New K-12 STEM center hosts robotics learning, competitions in Houston suburb

A new K-12 STEM center in a Houston suburb is the venue for robotics learning and competitions along with education about other STEM subjects. An unused storage building was transformed into a lively K-12 school space for students to immerse themselves in STEM subjects.

Located in Texas City, the ISD Marathon STEM and Robotics Center is the first of its kind in the district. Designed and built by Pfluger Architects and Bartlett Cocke, the facility is accessible to all students in the district. It includes an open, flexible arena to host robotics competitions and a control room for students to manage cameras and audio during tournaments. The facility 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.

Large bay windows and overhead and sliding doors flood the spaces with natural light and create an inviting, open atmosphere. Each design element and material used throughout the space is thoughtfully crafted to support students’ curiosity and growth.

A partnership with Marathon Petroleum Corporation helped the district offset the cost of equipping the facility, creating a bridge between career and technical education and lucrative jobs in the industry. Marathon contributed $1 million to the project.

The facility has already hosted several competitions for the district’s award-winning robotics team and is hosting robotics camps for pre-K through 6th grade students this summer to expose young people to exciting STEM careers.

On the project team:
Owner and/or developer: Texas City Independent School District
Design architect: Pfluger Architects
Architect of record: Pfluger Architects
MEP engineer: DBR
Structural engineer: CSF Consulting
General contractor/construction manager: Bartlett Cocke