stc master plan - final.indd

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGEDISTRICT-WIDE CAMPUS EXPANSION MASTER PLAN

April 2010

CT-WWWIIIDDDEEE CCCAAAMMMPUS

Prepared by:

Freese and Nichols, Inc.4055 Internati onal Plaza, Suite 200Fort Worth, Texas 76109(817) 735-7300www.freese.com

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGEDISTRICT-WIDE CAMPUS EXPANSION MASTER PLAN

April 2010

CT-WWWIIIDDDEEE CCCAAAMMMPUS

3DISTRICT-WIDE CAMPUS EXPANSION MASTER PLAN South Texas College

table of contents

Technology CampusIntroducti on ............................................................. 41Data Gathering/Summary of Issues ......................... 42Existi ng Conditi ons ................................................... 43Campus Analysis ....................................................... 44Recommendati ons .................................................... 45

Mid Valley CampusIntroducti on ............................................................. 49Data Gathering/Summary of Issues ......................... 50Existi ng Conditi ons ................................................... 51Campus Analysis ....................................................... 52Recommendati ons .................................................... 53

Starr County CampusIntroducti on ............................................................. 57Data Gathering/Summary of Issues ......................... 58Existi ng Conditi ons ................................................... 59Campus Analysis ....................................................... 60Recommendati ons .................................................... 61

Cost Esti mateEsti mate Clarifi cati on ............................................... 65Cost Summary and Indirect Cost Breakdown ........... 66District-Wide Campus Master Plan Summary .......... 72

Table of Contents

Executi ve Summary

Introducti onAcknowledgements .................................................. 8Purpose .................................................................... 9 Process ..................................................................... 10

Demographics/EnrollmentBackground ............................................................... 13Summary of Enrollment Projecti on Methodology .... 13 Uti lizati on of Classrooms and Labs ........................... 16Space Projecti ons ..................................................... 17Space Projecti ons by Campus ................................... 18

Pecan CampusIntroducti on ............................................................. 24Data Gathering/Summary of Issues ......................... 25Existi ng Conditi ons ................................................... 26Campus Analysis ....................................................... 27Recommendati ons .................................................... 28

Nursing and Allied Health CampusIntroducti on ............................................................. 33Data Gathering/Summary of Issues ......................... 34Existi ng Conditi ons ................................................... 35Campus Analysis ....................................................... 36Recommendati ons .................................................... 37

Vision: A bett er quality of life for our communiti es

Executi ve Summary


Executi ve SummaryThe 2010 District-Wide Campus Expansion Master Plan will guide cam-pus development for the next 10 years on all fi ve of South Texas College (STC) campuses. The master plan provides a vision for the campuses’ physical environment to promote and support the academic values and goals of the College, while addressing enrollment and space needs.

The planning process was highly interacti ve, resulti ng in signifi cant consensus and support from a wide range of consti tuency groups. Parti cipati on in the planning process was encouraged by the president, Dr. Shirley Reed, and key campus leadership to various campus users in order to develop a plan accepted and shaped by everyone’s input.

ProcessThe planning team approached the master plan project through a systemati c process comprising Mobilizati on, Data Gathering, Analysis, Review, and Recommendati ons.

In the Mobilizati on Phase, the planning team coordinated with STC to prepare schedules and milestones.

The Data Gathering Phase included a Web-based questi onnaire and in-terview sessions with the Master Planning Steering Committ ee, Board of Trustees, campus coordinators, campus key leaders, Board Faciliti es Committ ee, planning and constructi on, and security departments. The planning team also collected site data, enrollment trends, space uti liza-ti on, and previous reports and plans.

During the Analysis/Review Phase, the planning team developed a thorough understanding of the opportuniti es, constraints, strengths, and weaknesses of STC’s current status. The informati on gathered from surveys, interviews, requested informati on, and campus site visits served as a foundati on for data analysis. The analyzed data was used to formulate recommendati ons for the master plan.

In the Recommendati on Phase, the planning team refi ned the concept plans to develop the fi nal master plan recommendati ons. Narrati ves, graphics and sketches, cost esti mates, and implementati on strategies were then developed to support the plan. Next, a three-phase imple-mentati on approach was developed for the fi nal document.

