Completion Date: 2007
Square Footage: 175,000
LEED® Certified

Awards:
Best of K12 - Award of Excellence and Design, 2008
Texas Construction

Exhibit of School Architecture - Educational Appropriateness Award, 2008
Texas Association of School Administrators/Texas Association of School Boards

Outstanding Educational Award, 2008
Associated General Contractors of America - AGC Texas Building Branch

AGC Summit Design and Construction Award - 1st place, 2008
QUOIN

Merit Design Award, 2007
American Institute of Architects, Dallas Chapter

Studio Award, 2006
Texas Society of Architects Design Awards

"Education is freedom and freedom is everybody's business."
-Hector P. Garcia

Hector P. Garcia Middle School represents the union of a nurturing middle school environment and a celebration of local culture. The design includes academic and support spaces that enhance interdisciplinary and project-based instruction. A special education program is centrally located to allow special needs students to be included in the social fabric of the school. Supporting and encouraging practical lifelong skills, the school offers flexible and technology-enabled learning environments for career investigation, business education and family consumer sciences. The building's layout nurtures social and academic development in a safe and secure environment.

Located on a tight urban site, the building is situated to maximize north daylighting and community access. The community can easily and safely use the gymnasium, library and arts facilities without disturbing the school day. At the street level, the school provides an engaging streetscape, re-invigorating the urban neighborhood environment. Inside, a portrait of Hector P. Garcia overlooks the community commons celebrating the ideals of learning, equality and social awareness for which he stood.