VLK Architects Celebrates the Dedication of Katy ISD's Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center
(Katy, TX) – The Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences facility has received an expansion for the benefit of Katy ISD’s FFA and Agricultural Sciences program and the whole community. With the tremendous growth of Katy ISD in mind, modern structures were created to allow for evolving student needs and to allow students and teachers to interact outside of the classroom from the school barns to the project center, the eco-pond, show pavilion, and covered rodeo arena.
“We are excited to bring something this revolutionary to Katy ISD and the State of Texas," said Todd Lien, Partner, VLK Architects. “Not only is this a tremendous expansion of the original facility but it is also providing a lasting legacy for the Gerald D. Young, L.D. Robinson, and W.E. “Billy” Morgan families that were honored here today.”
The new facility will host not only FFA student projects but also the annual FFA student livestock show. Students in the district will have the opportunity to experience hands-on learning as they relate to the many facets of agricultural education. Students will be able to learn about plant and animal life systems, research diseases, and parasites that impact the lives of both. The Gerald D. Young Agricultural Sciences Center supports the belief that real-world experiences are the best learning experiences for students. Not only does this program produce future farmers, but also future educators, scientists, business owners, and community leaders.
Each building in the complex provides a venue for the advancement of Agricultural Education. L.D. Robinson Pavilion will house the livestock and allow up to 2500 guests to enjoy the annual FFA Progress shows. The W.E “Billy” Morgan arena can accommodate 5000 spectators in a covered Rodeo Arena and the Project Center contains classrooms and Lab spaces that support the Agricultural Sciences curriculum.
“Katy, then, and now, has changed tremendously,” said Lex Allgaier, grandson of W.E. “Billy” Morgan. “We may not be the small rice farming community we once were, but that passion for agriculture still lives on by the sheer numbers of those involved in FFA in the Katy district. “This arena is proof that this passion is still strong and burning through in Katy. It is a blessing for my grandfather to be recognized for such an amazing facility.”