Gilbane Completes Georgia Tech’s Reck Garage Serving as Home to the Institute’s Iconic Mascot
Atlanta, Georgia –– Gilbane Building Company has completed Georgia Institute of Technology’s new Reck Garage, serving as the permanent home of the iconic school mascot. The newly dedicated facility, designed by Square Foot Studio, represents the first permanent home of the Ramblin’ Wreck, which has been out of public view except for all significant sporting events, such as championing the way for Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets football team onto Grant Field in Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Ramblin’ Wreck is a 1930 Ford Model A Sport Coupe that has served as Georgia Tech’s beloved mascot since 1961.
“Georgia Tech is thrilled to have such an exceptional space to house the Ramblin’ Wreck. In conjunction with the new John C. Lewis Student Center and the revitalized Campanile Plaza fountain, the Reck Garage is the new hub of this central location, and it will undeniably encourage and foster community spirit. A collaborative effort among students, donors, alumni, design and construction staff and Gilbane has produced a functional, resilient, and beautiful new addition to the Georgia Tech campus,” said Chris Sanders, associate director of Construction, Infrastructure and Sustainability at Georgia Tech.
The current highly visible facility allows the Ramblin’ Wreck to drive through both ends of the building and stop at either a vehicle lift or display turntable donated by the late Jim Ellis, President and CEO of Jim Ellis Automotive. The garage was created with glass doors that provide a luminous 360 display for public viewing. The outdoor plaza allows for additional public interaction and viewing. The vehicle is maintained by current Georgia Tech students who are members of the Ramblin’ Reck Club.
“Gilbane was thrilled to partner with Georgia Tech to build a facility that means so much to the staff, alumni, and students,” said Brian Steed, Vice President and Business Leader, Gilbane Building Company. “What a magnificent way to honor a large piece of history for the Institute for generations to come.”
Glibane’s Project Engineer, Chris Skretkowicz, stated, “As an alumnus, it was a great privilege to work on this exciting project for the Tech community. The entire team, from the trade partners to design professionals and to the Georgia Institute of Technology, helped make the Reck Garage a success, and it is certainly something that alumni and fans alike can be proud of.”
The Ramblin’ Reck building was designed and built with sustainability in mind. Its windows are coated with a thermally-efficient coating to conserve heat during the winter and keep the building cool in warmer months. Thirty 400-watt solar panels are installed on the roof to allow the garage to generate its own energy. The building is currently being evaluated for LEED Platinum certification.
About Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology is one of the nation’s top public research universities, with nearly 40,000 students who study in person at the main campus in Atlanta, Georgia Tech-Europe in France, and Georgia Tech-Shenzhen in China, as well as through distance and online learning. With more than $1 billion annually in research awards across all six Colleges and the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), Georgia Tech is among the nation’s most research-intensive universities. It is an economic development engine for Georgia, the Southeast, and the nation. Georgia Tech aims to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. Its mission and strategic plan are focused on making a positive impact in the lives of people everywhere. For more than 135 years, the people of Georgia Tech have dared to imagine and create solutions for a better future. The innovative culture and leadership continue for Progress and Service for all.
About Gilbane Building Company
Gilbane provides a full slate of construction and facilities-related services – from preconstruction services planning and integrated consulting capabilities to comprehensive construction management, general contracting, design-build, and facility management services – for clients across various markets. Founded in 1870 and still a privately held, family-owned company, Gilbane has more than 45 office locations worldwide.
Gilbane has been a leading construction manager in Georgia and South Carolina since the 1970s serving public and private clients across various markets, including education, healthcare, corporate/commercial, multi-family, and local government.
For more information, visit www.gilbaneco.com.