VLK Architects and Socorro ISD Break Ground on Socorro High School
El Paso, TX – On September 17, VLK Architects and Socorro Independent School District celebrated breaking ground on the reconstruction of Socorro High School. The reconstruction of the school is part of the SISD 2017 Bond program, approved overwhelmingly by voters. The project includes plans for a state-of-the-art facility with natural lighting, an open space concept, and multiple innovative learning spaces for over 2,500 students.
“Throughout the process, we have been working with Bulldogs, past and present; and it has been amazing to see the alumni of Socorro High School and how much they collectively and individually have impacted and improved their community,” said Clinton Schiver, Principal, VLK Architects. “It has been our honor to be a part of the reconstruction of Socorro High School to continue this legacy by providing a world-class facility with endless opportunities for students.”
The design will feature next-generation learning spaces in general academic, Socorro Early College, Health Professions Academy, and Career and Technical Education areas. Site improvements will include a fully renovated and expanded fine arts and athletic areas, two multi-sport practice fields, track-and-field event area, band practice area, softball stadium, and bus staging area. The reconstruction process will include high-quality security features, the latest technology resources, and modern furniture. The new design will provide flexibility for future additional campus expansions to meet instructional and/or demographic needs.
“The reconstruction of Socorro High School is a highly anticipated project in Bond 2017. The entire Team SISD community is looking forward to the transformation of our flagship high school, which will provide an equitable, safe, and supportive learning environment for our students to be prepared for college, careers, and life,” said José Espinoza, Ed.D., Superintendent, Socorro ISD. “We have fully engaged the Socorro High School community, including students, parents, teachers, and staff, in collaboration with VLK Architects and our district facilities and planning team to design this state-of-the-art facility. The architects have done an amazing job of listening to our community and incorporating their needs and requests into this plan for an extraordinary new Socorro High School campus. We eagerly await this new and improved campus for our Socorro Bulldogs and Team SISD! ”
Crews began demolishing parts of the school in July to make room for a new academic and career and technical education wing, projected to open for students in Spring of 2021. The entire project will be completed in phases with the renovation of 136,967 square feet and new construction of 386,275 square feet, totaling 523,242 square feet, concluding in Spring of 2023.