VLK Architects Breaks Ground on Revolutionary Andy Dekaney Ninth Grade Center
Houston, Texas – On June 4th, VLK Architects attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Spring ISD’s Andy Dekaney Ninth Grade Center. The new Ninth Grade Center at Dekaney High School will meet the unique academic and social needs of new high school students in a building designed to support a more personalized learning environment. At approximately 130,989 sf, this facility will serve 900 students.
“Thanks to the beautiful architecture that VLK has provided, the facility is sure to meet all of our expectations,” said Dr. Rodney E. Watson, Superintendent, Spring ISD. “VLK was able to closely mirror the architecture of the current building which will allow for a truly cohesive campus.”
The proposed site plan has the new center located on the southside of the current campus with the entrance for cars and buses located off Imperial Valley Drive. The design includes a three-story classroom wing and another one-story wing for auxiliary needs such as athletic and cafeteria spaces as well as for fine arts. A network of administrative spaces will be placed throughout the building within close proximity to the student learning areas. The project is one of three ninth grade centers that are planned as new or renovation projects across the district as part of Spring ISD’s ongoing $330 million bond program which was approved by voters in November 2016. Ninth grade centers will also be constructed at Spring and Westfield high schools as part of the bond program.
“We are envisioning a ninth grade center that will nurture, challenge, and prepare our students for the rigor of high school,” said Rhonda Newhouse, Board President, Spring ISD. “We hope that parents and mentors will feel welcome to partner with us to ensure that every student here will be successful.”
The Andy Dekaney Ninth Grade Center is expected to open its doors to students for the 2020/21 school year.