Midland ISD Starts Construction on Two New High Schools

  • By Matt Jones
  • 07/15/25

The Midland Independent School District recently announced that it will break ground on two new high schools in Midland, Texas, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects, Lee Lewis Construction, and Satterfield & Pontikes to create a total of over 1.5 million square feet for 8,400 students in grades 9–12. Funding comes from a $1.4-billion bond that passed in 2024.

“Our goal was to design these schools to feel rooted in their community—both culturally and environmentally,” said Pfluger Architects Architectural Designer Casey Mirau. “The perforated metal scrim animates the façade by shifting light throughout the day, while the gradated patterns are a reminder of the ever-changing, wind-swept sand, connecting the buildings to their landscape.”

The school’s design will integrate Career and Technical Education labs to support hands-on learning and workforce readiness, the news release reports. Student input led designers to integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, and more than 90% of the building’s classrooms receive direct sunlight. Sustainability features include water management and ecological preservation strategies against the West Texas backdrop.

“The community’s rallying support for these schools is not just a financial commitment, it is a testament to the collective belief in the power of education and the role of thoughtful design in shaping that experience,” said Pfluger Architects Principal Design Director Christian Owens. “The program encompasses dedicated spaces for core academics, athletics, and fine and performing arts, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience. We’re creating a next-generation learning environment that feels more like a college campus than a conventional secondary school.”

The ultimate goal was to balance a large, high-capacity school with an intimate, student-centered experience. According to the news release, both new campuses will offer identical opportunities and amenities with unique identities and color palettes.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Allegion US Partners with Two Colleges for Mobile Credential Technology

    Allegion US recently announced a partnership with Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and Denison College, in conjunction with Transact + CBORD, to install mobile credential technologies campus-wide, according to a news release. Implementing Mobile Student ID into Apple Wallet and Google Wallet will allow students access to campus facilities, amenities, and residence halls using just their phones.

  • AP Construction Breaks Ground on Two Projects for Austin ISD

    Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP) recently announced that it has broken ground on two renovation projects for the Austin Independent School District, according to a news release. The work at McCallum and Anderson High Schools totals 97,350 square feet and is scheduled for completion in January 2027.

  • Design Firm Populous Acquires Fentress Architects

    Design firm Populous, which specializes in sports and entertainment venues, recently announced its acquisition of Fentress Architects, based in Denver, Colo., according to a news release. Fentress’ primary focus is aviation projects and public buildings like museums, convention centers, and government facilities

  • New Kent State Academic Building Earns LEED Silver Certification

    Kent State University in Kent, Ohio, recently announced that its newest academic building, Crawford Hall, has earned a LEED Silver certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The facility was recognized for its innovative design, water conservation technologies, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable construction materials, among other features.

Digital Edition