Texas District Breaks Ground on K–8 Tech Campus

The Manor Independent School District in Manor, Texas, recently broke ground on a new, technology-focused campus that will serve students in grades K–8. The future facility will measure in at two stories and 116,000 square feet, and it will have a capacity of about 800 students.

Amenities are set to include a large media center, two art rooms, three maker spaces, two gymnasiums, a performing arts classroom, and student collaboration areas and flex space, according to a news release.

“Not only is this a momentous occasion for Manor ISD because it marks the first step in building a new, state-of-the-art facility for our district’s scholars, but it is groundbreaking because it will be the first campus of its kind in our region,” said Manor ISD Superintendent Dr. Andre D. Spencer. “This campus will serve K–8 students under one roof, which is a rare educational model in the public school system in our state. We are excited about the many proven benefits of this model, including lower levels of anxiety among middle schoolers.”

Funds for the project come from a $280-million bond package that local voters approved in November 2019. The package focused on projects that would accommodate student growth; upgrade and repair existing facilities; and improve transportation, technology and security. Enrollment projections predict that the district is set to grow by 2.5 to 5 percent per year for the next ten years.

The district is partnering with HPM as program manager in charge of project management, quality control and preconstruction services. It’s also partnered with architecture firm ADM Group, Inc. and construction manager at risk Lee Lewis Construction Inc.

“HPM is proud to lead Manor ISD and our project partners through the development of this exciting project,” said HPM Senior Program Manager Andrew Betts. “This campus will provide a unique opportunity to incorporate technology and interactive learning within nine levels of education, all on one campus. This ceremony is a symbol of Manor ISD’s commitment to providing the best educational resources for the scholars within this community.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • Virginia Tech Tops Out New College of Engineering Building

    Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., recently celebrated the topping out of Mitchell Hall, which will soon stand as the largest College of Engineering building on campus, according to a news release. The university partnered with Skanska on the 285,500-square-foot facility, which has an expected completion date of winter 2028.

  • University of Kentucky Reopens Scovell Hall

    The University of Kentucky recently reopened Scovell Hall, part of the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE), following comprehensive renovations to the 120-year-old facility in Lexington, Ky., according to a news release.

  • Tennessee Middle School Completes Health, Life Safety Renovations

    The Giles County Board of Education in Pulaski, Tenn., recently announced that a series of renovation projects has been completed at Bridgeforth Middle School, according to a news release. The district partnered with Wold Architects & Engineers and Brindley Construction to modernize building systems at one of the district’s oldest schools.