Construction Begins on East Austin CTE-Focused High School

The Del Valle Independent School District recently announced that construction has begun on a new CTE-focused high school in Austin, Texas, according to a news release. Del Valle High School will measure in at 473,338 square feet and have the capacity for 2,400 students. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects and American Constructors on the facility, which is scheduled for completion in August 2027.

The campus will consist of a main academic building, field house, concession venue, and baseball and softball facilities, the news release reports. It will include outdoor learning environments, hands-on learning spaces, and an aesthetic façade to welcome visitors. Sustainability features are set to include a geothermal energy system and a water collection and reuse system for irrigation.

“Central to the whole design is the Learning Courtyard that creates both visual and physical connections—encouraging interaction and supporting a sense of belonging across campus,” said Pfluger Architects Senior Project Manager Heather Rule. “The design was inspired by vibrant city centers where people naturally gather, connect, and learn from one another. This vision aligns with the diverse Del Valle community and reflects a desire to create a welcoming environment where different cultures, experiences, and voices are celebrated equitably.”

Funding for the project comes from the district’s 2022 bond, and its ultimate purpose was to address overcrowding at the existing Del Valle High School campus.

“Equity was a driving factor in the campus design, ensuring the new school offers the same learning opportunities as the existing high school,” said Christian Owens, Pfluger Architects’ Principal Design Director. “The new Del Valle high school facility brings vibrancy to the community, offering diverse educational spaces, and serving as a cornerstone by providing opportunities and experiences for future students.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • LSU Breaks Ground on $200M Residential Project

    Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., recently broke ground on a new residential complex, according to university news. The South Quad residential project will consist of two buildings and add a total of 1,266 beds for freshmen students. The development comes with a price tag of $200 million, and it’s scheduled to open to students in fall 2027.

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.

  • restroom sinks

    CSU Dominguez Hills Standardizes Plumbing to Improve Restroom Maintenance and Efficiency

    At California State University, Dominguez Hills, facilities leaders have taken steps to standardize restroom fixtures as part of a broader effort to improve maintenance efficiency and control long-term costs.

  • UNL Kiewit Hall

    Designing for Engineering Excellence: Integrating Sustainability and Wellness at UNLs Kiewit Hall

    Kiewit Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln exemplifies how academic institutions can integrate sustainability and wellness into modern learning environments. With an integrated and collaborative team approach, Kiewit Hall addresses enhanced learning and creativity, physical health, and mental wellness, and fosters a sense of community through innovative design, operations, and policy solutions.