Clients

Dec 02

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Middle School Maker Space

By Huckabee | Clients

Huckabee has long explored innovative ways to help school districts design spaces that engage students and support creativity. This concept has become an integral part of the planning and programming process as more and more clients are looking to incorporate flexible-use space into their facilities. Schools nationwide are integrating “maker” spaces into libraries and other areas.

At Midway Middle School in Midway Independent School District, Huckabee is designing a flexible-use makerspace where students have access to materials, tools and technology to freely create, or remake, physical and digital designs and prototypes. The project is part of a comprehensive district-wide initiative to help students prepare for the workforce and college, starting with the introduction of project-based learning techniques in elementary school and increasing in intensity through middle school and into high school. The makerspace in Midway Middle School will build off of similar spaces found in the district’s elementary schools (read more about the concept here), allowing students to work collaboratively and focus on problem-solving and innovation.

The project is part of a media center renovation for the school, which is creating intentional areas within the center that are clearly individualized and identified, yet cohesively integrated into the larger concept of a resource-rich and flexible-use learning space. The makerspace is adjacent to technology and learning resources, a future A/V lab, study and group presentation areas and a learning stair. The space will feature movable furniture, which will allow students to configure the area based on learning goals. In addition, it will offer ample physical and counter space, a sink and storage areas, wall-size dry erase boards and glazed partitions that can be arranged as needed.

Construction will take place in summer of 2016, opening in time for the 2016-17 school year.

Oct 13

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Rise Up West ISD Trailer Premiers

By Huckabee | Clients

In 2013, the town of West, Texas suffered a tragedy, when a nearby fertilizer plant exploded, causing loss of life and irreparable damage to nearby buildings, including three of West ISD’s schools. As the heart of the community, the schools represented the enormity of the loss, as well as the community’s determination to “rise up.” More than two years later, the community is working together to restore their town, and the school district has turned tragedy into opportunity as they work with Huckabee to rebuild the district’s high school and middle school campus.

The documentary, Rise Up West ISD, follows the school district’s and community’s efforts to restore West—and documents their immense pride in their historic town. The feature will follow the town through next year, but the trailer premiered at the TASA / TASB convention for school district professionals. To follow West ISD’s progress and their efforts to “rise up,” visit www.RestoreWestISD.com.

Sep 24

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Groundbreakings Across the State

By Huckabee | Clients

At Huckabee, we love the communities we serve, and we love helping to provide students with quality facilities that enrich quality education. In the past month, our Huckabee teams have been all over Texas, sharing in our clients’ joys as new campuses are opened and future campuses are coming to life.

In Dripping Springs ISD, our Austin team joined Tiger Nation to celebrate homecoming week at a community spirit rally. The team had the opportunity to share the design for the renovation of Tiger Stadium with the public. The much anticipated stadium, which started construction in August, will feature 8,000 seats, a new press box and amenities and will be located at the high school.

In Granbury, our Fort Worth team helped Granbury ISD and Superintendent Dr. James Largent cut the ribbon on the completed Phase 1 of extensive high school additions and renovations. Phase 1 opens the new cafeteria and coffee bar, learning commons, fine arts wing and the Willie and Wanda Crossland Academic Wing which houses ninth graders. Construction continues on the school’s career and technology addition, auditorium and science lab renovations and athletic improvements. The completion of Phase 1 marks a years-long effort and collaboration between the district, community and Huckabee to provide students with an exceptional learning facility.

Huckabee has also been proud to open several new schools for the 2015-2016 school year, including new elementary schools in Gatesville ISD, Palmer ISD and Prosper ISD, as well as a new junior high school in Alvarado ISD.

Aug 19

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Huckabee Re-Opens Historic ES

By Huckabee | Clients

The first iteration of Hommel Elementary School was The Everman School, a title still prominently displayed across the front of the building. It was built in 1922 for $31,000 and housed grades K-12. Since then, the building has undergone multiple renovations, losing many of its historic elements in the process. It is now Hommel Elementary School and serves Pre-K through 4th grade.

In 2014, Huckabee was tasked with renovating the space to provide additional classrooms, add safety and security updates and restore some of the school’s history. The renovation included a 2-story classroom addition, which allowed the school to get rid of portable buildings, as well as a secure-entry vestibule and upgrades to building systems. Most notably, however, are the ways in which Huckabee worked to restore the historic aesthetic. From restoration of the original floors to replicating design elements founds in the 1920s, Huckabee was able to bring back the building’s original charm

“During previous renovations, the floors had been covered in vinyl and then covered in carpet,” said Mike King, Associate Principal for the project. “When we pulled back the flooring, we realized there might be an opportunity to restore the original hardwoods. We did a test run in one of the classrooms, and the floors looked great. Now, throughout the building, the original hardwoods have been refinished and restored.”

During the floor restoration, Huckabee uncovered the original court markings from a gym added in the 1940s. The gym had been re-purposed as classroom space and is now the library. While Huckabee was unable to restore the original markings, we instead replicated them, including the historic Everman “E” at center court. It sits proudly at the center of the library, reminding students and teachers of the school’s long history.

Other unique elements include the use of tin ceiling tiles (similar to those used in the original design), walnut bead-board wainscoting and period-style lighting fixtures and window panes.

“We replaced all of the single-pane windows in the facility,” said Mike King. “We were able to provide the school with energy efficient replacement windows that were designed to fit the historic aesthetic. And while we were unable to save the marble sills, the director of facilities had his own idea to re-purpose the material—he cut the marble to make small paper weights for the school!”

Hommel Elementary re-opened in August, during a ribbon cutting ceremony that brought back alumni from the old days. One gentlemen was overheard saying, “I attended here in 1935 and it is so good to see my first grade classroom is still here.”

Aug 11

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Elementary School Design Spotlight

By Huckabee | Clients

Huckabee joined Palmer ISD for a special ribbon cutting ceremony, as the district and nearly 1,000 community members celebrated the opening of their new elementary school. The new school provides an energy-efficient space that supports technology in the classrooms, creativity and future growth. It replaces a decades-old facility and was designed with learning, fun and safety in mind. The school will serve up to 570 students in Pre-K through 4th grade.

During the design process, Huckabee worked with teachers from each program area to develop a vision and plan for the facility. Staff shared ideas with the design team, creating ideal use for each space and talking through technology use, energy efficient solutions and design concepts. From windows in each learning space, to flexible-use activity rooms with kid-friendly colors and furniture, to whiteboards and technology access in the classrooms, the facility is an ideal space for primary instruction.

A unique feature of the facility is a flexible-use room in the library. Large, posh bean bags create the ideal space to lounge with a book, and a brightly lit ceiling feature gives students the feeling that they are “under water,” looking up into the ocean as turtles swim by.

Palmer Elementary School windows Huckabee Texas

Middle School Maker Space

Rise Up West ISD Trailer Premiers

Groundbreakings Across the State

Huckabee Re-Opens Historic ES

Elementary School Design Spotlight

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