Planning PrinciplesThe planning team utlized a series of planning principles to formulate the plan. These principles helped develop a master plan that will sus-tain and strengthen STC’s positi on of providing quality programs and

executive summary

higher educati on. The key campus planning principles implemented in campus designs were:

• Establish a sense of recepti on and arrival▫ Each campus should have a “front door” and welcoming campus way-fi nding.

• Provide strong pedestrian connecti ons and visual corridors through campus

▫ Physical and visual connecti ons should enhance open space and facili-tate movement.

• Create a “loop” road where possible▫ Pedestrian/vehicular confl icts should be reduced by directi ng vehicular

traffi c to the edge of campus.• Establish edges and boundaries

▫ The edges of campus should be clearly delineated and well-defi ned to create an identi fi able campus boundary.

• Locate parking on campus edges ▫ Parking along the outer perimeter should allow the interior of campus

to develop as a pedestrian-friendly space.• Consider iconic landmarks to create campus identi ty

▫ Landmark element should identi fy campus and create a gathering space for students and visitors.

These planning principles are visible in each campuses’ conceptual design.

Recommendati onsSTC’s future plans and strategies will rely on recommendati ons out-lined in the master plan. Because STC’s campuses, faciliti es and uti liti es are fairly new in most cases, the master plan focused on enrollment growth and resulti ng facility needs. Each campus features new con-structi on and physical enhancements to meet enrollment increases and

space needs to the year 2020, and addresses the planning principles established for each campus.

The fi nal master plan is the refl ecti on of countless hours of collabora-ti on with STC staff , administrati on, Board, and users. The master plan refl ects several important campus recommendati ons to be implement-ed in a three-phase approach on each campus. There is fl exibility in the plan to allow progress to be made in a future climate of change and uncertainty.

There were several district-wide recommendati ons in the master plan addressed on all fi ve campuses: expanded parking, landscape enhance-ments, well-defi ned entries, and new faciliti es in all three phases.

During the next 10 years, recommended new faciliti es on all fi ve cam-puses include: 10 new academic/classroom buildings, four student service/acti vity expansions, two health professions and science centers, nursing and allied health expansions, technology campus expansion and insti tute for advanced manufacturing, logisti cal support center ex-pansion, child-care center, two library expansions, cultural arts center, performing arts center, library renovati on and a college administrati on building. A pedestrian bridge and new campus entry is also recom-mended on the Pecan Campus.

In all new campus developments, pedestrian malls will be maintained and created in respect to existi ng campus axes. An expectati on for green campus sustainability in all future endeavors is also recommend-ed. Whether for new or renovated faciliti es or campus-wide energy saving initi ati ves, it is recommended that STC conti nue to move toward campus sustainability principles and goals.


executive summary

ConclusionThe master plan is an instrument for future decision making. These recommendati ons do not establish an exact implementati on schedule, but establish a benchmark to meet changing conditi ons and available resources. Project cost esti mates are provided to allow STC to make implementati on decisions based on needs, ti ming, and funding. As each project is planned, detailed programming and site-specifi c strate-gies will need to be initi ated for implementati on.

The master plan should be considered a dynamic “living document” that provides the framework to meet the changing needs of STC. We recommend a periodic update and review be performed every two to three years or at the end of each major implementati on phase to en-sure that the directi on of the plan remains consistent with the goals of STC not only today, but well into the future.

