Site work, new construction, renovation and addition to a mixed-use development in Texas City, Texas. Conceptual plans call for the construction of a educational facility.

https://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2024/01/24/texas-city-isd-marathon-stem-robotics-center-opens.html Texas City Independent School District has turned an unused storage building into an engaging space for students interested in science, technology, engineering, math and robotics, thanks in part to a donation from Ohio-based Marathon Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: MPC). The Texas City ISD Marathon STEM and Robotics Center will now be used to enhance STEM education and host robotics competitions. Marathon Petroleum, Texas City ISD's industry partner, contributed $1 million to the project and helped shape the building and curriculum to enhance the education, programming and opportunities for students interested in exploring STEM fields. Although based in Ohio, Marathon Petroleum owns a major refinery in Texas City. In addition to Marathon Petroleum's contribution, another portion of the project was paid for with the district's $158.6 million 2022 bond package. The district previously said the center's cost was $1.3 million. Austin-based Pfluger Architects and San Antonio-based Bartlett Cocke designed and built the center. "This state-of-the-art facility, the first achievement from the 2022 bond referendum, is the result of collaborative efforts, dedication and the unwavering support of our community," TCISD Superintendent Melissa Duarte said in a statement. "I want to thank the architects at Pfluger and the team at Bartlett-Cocke for bringing this dream to life. Together, we have created an environment that will not only satisfy the curiosity of our students but will also serve as a catalyst for stimulating creativity and advancing critical thinking skills." The project first broke ground in April 2022, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for the center on Jan. 11. To commemorate the opening, the district's robotics team is preparing to host its first robotics tournament on Feb. 10. Overall, the facility is an "immersive center for innovation and learning with robotics at its core," a release says. The center will be open to all students in the district. For the upcoming robotics competitions the district plans to hold, the center has an open, flexible arena, along with a control room to allow for the management of cameras and audio during the tournaments. The center also includes a fabrication lab for metal and woodworking, classrooms for advanced engineering courses and a maker space for elementary students to explore STEM subjects. From natural light to other various design elements incorporated into the building, the space was designed to nurture students' curiosity and growth, a release says. "Working with Texas City ISD to bring the STEM Center to life has been a remarkable journey," Raleigh Sullivan, managing principal of Pfluger's Houston office, said in a statement. "Their vision and leadership significantly contributed to this project's success. We're proud to have contributed to a space where so much learning and discovery will unfold." Another school district -- Aldine ISD -- is also working to help create new opportunities for its students with help from Memorial Hermann Health System. The Memorial Hermann Foundation was given a $31 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies to help prepare the students of Aldine ISD for a career in the health care industry. With the money, Memorial Hermann and Aldine ISD are working together to create the Health Education and Learning (HEAL) High School. The HEAL High School program will allow students to earn industry-valued credentials and certificates, along with the traditional high school learning and diploma, with access to jobs within Memorial Hermann upon graduation. ________________ Project calls for the construction of a new agricultural barn. As of November 14, 2022, this bond vote has passed.