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,” said Chris Sanders, associate director of construction, infrastructure and sustainability at Georgia Tech. “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.”
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 a 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-degree 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 at Gilbane Building Company. “What a magnificent way to honor a large piece of history for the Institute for generations to come.”
“As an alumnus, it was a great privilege to work on this exciting project for the Tech community,” stated Gilbane Project Engineer Chris Skretkowicz. “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.