Technology Campus Expansion and Insti tute for Advanced Manufacturing

New Classroom Building I - North SidePecan Campus

Nursing and Allied Health Campus Expansion - Nursing and Allied Health Campus New Classroom Building and Technology and Workforce Center Expansion Mid-Valley Campus

Starr County Campus

Introducti on


introduction

AcknowledgementsMaster Planning Steering Committ eeDr. Shirley A. Reed, PresidentSouth Texas College

Diana A. Pena, Vice President for Finance and Administrati ve ServicesSouth Texas College

Juan E. Mejia, Vice President for Academic Aff airsSouth Texas College

William Serrata, Vice President for Student Aff airs and Enrollment ManagementSouth Texas College

Jose Cruz, Jr., Vice President for Informati on Services and Planning South Texas College

Geraldo Rodriguez, Assoc. AIA, Director of Faciliti es Planning and Constructi onSouth Texas College

Mario Reyna, DeanTechnology Campus Coordinator-South Texas College

Monte ChurchillMid-Valley Campus Coordinator-South Texas College

Ruben SaenzStarr County Campus Coordinator-South Texas College

Melba Treviño, Interim DeanNursing and Allied Health Campus Coordinator-South Texas College

Cody Gregg, Director of Instructi onal Technologies and Interim Associate Dean of Library ServicesSouth Texas College

George McCaleb, Director of Operati onsSouth Texas College

Wanda Garza, Executi ve Offi cer for the North American Advanced Manufactur-ing Research and Educati on Initi ati veSouth Texas College

Anahid Petrosian, Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Aff airsSouth Texas College

Dr. Margaretha Bischoff , Division Dean, Liberal Arts and Social SciencesSouth Texas College

Rose Benavidez, MemberDistrict 1 - Representi ng Starr County

Oscar Longoria, Jr., MemberDistrict 2 - Representi ng La Joya, Western Mission, Palm-view, Sullivan City, Penitas and Western Alton

Dr. Alejo Salinas, Jr., MemberDistrict 5 - Representi ng North West Hidalgo County,Edinburg, North San Juan and Northeast Pharr

Roy De Leon, MemberDistrict 7 - Representi ng North East Hidalgo County, North Weslaco, Edcouch-Elsa, La Villa, North Mercedes, North-east Alamo, Northeast Edinburg and Hargill

Planning TeamFreese and Nichols, Inc.Alfred Vidaurri, AIA, AICP, Principal-in-Charge

Wendy Shabay, AICP, Project Manager

Shad Comeaux, Assoc. AIA, Project Planner

Mark Trance, LEED AP, Sketches/Graphics

Amelia Potee, LEED AP, Graphics

Claudio Branch, 3D Graphics/Visualizati on

Sub-ConsultantsJack Joyce, AIA, Chief Operati ng Offi cerFacility Programming and Consulti ng

Nicholas Arnold, Facility ProgrammerFacility Programming and Consulti ng

Claude Eudaric, President, Cost Esti matorApex Cost Consultant, Inc.

Brent Pilgrim, LEED AP, Project ManagerBeck Technology

Rebekah Cazier, Project CoordinatorBeck Technology

Dr. Ali Esmaeili, Associate Dean, Bachelor Programs and University Rela-ti ons, Interim Division Dean, Developmental Studies, and Interim Dean Math and Sciences DivisionSouth Texas College

Paul Hernandez, Dean of Student Support ServicesSouth Texas College

Kimberly McKay, Interim Dean, Enrollment ManagementSouth Texas College

Mike Shannon, Interim Associate Dean of Student Life and WellnessSouth Texas College

Dr. Brenda Cole, Director of Insti tuti onal Research and Analyti cal ServicesSouth Texas College

Arnold Gonzalez, Chief Informati on Offi cerSouth Texas College

Gary Gurwitz, Vice-Chair, Board of Trustees and Chair of the Board Facili-ti es Committ eeSouth Texas College

Mike Allen, Chair, Board of TrusteesSouth Texas College

Other College Representati vesRick de la Garza, Project ManagerFaciliti es Planning and Constructi on - South Texas College

Board of TrusteesMike Allen, ChairDistrict 3 - Representi ng South McAllen, South West Pharr, Hidalgo,Sharyland, Southeast Mission and Granjeno

Gary Gurwitz, Vice-ChairDistrict 4 - Representi ng North McAllen, Northwest Pharr, Palmhurstand Northeast Mission

