Bridge of The Americas

ARCHITECTURE | CIVIC

Summary

The site itself represents the nexus of the north- south axis, but as an international border crossing, it highlights Canada, the US and Mexico. The El Portal Bridge of the Americas Bridge System Headquarters and border crossing hub include a promenade, north plaza, and the City of Laredo’s Bridge Systems’ Command Center. The north plaza is a place of gathering for thousands of people who cross into Mexico daily. 30,000 square feet total, the building houses the Conventions and Visitors Bureau. The 14,000-sq ft bridge system command center is sited on the south promenade; a critical part of the city’s river infrastructure, the center manages all four of Laredo’s bridges. 

 

The stone retaining walls and columns are faced with stone brought from a quarry 130 miles upriver of Laredo. These stone walls were built and designed to anticipate a future riverwalk development that extends beyond the site. As learned from design studios, when it concerns an intervention with the river, it must be considered in the context of a greater story of commitment to future generations. 

Details

Client: City of Laredo
Location: Laredo, TX
Role: Architect
Date of Completion: 2009

Image Gallery

Related Projects
Contact Us

We're not around right now. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap.

Not readable? Change text. captcha txt

Start typing and press Enter to search