By Abby BeMent, Houston Editor -- Houston Construction News

HOUSTON, TX-- Several years ago, the surveyors at GBI Partners, LP came across some interesting history while working on a local project.

“Ivan Diaz was clearing brush at present-day Sienna Plantation and noticed a grave monument from 1864 hidden deep within the plants,” said Lauren McClendon, director of communication. “We learned it was the second wife of Jonathan Dawson Waters, owner of the Arcola Plantation, which used to be Texas’ largest cotton and sugar plantation in the 1800s.”

Providing surveying services in the Texas area for more than 25 years, Eugene R. Baker, RPLS, is the founder and President of GBI.

James ‘Jimy’ Dyer became partner in 2007 as the head of engineering support services. Jon P. Bordovsky became partner in 2007, specializing in construction phase management and working closely with field crews.

GBI participates in the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors (TSPS) Softball League with a team cleverly names Sharp Shooters, as well as the TSPS fishing tournament, a big favorite among employees.

“We firmly believe that work can and should be enjoyable,” McClendon said. “Attending Houston Astros and Rockets games are other ways our surveyors play as hard as they work.”

We are excited about opening up our new office in the Almeda area. GBI has grown immensely over the past five years, due to Houston’s constant need for growth and development. We’ve seen a lot of growth within the company, too. Over the past three years, our employees have been blessed with eight newborns. It’s been a delight to see our employees share the joy of parenthood.”

GBI is a land surveying firm specializing in design surveying, platting and construction management.

Houstonians maintain a positive outlook in today’s economic state as they learn that Fort Bend County had the highest annual percentage increase in employment in the United States last year among the nation's largest counties, according to figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor. However, the “Time is Money” mantra rings loud as contractors push through projects to respond to the growth demands.

Alvin San Miguel, construction manager of Sienna/Johnson Development, knows that GBI Surveying’s response time is essential to getting contractors moving.

“GBI really steps up to the plate,” says San Miguel, “I’ve used several surveyors for my projects. Over the past eight years GBI has proved to be the most responsive and provided the best service.”

Sienna Plantation is a mixed-use, master-planned golf-course community designed for 20,000 homes and 70,000 residents. Today, it ranks as one of the fastest growing communities in the Houston area. GBI Surveying continues to provide subdivision platting and construction staking for many of Sienna Plantations current projects.

GBI Partners is pleased to announce that James E. Dyer and Jon P. Bordovsky will join the executive staff as limited partners.

James “Jimy” Dyer joined GBI Surveying in 2004 and has more than 12 years of office and field experience in the surveying industry. Jimy serves as the Land Development Manager and specializes in engineering support.

Jon P. Bordovsky has been with GBI since its inception in December 2003 and has more than 12 years in field and office experience. Jon is the head of Construction Phase Management and serves as an invaluable resource for the GBI Surveying field crews. Jon is currently earning a surveying degree at San Jacinto College.

GBI Partners is pleased to announce that it has been pre-approved to provide survey services in Texas' Bridgeland Community development. GBI Surveying has served the greater Houston area for more than 10 years and looks forward to providing services for Texas’ premier contracting companies to help develop this first rate community.

Bridgeland Community is a master-planned community under construction in unincorporated Harris County, Texas to the northwest of Houston between U.S. Highway 290 and Interstate 10. Bridgeland is being developed by General Growth Properties, whose previous work includes The Woodlands, Texas, Columbia, Maryland, and Summerlin, Nevada. Bridgeland is planned to house approximately 65,000 people by completion.