Jesse Villarreal, SecretaryDistrict 6 - Representi ng Donna, South Alamo, South San Juan,South East Pharr, South Weslaco and Progreso


introduction

Introducti onSouth Texas College (STC) is a world-class comprehensive insti tuti on of higher learning providing premier educati onal and workforce pro-grams and services in response to the needs of the region. Established in 1993, STC serves Hidalgo and Starr Counti es with campuses located in McAllen, Weslaco and Rio Grande City, Texas. In its short history, STC has become a nati onally-recognized and award-winning insti tuti on of higher learning, and has earned numerous recogniti ons for the number of degrees awarded, the quality of the programs, and the many special initi ati ves to improve the success of the students. STC is also noted for its leadership development program, inspiring students to lead through engagement with the community and service projects that bring posi-ti ve change for the people of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

With fi ve campuses and approximately 27,000 students district-wide, the South Texas College District has experienced unprecedented growth in its 16-year history. STC currently owns 248.04 acres and ap-proximately 1,330,535 square feet of faciliti es inventory district-wide. While student enrollment has grown on all fi ve STC campuses, four campuses are in desperate need of additi onal faciliti es and expansion to accommodate current space defi cits. Furthermore, demographic projecti ons and trends indicate enrollment will conti nue to increase on each of the fi ve campuses. Therefore, this master plan evaluates the College District and its needs today, as well as addressing future needs and how best to grow STC in a planned, organized manner.

PurposeThe purpose of this master plan is to provide a framework for STC to make informed decisions, manage growth in an orderly fashion, and guide the physical evoluti on of its campuses. It will serve as a guide for future planning as STC conti nues to build on the already established foundati on of serving as a dynamic, world-class, higher educati on insti tuti on in a rapidly growing region of Texas. This plan is a working document designed to provide a baseline for current and future devel-opment of the built environment and is intended to provide STC assis-tance in prioriti zing capital improvement projects over the next decade.

South Texas College District Campuses


introduction

ProcessThe planning process consisted of fi ve interrelated phases of work which began in September 2008. These phases were: Mobilizati on; Data Gath-ering; Analysis; Review; and Recommendati ons (See key task in Figure 1).

Key

Task

sM

eeti n

gs/R

evie

ws

Mobilizati on• Steering committ ee established • Scope defi ned• Web site created

• “Kick-off ” meeti ng• Presentati on of project scope• Outline of key meeti ngs• Selected departmental interviews

with FPC

Data Gathering• Campus site visits• Space needs assessment• Demographic and enrollment pro-

jecti ons• Building assessments and walk-

throughs• District-wide issues/needs

• Steering Committ ee meeti ng• Campus coordinator meeti ngs• Campus key leaders and program

chairs meeti ngs• Board Faciliti es Committ ee meeti ngs• Planning and Constructi on Depart-

ment meeti ng• Security Department meeti ng• Advisory Committ ee meeti ngs• Data gathering summary and enroll-

ment projecti ons meeti ng

Analysis• Planning principles established• Campus analysis maps• Concept plans developed• Concept plan alternati ves• Demographic and enrollment verifi -

cati on

• Staff meeti ng to review planning concepts, demographics and enroll-ment

• Board meeti ng to review planning concepts, demographics and enroll-ment

• City staff meeti ng and new campus site survey

Review• Concept plans verifi ed• Cost esti mates

• Master planning workshop - Lego© block charett e

• Cost esti mati ng workshop

Recommendati ons• Preparati on of master plan docu-

ment

• Board meeti ng to review draft rec-ommendati ons and cost esti mates

Figure 1 - Master Plan Process

Mobilizati onDuring the Mobilizati on Phase, the Master Planning Steering Commit-tee was established to review and approve the ongoing progress of the master plan.

A kick-off meeti ng was held at the start of the project to discuss plan content, project schedule, and deliverables. A Web site was created as a means of communicati on between the college and the public. Meet-ing notes, schedules, a draft plan, and fi nal plan are available on the Web site. The web site was also used to receive interacti ve comments through an online questi onnaire/survey from faculty, staff and stu-dents.

Data GatheringDuring the Data Gathering Phase, the planning team collected and compiled a large amount of data to provide the background informa-ti on necessary to adequately assess the fi ve campuses. Site data, facility assessments, previous enrollment trends, photographs, and previous reports were collected. The team also conducted campus walk-throughs and numerous interviews during this phase.

