August 2026, establishing the official timeline for this major campus improvement. The status remains Project Registered, with completion targeted for July 2028.