Academic Complex Phase 2 construction underway at Texas A&M Galveston
Ground was broken today for phase 2 of the Academic Complex project at Texas A&M University at Galveston. This is the fourth groundbreaking of a major building on the ocean campus of Texas A&M University in three years.
The Academic Complex Phase 2, also referred to as the large lecture facility/support services building, will total nearly 38,000 assignable square feet and will provide a striking addition to the “front door” of the campus and include large lecture space that can be subdivided into smaller lecture spaces, a number of seminar rooms, new space for the campus bookstore, mail services and copy center, and support space that will house Administration and Auxiliary Services, including Human Resources. A variety of architectural design features and material colors and textures will enhance the visual impression made as prospective students and faculty, families and other campus visitors arrive on campus.
Hosting the groundbreaking event was Dr. Doug Palmer, interim chief operations officer at Texas A&M Galveston. “This structure fulfills a vision of a beautiful front door and supports the growth and development of the work and impact of our Galveston campus. This phase two facility will support and enhance student learning experiences and will be a venue for large lectures that will support collaborative educational activities for the campus and community.”
Once complete, a visual portal will be created between the Phase1 and Phase 2 buildings to highlight the Bracewell Clock Tower and also create a walking mall that connects the front of campus with the quadrangle area. Plentiful glass will enhance the appearance of the exterior as well as provide natural light to the interior.
“These construction projects arose of the vision of the faculty, staff, campus leadership and especially Admiral Robert Smith (former Chief Operations Officer of the Galveston campus) that all shared,” said Palmer.
Representing President Michael Young and Texas A&M University was the institution’s vice provost, Dr. Michael Benedik. “This is a campus on the move. This building has the potential to change the way faculty teach on this campus and change the way students interact with each other.”
Phase 1 of the Academic Complex is due to be completed by the summer of 2017 and ready for classes that fall. Phase 2 is schedule to open in the fall of 2018.