O'Connell Robertson | K-12 Education Projects

Jarrell High School, Jarrell ISD

This new, 98,000 SF high school for Jarrell ISD is designed to provide classroom space for 350 students and core areas (cafeteria, library, physical education, fine arts) to support 700 students. The plan, which was developed with input from the community and district administration, teachers and staff, includes: a library at the main entry with easy-access for community use; computer labs; and a cafetorium to support 350 students per lunch period and support community events and stage performances.

Cactus Ranch Elementary School, Round Rock ISD

This 94,000 SF elementary school includes 53 classrooms, a media center, cafetorium, gymnasium, music room, science labs, art rooms, computer labs, life skills lab, resource rooms, and common areas. The media center is the focal point of the school containing community meeting spaces, wireless computer technology, and a story stage.

The site, located in a new development, required collaboration with district staff, community, developer and city to complete the school within an aggressive 11-month schedule. The school received two awards in the TASA/TASB 2002 Exhibit of School Architecture for "Value" and "Process of Planning". In addition, Cactus Ranch was honored as an Outstanding Building and Project by American School & University Magazine and was named an Outstanding Construction Project in the $10-$30 million category by both the Austin and Texas Chapters of the Association of General Contractors.

Blackland Prairie Elementary School, Round Rock ISD

This 94,500 SF elementary school in Round Rock ISD includes 53 classrooms, common areas for team teaching on a grade level basis, wireless technology, a cafetorium and gym. Blackland Prairie was designed as a kit of programmatic parts allowing spaces to be rearranged to fit even difficult sites; a unique approach for prototypical schools. The result is a child-friendly school capable of providing learning spaces for up to 800 students.

Located at the main entrance, the library emphasizes the importance of reading and learning and welcomes parental and community involvement. Bold primary colors and geometric patterns create a fun learning environment and orient particular grade levels. Even the gym floor pattern is exciting while offering the teacher multiple ways to organize students for the next activity.

Seguin ISD Bond Program

O'Connell Robertson provided comprehensive architecture/ engineering services for all of the projects in the Seguin ISD $22 million bond program.

Projects included a new 55,000 SF ninth grade center with 33 classrooms, a dining hall, and library/media center; a new 14,600 SF band hall; and renovations/additions to the High School campus. Projects at the High School involved expansion of the library, cafeteria and physical education facilities; renovation of existing instructional areas and fine arts facilities; addition of a commons area and the design of a new "front entrance" for the campus. The Bond Program also included classroom addition buildings and renovations to eight additional campuses, and infrastructure for technology at all district campuses.

Georgetown ISD Performing Arts Center

This project provides a fine arts teaching facility and performance venue for Georgetown ISD and the surrounding community. The 1,207-seat auditorium includes a stage designed to accommodate a 250-member band and meets criteria for hosting Texas University Interscholastic League competitions.

State-of-the-art technology enhances performances at the center, which provides students with hands-on learning opportunities in all areas of production. The stage floor is constructed of low-maintenance, removable painted panels, allowingthe stage area to function as a paint room, assembly area, tech-arts or dramaclassroom. Stage lighting, house lighting, and sound effects-all managed by students-are wired to a computer system that can be controlled on stage, in the control room or at the center aisle. The Performing Arts Center was honored as an Outstanding Building and Project by American School & University Magazine in the 1999 Architectural Portfolio.

Hill Country Middle School, Eanes ISD

This comprehensive renovation and expansion project included 35,000 SF of new construction including a two-story classroom addition, a library, a kitchen, a parking area and additions to the administrative offices and gymnasium. The addition houses seven science labs, eight classrooms and a computer lab. Areas completely renovated include the Industrial Technology Computer Lab, special education classrooms, drama classrooms and administrative offices.

Reorganization of the campus according to grade level and academic teams was a key component of the program. The relocation of the library from the interior of the school to the front of the school provided an updated street side appearance for the school with new canopies along the drop-off drive and the main entrance.

O. Henry Middle School, Austin ISD

This project involved the comprehensive renovation of 95,000 SF and 30,000 SF in additions to O. Henry Middle School. The renovation included new HVAC systems, ADA modifications, and electrical upgrades throughout the campus; redesign and expansion of the administration area; and coordination with the owner on security, fire alarm, energy management and technology requirements. Science labs were modified and upgraded and floor, wall and ceiling finishes throughout the school were renovated.

Additions to the campus included eight new classrooms, a library/media center, and a new performing arts wing to support orchestra, band, choir and theater arts courses.