FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2017
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Allie Horne
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Episcopal High School Plans New Student Center
BELLAIRE, TEXAS — Episcopal High School is expanding and Studio RED is leading the design team.
The coeducational high school is located on a 35-acre campus and has been a staple in the Houston community since 1983. Studio RED, along with Gamma Construction, is partnering with the school to recreate the existing Underwood Student Center, resulting in a world class facility to support growth of over 800 students. The project provides additional space for students to gather for study, fellowship, meals, meetings, and extracurricular activities. According to Robert Buckelew, Director of Facilities, “Our growth is driving this expansion and we are excited to work with Studio RED to develop a top-tier student center, tailor made for our student body.”
To achieve this vision the existing Underwood Student Center and Alkek Gym, the oldest facilities on campus dating back to the 1950s, will be demolished. The existing servery and kitchen will be renovated to accommodate the new facility program. A new dining space has been planned to accommodate 500 students and staff and is comprised of traditional and casual seating options to reflect a modern student culture equivalent to higher education atmospheres.
Because the Student Center is more than a dining facility, spaces are planned to accommodate art exhibits, theater, STEM learning, maker spaces, study areas, and faculty offices. A coffee shop is also included as an amenity to students and faculty. A large public plaza links the Student Center with the adjacent Trotter Academic Building and Hildebrand Athletic Center. The design and positioning of the project knits together older and newer areas of the campus, establishing a hub for student life, circulation, and activity. Principal at Studio RED, and Project Manager, Micah Simecek notes that “it’s a privilege to partner with such a prestigious school to create a unique, progressive facility. Episcopal High School is committed to delivering an elite education to its student body and the new student center will further that commitment.”
Please see the following page for renderings of the project.
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Studio RED Architects is a Houston-based architectural firm with a reputation for design and excellence in entertainment, commercial and worship facilities. Notable projects include The Alley Theatre, Double LEED Platinum Treehouse Memorial City, Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, HCSS and SEARCH Homeless Services.
Episcopal High School Exterior
Episcopal High School Semi-Birdseye View
Episcopal High School Dining Area
Episcopal High School Innovation Center
