A source at Urban Retail Properties, the Galleria owner, tells GlobeSt.com that the Turner contract is part of a $125-million renovation and expansion going on at Houston's famed retail center. A new look of exotic wood and stone from seven countries will be incorporated into existing and new retail space to create a feel of one continuous shopping experience. Soft leather seats and extra signs are coming with the cosmetic makeover that also replaces carpeting with stones and changes out metal railings to glass partitions with metal caps. The source says the end goal is to refine the look of the classic structure with today's upscale finishing touches.

Dallas-based Turner's job will be to add 228,000 sf of retail space, 2,700-space parking garage and 200 foot-wide bridge that will connect the Galleria to a new retail venue, which will be positioned across the street. The parking garage design calls for two underground levels, totaling 334,000 sf, and six above-ground with a total of 750,000 sf.

Turner project manager Sam Campbell says the project is challenging in that it entails building lot line-to-lot line. "It is building within the building," he says, pointing out the expansive mall sits on just 12 acres.

The Galleria renovation will wrap up by June 2002 and the expansion will deliver in March 2003. The architect is Cooper Carry Architects of Atlanta. Walter P. Moore of Atlanta is the project's structural engineer; Turner, Collie & Braden Inc. of Houston, civil engineer; and Barrett Woodyard & Associates of Norcross, GA, the mechanical and HVAC engineer.

Turner has been busy this year, securing some of the most high-profile projects to come down the pike. Crews also are working on the convention center hotel and Hines' new Calpine Center in the CBD.