Construction, renovation and improvements pave the way for TXST NEXT

<i>Digital rendering of Live Oak Hall</i>

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY

Construction is underway on the new film and television building, Live Oak Hall on the San Marcos Campus which includes a state-of-the-art TV studio, film sound stage, and recording mix classroom expected to be operational this fall. The $10 million facility will serve about 600 students — both film and mass communications — and will also be the home of Bobcat Update, an award-winning and campus-oriented newscast produced by students. 

<i>Digital rendering of the Infrastructure Research Laboratory</i>

The Infrastructure Research Laboratory (IRL), located at Science, Technology, and Advanced Research (STAR) Park, will further elevate the university’s work in technology-enhanced infrastructure and develop practical ways to build more durable and affordable infrastructure in American cities. The IRL will provide an environment for students, faculty researchers, and industry partners to test infrastructure components. In December, the Smart Networks Lab (SNL) was installed and is now testing its private 900 MHz PLTE/5G network. The SNL  will offer year-round world-class cybersecurity and compliance training for cities, utilities (electric, gas, water, and wastewater), and enterprises.

<i>Pecan Building</i>

The Pecan Building, at the intersection of West Holland and Academy Streets in San Marcos, is now occupied by the University Police Department. Move-in was completed in December. This made room for ongoing renovations that are transforming the Nueces Building into the Testing, Evaluation, and Measurement Center (TEMC). The TEMC offers Testing Lab Services, the Academic Testing for Students with Disabilities, and scanning services using specialized equipment. 

Also on the San Marcos Campus, Evans Auditorium is undergoing a renovation to improve the seating, sightlines, acoustics, and accessibility with expected completion in August 2022.

<i>JC Kellam Administration Building</i>

The Hilltop Housing Complex is set to begin once the Board of Regents approves updated pricing specifications. The project will include 1,006 beds in 241,000 square feet. The new housing, which replaces Burleson and Hornsby Halls, was approved during the 2019 Board of Regents meeting.

Renovations to the JC Kellam Administration Building are in the feasibility phase and will provide a new entrance, in part to eliminate confusion as to where to enter the building, and also to make a positive first impression to visitors and future students. The 11th floor space in JCK will be remodeled to accommodate larger events.  The Human Resources offices on the first floor will also be reconfigured as an Employee Care Center.

<i>Digital rendering of music building</i>

The NEXT IS NOW capital campaign is fundraising to construct a new music building, renovate the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, and renovate Athletics training facilities. 

The music building is planned for the area next to the Performing Arts Center on Moon Street. The 85,000 square-foot building will serve some 600 music majors and more than 80 faculty with offices, rehearsal space, labs and classrooms. Currently, music students and faculty are spread across five buildings on the San Marcos Campus.

<i>The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment </i>

The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment will undergo a renovation of its Spring Lake Hall that will create an interpretive research center using state-of-the-art integrated and immersive exhibits. This project, estimated to cost $13 million, will be funded by donations.

<i>South End Zone Complex</i>

The Athletics Department is planning to modernize and expand the South End Zone Complex to meet the needs of Bobcat Football. Fundraising is underway to renovate and expand the weight room meeting rooms, sports medicine, and training facilities.