Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects celebrates 30 years

Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects (STBA) one of Louisiana's oldest and largest architectural firms, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009, commemorating STBA's contributions to regional architecture and growth with the theme of "Evolution through Design.”

In 1979, I. William "Billy" Sizeler founded I. William Sizeler & Associates with a staff of five.

Today, Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects has a staff of 50 architects, interior designers, planners, programmers, landscape architects and construction administrators.
The firm offers full architectural, master planning, landscape architecture and interior design services in-house as well as strategic partnering with outside consultants and specialists.

Over the years, Sizeler Thompson Brown Architects has provided the leadership and architectural design services for many of the region's unique and high-profile projects.

"Going forward, our firm is focused on environmentally sensitive design," Sizeler says. "Environmental responsibility is imperative in today's building and construction industry."

Starmount Life Insurance Co./Alwayscare Benefits breaks ground in Baton Rouge

Starmount Life Insurance Co./AlwaysCare Benefits Inc. broke ground recently at the site of its new corporate headquarters in Baton Rouge, La.

The building will be located on the corner of Goodwood and Connells Park Lane on 6.4 acres of land.

The groundbreaking ceremony was hosted by the company's executive management, including Hans Sternberg, chairman, Starmount Life Insurance Co.; Donna Sternberg, executive vice president; Erich Sternberg, president; and Deborah Sternberg, senior vice president, and attended by several Baton Rouge dignitaries including Mayor-President Melvin L. "Kip" Holden, Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Deputy Secretary Steven Grissom, and Adam Knapp, president and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber.

The building will be constructed in three distinct phases, the first of which is expected to be finished in early 2010. The first phase will be 24,000 sq ft on the ground level and will accommodate 200 associates. In later years, the second phase will add another 21,000 sq ft on the ground floor. Finally, the third phase will add a second floor of 45,000 sq ft.

The new facility was designed by Grace & Hebert Architects, a full service architectural firm based in Baton Rouge.

Brasfield & Gorrie, The Lemoine Co. begin construction of Lafayette hospital

Brasfield & Gorrie LLC of Birmingham, Ala., and The Lemoine Co. of Lafayette, La., a joint venture, have begun construction of the new Our Lady of Lourdes Regional Medical Center in Lafayette, La.

The 378,000-sq-ft, $140-million facility broke ground in October and is expected to be complete by summer 2011. The hospital will serve as a replacement facility, and is expected to also include a 100,000-sq-ft medical office building.

The hospital is designed and built to include healing elements of nature such as green roof gardens, natural light and special water features.