Alvin ISD reviews schematic design for Elementary School No. 23 at Cantera Creek; move-in eyed for fall 2027
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Summary
Stantec Architects presented schematic design, site layout and a schedule for Elementary School No. 23 (Cantera Creek). The project is part of the 2024 bond; the district expects bidding this summer and a roughly 17‑month construction window with a target move-in in fall 2027.
Mark Jackson, principal at Stantec, presented the schematic design for Elementary School No. 23 at the Cantera Creek site during the May 19 Alvin ISD board meeting. Jackson said the design work is at the construction-document (CD) phase and the district plans to bid the project this summer under a competitive, design‑bid‑build process.
Jackson described the site as part of a master‑planned development bounded by Carson Road and Bullard, near new housing construction. The site is sized to accommodate the elementary campus and a future junior high; the plan calls for shared efficiencies such as extending parking and sharing a bus loop once the junior high is added.
On site circulation, Jackson said the design features a one‑way parent stacking lane that loops around the front entry and a separate one‑way bus loop on the east side. The cafeteria will serve as the main bus drop staging area and the design includes covered canopies for bus and parent drop‑offs.
The school’s internal layout places louder functions (gymnasium, cafeteria, music and art) on one side of a central corridor and academic classrooms and support spaces on the other. Jackson said the library will be a two‑story, open‑to‑below space. The plan includes multiple “flex” breakout zones near grade clusters and dedicated special‑education and pre‑K spaces with adjacent toilet facilities.
Jackson walked trustees through materials and color palettes devised to make the building bright and “fun” without relying on colored exterior materials that can age poorly; he said color will be used in interior glass accents, carpet and tile. Exterior design elements include two brick tones, an engineered stone accent and higher clerestory windows in the gym to admit natural light while preserving security.
Schedule and procurement: Jackson said the district is advancing CDs now, will advertise to bid this summer, and expects roughly 17 months of construction after award. Jackson described the project as a CSP (competitive sealed proposal) hard‑bid delivery (design‑bid‑build) rather than a construction manager‑at‑risk contract. The timeline shown to the board targets occupancy in fall 2027.
Trustees asked about natural light and window sill heights for safety; Jackson said the design uses high windows and solar tubes selectively and that the gym windows are set to a height to avoid unsupervised exterior access.
No board action was required at this presentation; Stantec will return as the district advances documents toward bidding and permitting.
