Georgetown, Texas, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Southwestern University has received an Award of Merit for the renovation of Mood-Bridwell Hall at the 2025 Regional Best Projects contest by Engineering News-Record. This honor emphasizes the university’s commitment to enhancing educational facilities and showcases the project’s significant impact in the architectural field. The contest highlighted the best projects across five states, and Southwestern’s achievement reflects the growing trend among educational institutions to invest in quality infrastructure.
Georgetown, Texas – Southwestern University has been recognized with an Award of Merit for the renovation of Mood-Bridwell Hall in the esteemed 2025 Regional Best Projects contest held by Engineering News-Record (ENR) for the Texas and Louisiana regions. This accolade highlights the top projects across five states and showcases exceptional design and construction within the industry.
This award is part of a larger initiative that also recognizes Freeman High School in Houston as the Best K-12 Education project in the region. The contest included various entry categories such as K-12 education, healthcare, government/public buildings, cultural/worship facilities, and more, reflecting a broad representation of the construction and design industry. The winning projects from this contest will be celebrated at the Best Projects event scheduled for October 16 in Houston.
The ENR Texas & Louisiana region now integrates into the broader ENR Texas & Southeast super region, allowing for increased visibility and recognition of local projects on a wider scale. The competition aims to honor outstanding work across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma, with nuanced categories in safety and sustainability still to be revealed at a later date.
In addition to Southwestern University, other notable winners in the contest include:
- Airport/Transit: IAH Mickey Leland International Terminal D, Houston.
- Cultural/Worship: Union Pacific Bush 4141 Locomotive and Pavilion, College Station, Texas.
- Government/Public Building: F-35A Flight Simulator Facility, Fort Worth, Texas.
- Health Care: Cook Children’s Medical Center, Fort Worth, Texas.
- Higher Education: Texas Christian University Burnett School of Medicine, Fort Worth, Texas.
- K-12 Education: Freeman High School, Houston.
- Renovation/Restoration: Southwestern University, Mood-Bridwell Hall Renovation, Georgetown, Texas (Award of Merit).
The judges for the competition consist of seasoned professionals across various sectors of the construction industry, ensuring a rigorous and fair evaluation process. The Award of Merit received by Southwestern University’s Mood-Bridwell Hall Renovation underscores the institution’s commitment to improving educational facilities and promoting an environment conducive to learning.
As part of the recognition, others that gained the Award of Merit include Northside ISD John Jay High School Fine Arts project, signaling a strong trend in educational institutions investing in quality infrastructure for students.
With the final announcement of the Project of the Year finalists expected soon, the anticipation continues for the upcoming Best Projects event. This annual gathering not only allows industry professionals to celebrate their achievements but also provides insight into the future of design and construction across the regions.
Background on Southwestern University
Southwestern University, located in Georgetown, Texas, is the oldest institution of higher education in the state. Known for its strong liberal arts curriculum, the university has continuously evolved to support its growing student population. The renovation of Mood-Bridwell Hall is an important milestone for the university, demonstrating its dedication to preserving historic structures while enhancing their functionality for current academic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the ENR Texas & Louisiana Regional Best Projects contest?
The contest recognizes exceptional design and construction projects across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.
-
Who won the Award of Merit for Southwestern University?
The Mood-Bridwell Hall Renovation was awarded this merit, highlighting the importance of the project in educational infrastructure.
-
When will the winners in the categories of Safety and Sustainability be announced?
The specific date has not been revealed yet but will be announced following this contest.
-
Where will the Best Projects event be held?
The event is scheduled for October 16 in Houston.
Key Features of the Award Winning Projects
| Project | Type | Location | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mood-Bridwell Hall Renovation | Renovation/Restoration | Georgetown, Texas | Award of Merit |
| Freeman High School | K-12 Education | Houston, Texas | Best Project |
| IAH Mickey Leland International Terminal D | Airport/Transit | Houston, Texas | Best Project |
| Cook Children’s Medical Center | Health Care | Fort Worth, Texas | Best Project |
| Texas Christian University Burnett School of Medicine | Higher Education | Fort Worth, Texas | Best Project |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Southwestern University Welcomes Record Class of First-Year Students
Georgetown Community School Remembers Dedicated Educators and Volunteers
Record Freshman Enrollment and Safety Concerns at Southwestern University
Southwestern University Institutions Recognized in Best Colleges Honors
Southwestern University Appoints Coach Mahy as Head Softball Coach
Southwestern University Women’s Basketball Expands Roster
Southwestern University Welcomes New Graduate Assistants for Women’s Basketball Team
Southwestern University Recognized in The Princeton Review
Dallas Celebrates Top Female Founders Shaping Industries
Georgetown Honors First Lieutenant Charles ‘Woody’ McCook
Additional Resources
- Magnolia Tribune: Morgan Freeman Promotes Reading
- Spokesman: Freeman High School Features Lane Mathews
- OTMJ: Dr. Todd Freeman Sets the Standard
- ENR: Texas and Louisiana’s Best Projects Award Winners
- San Francisco Chronicle: Dual Enrollment in Education
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Freeman High School
- Google Scholar: Educational Infrastructure
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Education
- Google News: Best Projects in Education
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
