Corgan 75 Years

Jack was published in “Better Theaters” and the “Motion Picture Herald” and was cited as an expert in theater design. He also invented a 3-point latch and self-closing safety device for projection booths that was ultimately adopted throughout the theater industry to protect projectionists from sudden fire by connecting the automatic port shutter and the projection booth door.

One of Corgan’s first projects was El Rancho in Gallup, New Mexico, made famous for being a gathering place for the stars. Drawn by the many films made in the area, Ronald Reagan, Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart were among those listed in the guest register and whose autographed photos adorned the walls.

Corgan was awarded the new Love Field Terminal, which opened in 1958. At the time, the firm was employed by as many as eight airlines. 50 years later, Corgan was awarded the Terminal Modernization Project for the airport.

The firm experienced difficult years during the energy crisis when building activity fell sharply. C. Jack Corgan came to work with his father in 1971 and crafted a plan to rebuild by transitioning the firm from a proprietorship to a corporate form of governance.

The firm’s data center practice began during these years — with work completed for companies like Dean Witter, IBM, MCI, and Citicorp.

Corgan decided to open a New York office on the heels of a project at JFK Airport for American Airlines. Two years later, a renovation project presented itself at JFK for British Airways. What started out as a renovation project grew into the development of an essentially new terminal. The New York office has broadened its reach to encompass aviation, corporate interiors and data center projects.

Work at the Miami International Airport will complete in 2013 with the award winning North Terminal Development project.

The group became MediaLab LLC in 2008, and continues to create renderings for Corgan and outside clients such as HD Greetings, Hornitos, and Tribal DDB (for Nokia).

Corgan averages between 1400–1500 hours annually dedicated to community service projects. Organizations that receive time, service, or donations include the American Heart Association, Goodwill Industries, United Way, St. Jude, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and local Food Banks.

Jon Holzheimer was added to the management committee in 2004.

Corgan worked with college and university clients on the design of virtually every type of teaching, support space, and campus master plan.

Corgan moved into their new Silver LEED certified headquarters. This rating is attributed to the lights, motorized window shades and HVAC system, which are managed by a control system that monitors energy and water use; most of the rainwater that falls on the roof is collected for irrigation; during construction of the building, more than 75% of the waste was diverted from the landfill and recycled.

2005 marked another year of expansion with the opening of the Corgan office in Phoenix. Once again, an aviation project, this one for Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport, was a major factor in the decision to pursue opportunities in a new region with reach to the West Coast.

Corgan completed the Sacramento International Airport Central Terminal B in 2011. Terminal B is the largest airport terminal in the U.S. to achieve LEED Silver status and to do so in two buildings constructed simultaneously. It has since received awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers, the International Partnering Institute, Airport Revenue News, and the American Council of Engineering Companies.

In 2012, Lady Bird Johnson Middle School was recognized with a Caudill Award from the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards. It is the largest Net Zero school in the country.

Bob Morris was elected to the AIA College of Fellows for advancements in the design and innovation of a new generation of data centers.

David Lind was elected to the AIA College of Fellows for his development of airport terminals that enhance the passenger experience and create competitive commercial business platforms.

	Jack M. Corgan was one of the first ten individuals to pass the newly initiated architect’s licensing test in Texas.
	The El Rancho Hotel & Motel in Gallup, New Mexico was completed. Jack worked as Architect of Record for R. E. Griffith.
	Jack M. Corgan closed the doors to the firm to serve in World War II and re-opened in 1945. During that time he served in the Air Transport Command at Love Field, then took an instrument refresher at Randolph Field.
	Following the war, the filmmaking boom provided an opportunity to complete theaters and drive-ins across the region. You can find details on a number of Jack’s theaters at Cinema Treasures.