Interview SessionsInterviews were held with the Master Planning Steering Committ ee, Board of Trustees, campus coordinators, campus key leaders, Board Faciliti es Committ ee, planning and constructi on, and security depart-ments. The sessions were typically an hour long, and focused on understanding the perspecti ve of the group concerning existi ng cam-

pus conditi ons. The interview sessions also concentrated on receiving feedback on future needs and visions for the college and its campuses. Approximately 30 interview sessions took place over several days in October 2008.

Demographic, Enrollment, and Uti lizati on InterviewsFacility Programming and Consulti ng (FPC), a sub-consultant of Freese and Nichols, Inc. conducted several interviews and workshops with key leadership on all fi ve of STC’s campuses. FPC held over 20 interviews over a four-day period to collect vital informati on and stati sti cs that helped in determining current and future demographics, enrollment, and uti lizati on of space for the college district.


introduction

Questi onnairesAn online questi onnaire was used to receive more detailed comments about campus faciliti es and environment, parking and signage, and campus circulati on from faculty, staff and students. A total of 215 questi onnaires were completed with specifi c comments regarding the master plan. (See Data Gathering Summary Report for questi onnaire/survey results.)

AnalysisDuring the Analysis Phase, the planning team examined all fi ve cam-puses to bett er understand existi ng conditi ons, opportuniti es and constraints of the campus environments. Analysis maps were created to visualize existi ng conditi ons and provide guidance for recommenda-ti ons. The planning team also developed conceptual plans for each campus and presented them to the Master Planning Steering Commit-tee, staff and Board of Trustees.

ReviewA one-day charett e was held during the Review Phase with key cam-pus leadership to help determine phase one priority projects on each campus. This was an interacti ve workshop to determine facility sizes and locati ons. During this phase, concept plans were revised and used to develop the rest of the master plan recommendati ons.

A cost esti mati ng workshop was conducted and led by Apex Cost Con-sultants in Freese and Nichols’ Fort Worth offi ce, along with STC rep-resentati ves to discuss various items associated with future faciliti es. The goal of this workshop was to gain a bett er understanding of local trends, constructi on cost, and building materials to help the esti mati ng team project the esti mated costs of improvements.

Recommendati onsDuring the Recommendati ons Phase, the planning team presented the fi nal master plan. Cost esti mati ons and phasing strategies, along with necessary graphics and narrati ves were included to give clarity of purpose, and to assist the administrati on in generati ng support for the plan. The fi nal master plan document was prepared and printed for distributi on.

Data gathering and walk-throughs of selected departments were conducted. Key campus leadership gathered on several occasions to provide input.

Master Planning Workshop - September 23, 2009 Master Planning Workshop - Interacti ve Lego© exercise

Various Data Gathering Meeti ngs

Demographics/Enrollment


demographics/enrollment

BackgroundIn order to accurately project facility needs for the future, the planning team must fully understand the demographics of the community and projected enrollment of the college. A comprehensive study was con-ducted to determine populati on projecti ons, capture rates, uti lizati on, and enrollment projecti ons. The enrollment and space requirements provided the foundati on for future “building blocks”. The study projec-ti on covers years 2008 through 2020 (See Figure 2).

ProcessPotenti al campus enrollment as well as space requirements were exam-ined through data collecti on and analysis, on-site interviews, and build-ing walk-throughs.

The fi rst topic to be addressed was enrollment, with a thorough exami-nati on of historical data, trends and planned new initi ati ves and pro-grams in each area of study. Uti lizati on of classrooms and class labora-tories was then studied, with heavy emphasis on performance of other similar insti tuti ons. Using historical data from other similar insti tuti ons, a target ASF/FTE was agreed upon by STC, and calculati ons were based on the projected FTEs. Data elements which were analyzed to com-plete this phase of the master plan are as follows:

• Demographics• Enrollment Data for each campus• Library Data for each campus• Class Schedule for each campus • Faciliti es Inventory for each campus

Summary of Enrollment Projecti on MethodologyThe following is a summary of the methodology used to develop the enrollment projecti ons for STC. For a more detail explanati on, please refer to the Appendix (separate supplemental document). The meth-odology included the following steps, all of which were undertaken in communicati on with STC staff .

