Texas A&M Corpus Christi to Build New Arts and Media Building
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) recently announced that construction will soon begin on a new Arts and Media Building, according to university news. The facility will stand two stories, cover 85,000 square feet, and was designed by BGK Architects and Bora Architects. The first phase of the project will cost an estimated $81 million and is scheduled to open in spring 2026.
The new building will serve students in the music, theater, and dance education programs. Amenities will include a 325-seat proscenium theater; a 200-seat recital hall; a 166-seat black box theater; a dance studio; studios, workshops, and rehearsal space; and more. Rehearsal and performance spaces will include adequate soundproofing measures, as well as room for costume shops and makeup areas, the news release reports.
“This new building will elevate the educational experience for our students, while simultaneously enriching the cultural vibrancy of our campus, our city, and our Coastal Bend community,” said TAMU-CC President and CEO Dr. Kelly M. Miller. “We strive to recruit and educate students who will remain in the community after graduation, further contributing to the development of creative businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, and spurring innovation. This new facility is also critically important for our music and theatre program accreditation as we strive for the highest standards of quality, excellence, and recognition.”
The Texas Legislature is providing $45 million in funds as part of a larger swath of capital projects at universities and colleges around the state through Senate Bill 52. The remainder comes from institutional funds and donations. The Department of Music was recently gifted a $250,000 Bösendorfer Concert Grand Piano that will be featured in the recital hall once construction is complete, according to the news release.
“The new building will serve as a dynamic platform for artists of various disciplines, fostering creativity, collaboration, and dedication to their craft,” said Dr. Diana Sipes, TAMU-CC Professor and Director of the School of Arts, Media, & Communication (SAMC). “Music majors will be able to give recitals in more intimate spaces while theatre majors will have the ability to stage full-scale productions. And our dance program will at last have a dedicated studio. It will truly be a next-level transformation for these fine arts programs, and we’re excited to open our doors to our community audiences.”
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Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at mjones@1105media.com.