TCRG Conagra

Summarize the project's program, features and achievements?

TCRG Properties, in partnership with ConAgra Foods, has developed a state-of-the-art food-grade warehouse facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Designed by Alliance Architects and constructed by TCRG Construction, this expansive build-to-suit project showcases modern industrial design tailored to the specialized needs of the food industry.

Located on a 63-acre site, the development includes over 1 million square feet of warehouse space, a separate 8,700-square-foot office building, and a dedicated welcome center. Key features include 154 dock positions, a 40-foot clear height, 398 trailer parking spaces, a rail spur with nine rail docks, LED high-bay lighting, backup generators, and electric truck charging infrastructure.

With a double cross-dock layout and extensive trailer and rail capabilities, the facility is designed for maximum logistics efficiency. This project reflects the expertise of TCRG and Alliance Architects in delivering large-scale, high-performance industrial environments that support food-grade operations and long-term client growth.

What obstacles were overcome related to the schedule, budget, program, specification, site, etc. on this project?

The ConAgra Foods warehouse project in Fort Worth overcame major challenges related to weather delays, structural complexity, and coordination, yet was still delivered ahead of schedule and on budget. Originally set for completion on October 21, 2024, with full operations by November 30, the site endured over 30 inches of rain from January to July 2025, resulting in 75 weather-related delay days. Panel construction and erection were especially impacted.

To stay on track, the team coordinated closely with subcontractors and implemented a phased turnover strategy that allowed the tenant’s team to mobilize early. As a result, the certificate of occupancy and final turnover were completed ahead of schedule on November 5, 2024.

Despite these challenges, the project budget remained unaffected. ConAgra leadership praised TCRG’s problem-solving approach and consistent communication. “As promised, it was delivered on time and on budget,” said John Lewandowski, Senior Director of Real Estate and Facilities. Design Build Consultant Pat Dady added, “They never once dropped a problem in our lap.”

The project also required innovative structural adjustments. While joists were initially planned to span east to west, the final bay required a 90-degree rotation to avoid loading dock-side panels, allowing consistent use of 9 1/4 inch panels. Additionally, continuous dock pits required taller panels, braced below slab level to maintain stability.

Through proactive planning and engineering, the team delivered a high-performance food-grade facility while successfully navigating environmental and design complexities.

Please communicate any engineering complexities or unique features of the panel design for this project?

The building’s curved section was designed to match the radius of the railroad spur access, requiring precise alignment of the six door openings along the curve and the three doors on the straight north wall. To meet railroad specifications for dock door-to-railcar access distance, the tilt wall panels .had to be installed with extreme accuracy before the railroad spur was constructed.

The perimeter tilt walls required strategic engineering due to the 80-foot-wide clear-span speed bay. Additionally, the continuous pits necessary for vertical dock levelers led to larger door openings, significantly impacting the structural design of the panels.