1. Research long-range populati on projecti ons for Hidalgo and Starr counti es at the Texas State Data Center (TSDC).

2. Enhance the populati on projecti ons with more current, specifi c data from Environmental Systems Research Insti tute (ESRI).

3. Develop capture rates (percentage of populati on that att ends STC) based on historical data from STC and annual esti mates from ESRI.

4. Develop likely scenarios for overall STC enrollment to 2020.5. Use the Texas Higher Educati on Coordinati ng Board (THECB) pro-

jecti on as a scenario. In this case it was used as the “low” scenar-io, as it projected the most conservati ve enrollment for STC.

6. Develop individual campus enrollment projecti ons based on pop-ulati on projecti ons and capture rates impacted by newly planned programs developed by the academic team.

7. Incorporate Distance Learning and Dual Educati on projecti ons.8. Review a “balanced growth” scenario to explore a more equal

distributi on of students at each campus. This idea is not recom-mended, as the logisti cs of re-balancing enrollment would be very diffi cult.

9. Consider a new campus when Pecan enrollment is approximately 15,000 students, its esti mated capacity.

TOTAL SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE DUPLICATED HEADCOUNT/ENROLLMENT PROJECTIONS TO 2020

2008 STC Geographic Catchment Areas 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

Numerical Change

2008-2020

Annual % Change

2008-2020Eastern Hidalgo County 88313 91570 94827 98403 101979 105555 109131 112707 116283 119859 123435 127012 130588 134164 137740 42913 3.8%Central Hidalgo County 244384 252931 261477 270707 279936 289166 298395 307625 316855 326084 335314 344543 353773 363003 372232 110755 3.5%Western Hidalgo County 66654 69145 71636 74346 77056 79766 82476 85187 87897 90607 93317 96027 98737 101447 104158 32522 3.8%Starr County 34629 35523 36417 37343 38268 39194 40119 41044 41970 42895 43821 44746 45672 46597 47523 11105 2.5%STC Total Population Age 18-64 433980 449168 464357 480798 497239 513681 530122 546563 563004 579446 595887 612328 628770 645211 661652 197295 3.5%

Campus EnrollmentGeographicMid-Valley Campus (Eastern Hidalgo) 2908 2947 2916 3041 3167 3295 3423 3553 3683 3815 3948 4082 4217 4353 4490 1574 4.5%Pecan Campus (Central+Western Hidalgo) 9570 9816 10379 10869 11461 12068 12689 13324 13974 14638 15317 16010 16717 17440 18176 7797 6.3%Starr County Campus (Starr County) 1088 1002 1040 1114 1150 1187 1225 1262 1301 1339 1378 1418 1458 1498 1539 499 4.0%

Non-GeographicNursing-Allied Health Campus 1295 1445 1632 1757 1886 2021 2159 2302 2450 2603 2760 2922 3088 3259 3434 1802 9.2%Technology Campus 955 961 949 993 1037 1082 1128 1174 1221 1269 1317 1366 1416 1467 1518 569 5.0%

Distance Learning 2506 2833 3407 3932 4378 4862 5371 5914 6532 7160 7793 8410 9075 9785 10516 7109 17.4%Dual Enrollment 4731 5972 7357 8634 10021 10325 10629 10934 11238 11542 11846 12150 12454 12758 13062 5705 6.5%

Other 629 405 500 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

STC TOTAL Duplicated Enrollment 23682 25381 28180 30340 33102 34839 36623 38463 40399 42366 44359 46357 48425 50559 52735 24555 7.3%

STC TOTAL Un-Duplicated Enrollment 18701 20381 22467 23755 25380 27036 28758 30680 32785 34727 36660 38647 40864 43089 45371 22904 8.5%

Figure 2



Regions which largely contributed to STC’s student enrollment were identi fi ed, and their populati on (age groups of 18-64), economic, educati onal, and social trends were further researched.

