The new Performing and Visual Arts School was financed as part of a $285 million bond program. Photo Credit: Stantec

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Sheldon ISD Breaks Ground on New Performing and Visual Arts School

Zach Chouteau 2808 Views , , ,

HOUSTON — On Oct. 30, Sheldon Independent School District (ISD) celebrated the formal groundbreaking of its new Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) School in Houston.

Designed by Stantec, The PVA School will be the sixth elementary school for Sheldon ISD. The new elementary school is being constructed as part of Sheldon ISD’s $285 million bond program that passed in May 2016. Last year, Sheldon ISD broke ground on its new high school.

Sheldon ISD is considered one of the fastest-growing districts in Texas. According to a June 2014 demographic study, district enrollment was projected to be around 8,300 by 2015. The district, which grew by seven percent in 2015, exceeded that projection with more than 8,500 students enrolling. By 2025, the projected student enrollment is expected to surpass 15,000.

Responding to this robust growth, voters approved the passing of a $285 million bond program with nearly 70 percent of the vote. The bond program is the largest in the district’s history. LAN is the program manager for the $285 million bond program, which includes several projects such as the PVA school.

Located southwest of Beltway 8 and Garrett Road, this new two-story PVA school, designed by Stantec, is located on a shared site near the new high school and football stadium. At the heart of the design, and integral to the building, are the PVA instructional spaces. The approximately 88,000-square-foot-facility includes a blackbox theater that converts from classroom to performance space, an art studio, music studio, dance studio and design studio. Each of these spaces are designed in a way that celebrates the unique activities that will take place inside.

Other elements of the bond program include a new 10,000-seat football stadium, new track, baseball and softball fields, and tennis courts. The bond program also includes additions and renovations to existing middle schools as well as district-wide energy management upgrades.

The new PVA school, which will be constructed by Durotech, will be completed in time for the start of the 2019 fall semester.

LAN is a full-service consulting firm offering planning, engineering and program management services.