PECOS, Texas—Personnel from the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD and staff from VLK Architects jointly celebrated the topping-out ceremony for the district’s new Agricultural Sciences Complex—the seventh project the two entities have collaborated on. Just before the final beam was hoisted into place, students from Pecos High School signed their names to the length of steel, ensuring their own connection to the edifice for posterity.

The 13,550-square-foot structure will be utilized specifically for instruction in livestock sciences. To undertake this mission, the ASC will be home to classrooms, storage space, areas for animal feeding, as well as staff and other offices. Livestock pens will have direct access to grazing areas as well as a show arena, and students will obtain in-the-field training in washing and grooming the animals. Bird screens are being installed to provide adequate ventilation, and a dedicated heating system and fans will keep the barn reasonably cool.

The ASC is anticipated to be open and running come November.

“The PBTISD Agricultural Science Complex will support many students across the district of all ages and our high school FFA program,” Brent Jaco, superintendent of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, said at the topping out. “The district is excited to provide a space for students interested in agriculture, and to give them a place where they will be able to come and raise their livestock for showing season.”

Added VLK Principal Monika Castillo: “VLK is honored to be a part of this topping-out ceremony marking a significant milestone in the construction process. We have been very fortunate to partner with PBTISD to design the new Agricultural Sciences Complex that will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.”

VLK operates from Lone Star State offices in Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, Houston and Austin. The firm has been heavily involved in educational construction throughout Texas.

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