Pair of New School Projects Completed in Austin Suburbs
By Eric Althoff
MANOR, Tex.—Program management firm HPM has successfully delivered two new schools in the Austin suburbs for the Manor Independent School District. Ribbon-cuttings were recently held to celebrate the new schools, Manor Rise Academy and Manor Early College High School.
Manor Rise Academy is a $45 million, 116,000-square-foot school whose amenities include a competition gym that can seat up to 500 spectators. Manor Rise also offers a media center, art rooms, performing arts classrooms and collaboration areas. The grounds host various athletic fields as well as playgrounds and outdoor learning areas. The Rise Academy was designed by ADM Group and built by general contractor Lee Lewis.
Meanwhile, the $35.5 million Manor Early College High School encompasses 85,000 square feet of educational space located adjacent to the existing high school. The facility will educate 800 9-12 students in various technical and career fields. Its open campus concept is meant to mimic the experience of being at an actual college, with a coffee shop and cafeteria also available for students. Claycomb Associates designed Manor Early College High School, which was built by general contractor Satterfield & Pontikes.
Voters approved a $280 million bond in November 2019 to fund these construction projects, which were needed as Texas’s capital region is experiencing tremendous growth. The moneys are being used both to construct new schools as well as upgrade older facilities, modernize transportation and security, and make other needed repairs throughout Manor ISD.
HPM provided quality control and preconstruction services for both schools, as well as project management and budget compliance. Other partners at the two schools included civil engineer Civiltude and geotechnical engineer Raba Kistner.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the pair of schools, HPM President Ryan Austin praised his team for keeping the construction work on schedule.
“We thank the school district for its invaluable support and collaboration during these projects, and to our partners for ensuring success in the construction of these schools,” said Austin. “As we move ahead on additional projects with the school district, we look forward to providing more quality program management services as we expand our footprint further into Manor.”
Manor ISD is anticipated to increase its enrollment by nearly 5 percent in the next decade alone. Current projections show that the greater Austin area will surpass San Antonio in population by 2040. Already the community of Manor—12 miles outside of Austin itself—has experienced a 160 percent population growth just since 2010. Manor ISD is anticipating an increase of 2,600 more students in its district within the next half-decade.
HPM, which is based in Birmingham, Ala., engages in construction and design, as well as real estate acquisition analysis, auditing and facilities assessments. In addition to K-12, the firm is engaged in work in such sectors as government, industrial and commercial construction.