By Dannie Oliveaux | dannieoliveaux@theexaminer.com
April brought a surge of construction activity across Southeast Texas, with a wide range of projects — from major retail renovations to new school facilities — receiving approval, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
The largest project is in Orange County. Walmart, 1350 N. Main St. in Vidor, was granted a permit April 23 for a $45.4 million renovation of its 196,179-square-foot store.
The project includes painting exterior walls and updating signage. It also includes a 3,200-square-foot expansion on the left side of the building, along with interior painting, repairs and cleaning throughout, and remodeling in areas indicated on the plans. Completion is set for April 23, 2027.
Jefferson County
April 24, a permit was granted to Lamar University for a $1.8 million football locker room renovation at the Dauphine Athletic Complex. The project totals 5,896 square feet and is scheduled for completion May 29.
April 22, Ferguson Law Firm secured a permit for 5,300 square feet of renovations at its office at 3155 Executive Drive in Beaumont. The estimated cost is $475,000, with an Aug. 14 completion date.
April 19, Centeen Vending in Beaumont was granted a permit for $735,000 in renovations at 650 S. 23rd St., Suite D. Completion is scheduled for Aug. 28.
April 18, GT Truck Stop, 1200 FM 365 in Port Arthur, was granted a permit for a $3.5 million project for a 10,000-square-foot facility. Plans include 6,000 square feet for a store, 1,640 square feet for a washateria, 2,170 square feet for rental space and 10 gas pumps. The completion date is Jan. 15, 2027.
April 17, BK North Park Plaza Ltd., 5852 Eastex Freeway, secured a permit for a $400,000 renovation of 2,970 square feet. The project includes installation of fixtures, furniture and equipment; new interior partitions and doors; ceilings and finishes throughout; and lighting in all areas. Completion is scheduled for Sept. 17.
April 15, AutoZone, 1726 N. Major Drive, was granted a permit for a 6,446-square-foot retail store, with an estimated cost of $843,117. Completion is set for Feb. 11, 2027.
April 14, Popeyes, 1804 FM 365 in Nederland, was granted a permit for renovation of its 2,215-square-foot facility. The estimated cost is $250,000, with a Dec. 31 completion date.
April 9, PNC Bank, 4285 E. Lucas Drive in Beaumont, secured a permit for a $500,000 renovation of its 8,560-square-foot building. The project includes replacing sidewalks, new curb ramps, ADA parking and pavement upgrades. Completion is scheduled for Aug. 15.
April 8, Port Arthur ASC, a shopping center at 3360 FM 365, Suite B in Port Arthur, was granted a permit for a $2 million renovation for tenant improvements to a 3,883-square-foot ambulatory surgery center. Completion is scheduled for Aug. 1.
Also on April 8, ExxonMobil FCC Operation Shelter was granted a permit to add a new 1,120-square-foot operator shelter on a new topping slab, estimated at $1.5 million.
April 1, Bath & Body Works secured a permit to remodel 4,585 square feet of its existing store in Parkdale Mall. The estimated cost is $325,000.
March 31, FKC Jefferson, 3100 N. Major Drive, received a permit for the build-out of a 9,285-square-foot space for a dialysis clinic. Interior work will include 24 stations, one isolation room, a clinic manager’s office, an exam room and various support offices.
Hardin County
April 16, Lumberton ISD was granted a permit for a $600,000 project for a Lamar State College Orange cosmetology and LVN classroom. The project totals 4,324 square feet and is scheduled for completion Aug. 31.
April 10, Neches Federal Credit Union, 299 County Lane at U.S. 69 in Lumberton, secured a permit for a $143,000 project to construct sidewalks required by a new city ordinance and add 12 parking spaces. Completion is scheduled for June 30.
Also on April 10, the credit union secured a permit for an 877-square-foot addition on the southeast side for three offices and a break room, estimated at $445,000. Completion is set for Dec. 18.
Kountze ISD was granted a permit April 2 for a new $24 million, 60,277-square-foot, single-story elementary school and associated site parking at 1750 FM 1293.
