New Prototype Elementary Campus Welcomed in Texas

By Lisa Kopochinski

ROSENBERG, Texas – On November 21, representatives from VLK Architects attended the dedication ceremony for Lamar Consolidated Independent School District’s (LCISD) newest elementary campus, Judge Thomas R. Culver Elementary School.

This elementary school campus in Rosenberg, Texas, is the second iteration of the prototype design funded by the district’s 2014 bond to address the tremendous growth of the district. With a capacity of 750 preK-5 students, the $20 million building contains instructional classroom spaces arranged in ‘pods’ by grade level and separated by outdoor learning spaces, a music room, art and science rooms, gymnasium, cafeteria, and administration area. Additional spaces include a literacy library, collaboration spaces and flexible activity areas within each grade level pod.

“On behalf of our team at VLK Architects, we would like to thank Lamar CISD for giving us the opportunity to work with such a committed and vibrant community and look forward to the promise this school will bring to the students, parents, and teachers of the district,” said Todd Lien, Partner, VLK Architects.

Drymalla Construction Company was the general contractor on this project, which was completed this past July.

The classroom wings (pods) are organized around the media center to promote collaboration and are situated to take advantage of views to the exterior while allowing for ease of student circulation and to facilitate supervision while providing a safe and secure learning environment. The green spaces between the classroom wings offer several opportunities for outdoor learning and age-appropriate play areas for each grade level.