The 120,000-square-foot, two-floor structure housing Building Construction, Electrical Construction, HVAC, Plumbing and Pipefitting and Solar Energy programs. | Photo Credit: TSTC
What You Need to Know
- Texas State Technical College opened its new Construction Technologies Center to students Feb. 2 at its Waco campus.
- The facility consolidates multiple construction-trades programs that previously operated in separate campus buildings.
- TSTC and contractor materials describe labs and hands-on training space for building construction, electrical, HVAC, plumbing/pipefitting and solar.
- A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, according to TSTC.
Learn More
WACO, Texas — On Feb. 2, Texas State Technical College (TSTC) opened a new Construction Technologies Center to students at its Waco campus, bringing several construction-trades programs under one roof.
The opening marks a milestone for the campus’ multi-trade expansion project, which TSTC leaders and students say is designed to support hands-on learning and collaboration across disciplines.
The 120,000-square-foot, two-floor structure housing Building Construction, Electrical Construction, HVAC, Plumbing and Pipefitting and Solar Energy programs.
“It feels good,” TSTC senior construction project manager Michael Schumacher said, in a statement from Texas State Technical College. “It is nice to see students here, sitting on the furniture and hanging out in the labs.”
Students interviewed by TSTC pointed to larger labs and upgraded learning spaces. “I love everything about it,” Plumbing and Pipefitting student Zachary Miller said, according to an article from Texas State Technical College. “Everything is bigger, better and there is more of it.”
TSTC’s earlier project update said the center was planned to open in time for spring 2026 semester classes and would support program growth. The May 2025 report also highlighted features such as backlighting, glassed-in labs and a shaded outdoor work area, plus student lounge areas, offices and meeting space.
“My favorite thing about the building is that its design, while serving as a beautiful showcase for TSTC, also allows our students in the construction trades to see how it is put together,” Schumacher added in an article from Texas State Technical College.
Built by Rogers-O’Brien Construction, the new building includes tiltwall panels, structural steel and glazing systems. Inside students can take advantage of new gathering spaces, offices and labs, while outside the project added surface parking and pedestrian pathways, according to Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company.
This article is based on reporting originally published by Texas State Technical College on Feb. 2, 2026, and May 30, 2025, and project information published by Rogers-O’Brien Construction Company.