KBR, a Houston-based technology and engineering firm, is “enhancing its presence” in Huntsville with a move to Redstone Gateway.

According to a news release, Corporate Office Properties Trust and its joint-venture partner Jim Wilson & Associates said KBR will lease space in two buildings at the property near the Gate 9 entrance to Redstone Arsenal.

“Recently named one of the ‘Best Places to Live in the U.S.’, KBR is excited to, not only maintain, but also enhance its presence in Huntsville,” said Byron Bright, KBR Government Solutions president. “As the team behind the soldier, we’re committed to supporting the U.S. Army’s missile programs as well as the operations and missions of several army commands.

“Meeting the needs of our customers is crucial and being in close proximity to quickly address what’s required makes good business sense.”

KBR will occupy 90% of a 172,500 square-foot office building and roughly half of a 45,000 square-foot R&D facility. Both projects are scheduled for shell completion in the fourth quarter of 2022, with lease commencement dates expected in the first quarter of 2023. COPT expects to invest approximately $65 million in the two new developments.

“We value the trust KBR has given us in building their new Huntsville offices and are excited to welcome them to the growing list of defense contractors who chose to support their U.S. government customers on Redstone Arsenal from Redstone Gateway,” said COPT Chief Operating Officer Todd Hartman. “Including the other projects under construction, Redstone Gateway’s operational square footage will surpass 1.8 million square feet when KBR’s facilities come on-line.”

KBR provides a full spectrum of engineering and technical services across the life cycle of military systems for the U.S. and allied nations.

“We’re glad to see KBR expanding in Huntsville where the company’s best and the brightest engineers and innovators contribute to aerospace and defense industries,” said Mayor Tommy Battle. “Congratulations to KBR and to COPT on this exciting venture.”

Areas of KBR expertise include acquisition, systems engineering and integration, AI/big data applications, assured microelectronics, rapid prototyping, research and development, and test and evaluation.

“KBR is a world-class company, and I look forward to seeing it grow and thrive in Huntsville’s dynamic economy,” said Gov. Kay Ivey.

“With capabilities that truly span the globe and a culture of innovation and problem-solving, KBR stands out as one of the most impressive companies in its field,” said Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. “These qualities mean KBR shares the same kind of DNA as Huntsville, and I can think of no more perfect place for the company to execute growth plans.”

COPT’s Huntsville Asset Manager James Lomax said, “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to support a world-class firm such as KBR at Redstone Gateway and are proud to develop their Huntsville home. This decision reaffirms Redstone Gateway’s unrivaled combination of efficiency, convenience, walkable amenities, and access to important commands at Redstone Arsenal as Huntsville’s modern office park.”

Cresa President and Vice Chairman Thomas Birnbach and Samuel Heiber, principal of Cresa, represented KBR in this transaction.

“This deal represents a consolidation and commitment for KBR in the Huntsville market that will allow KBR to take advantage of new workplace strategies and standards, maximize efficiency, while at the same time upgrade their facilities significantly for their workforce,” Birnbach said.