VLK And BTC Complete New West Texas Elementary School

By Eric Althoff

PECOS, Texas—Designer VLK Architects and general contractor BTC have delivered the new 87,000-square-foot Austin Elementary School for the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District (PBTISD), located in West Texas.

VLK’s design for the elementary school offers modern music and art rooms, learning nooks, as well as an efficient student drop-off area. The design also incorporates the archway from the old Pecos Elementary campus as a way to bridge the generations who have been educated here.

The previous elementary school, which trained students through third grade for 70 years, will hereafter become known as the Staff Professional Development & Parent Support Center.

“The grand opening of the new Austin Elementary is a celebration of our community’s resilience and determination,” Brent Jaco, Superintendent of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, said at the opening ceremonies. “It reminds us that we can all unite to ensure our children have the resources they need to thrive.

“We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and today we are building a brighter future for generations to come.”

“VLK is grateful for the partnership we have established with both Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD and its community,” added Monika Castillo, Principal at VLK Architects. “It is very rewarding to see the impact that this new facility is bringing to the students and staff of the district and the opportunities that will be provided to the education being delivered to PBTISD.”

PBTISD educates over 2,600 students at five campuses throughout West Texas.

VLK has offices throughout the Lone Star State. The firm operates from locations in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and Fort Worth.