Summary of Duplicated Enrollment Projecti onsThe populati on age 18-64 shown in the chart (Figure 2) represents geo-graphic summaries based on census tract projecti ons by ESRI Business Informati on Soluti ons.

Capture rates for Nursing and Allied Health and Technology Center are based on STC populati on 18-64 and adjusted based on projected growth rates from actual and proposed department programs per the academic team. New program off erings are a key to higher capture rates at NAH and Technology campuses.

Mid-Valley, Pecan and Starr County Campus enrollment projecti ons are based on projected growth rates from actual and proposed department programs per the academic team.

Total projected unduplicated enrollment for STC considers calculated capture rate trends from 2000 to 2008, projected capture rate trends to 2020, and applies capture rates to the projected 18-64 populati on of the District. This is the number reported to THECB and is the published enrollment for the District (See Figure 3).

Figure 3


New campus locati ons were centered around future growth tracts in Hidalgo County.

Figure 4 Figure 5

Potenti al New CampusWith the history of rapid student growth over the last several years, STC may need to consider a new campus in the future located in Hi-dalgo County. The Technology Campus will reach land capacity in 2013, with Pecan Campus reaching its land capacity in 2014/2015. Between these two campuses, aft er they reach their capacity there will be a defi cit of approximately 270,000 GSF. The Nursing and Allied Health Campus will reach capacity in 2011. However, STC is working with the City of McAllen for a potenti al purchase of additi onal land adjacent to the campus that would eliminate the space defi cit.

In order to plan for a potenti al new campus in the future, the planning team conducted a preliminary study on possible locati ons for the new campus. Originally, there were six locati ons selected in general high growth areas in Hidalgo County (See Figure 4). Aft er discussions with STC’s Board of Trustees, potenti al new campus locati ons were nar-rowed to three: EC (Alamo/Donna area), NC (Edinburg/I-69 area) and NNW (Alton area).


The planning team did not rank potenti al campus locati ons, but sug-gested that a detailed engineering study be done using similar criteria listed in the chart in Figure 5 to assist in the future selecti on process.

Capacity defi cits of Technology, Pecan, and Nursing and Allied Health campuses could also be accommodated at Mid-Valley and Starr County campuses unti l a new campus becomes economically feasible.



Uti lizati on of Classrooms and LabsAnalysis shows STC’s classrooms and labs are very well uti lized through-out the day. Compared to other colleges and benchmark standards, most spaces are being fi lled to an ideal level. Heavy uti lizati on remains consistent throughout the day with a normal drop in the early evening hour. Some of the high uti lizati on is att ributed to successful scheduling and maximizati on of classroom space. See Figure 6 and 7 for uti lizati on by campus.

Typical classroom (Nursing and Allied Health)

Typical computer lab (Pecan Campus)

Figure 6

Note: This chart is a daily uti lizati on analysis which illustrates the ti mes of the day the classrooms are being occupied (Fall 2008).

Note: This chart is a daily uti lizati on analysis which illustrates the percent-age of occupati on in the classrooms.

Figure 7

Line indicates good uti lizati oncompared to other insti tuti ons

Typical student support and acti vity areas (Mid-Valley Campus)

Typical library space (Technology Campus)



Space Projecti onsTo esti mate future space needs for South Texas College, a combina-ti on of projecti on models, experti se and benchmarking was examined. A benchmark of 110 gross square feet (GSF) per full-ti me equivalents (FTE) for general academic campuses was agreed upon. These were multi plied by the projected enrollments to arrive at the projected space requirements. The factors, or types of space, considered are teaching, offi ce, non-E&G, support and library space. Higher bench-marks are recommended for specialty campuses such as Technology (See Figure 8). Figure 9 shows how other similar colleges compare to STC.

Figure 9

Note: In higher educati on, assignable square footage (ASF) is the area of space which is located between wall surfaces and is required for a given department. Non-assign-able square footage includes corridors, structural elements, walls, restrooms, and other building support space, and when added to ASF this amount totals gross square feet (GSF). The uti lizati on rati o of ASF to GSF is the building effi ciency described as a percentage.

The space projecti ons are an esti mate of the square feet of building needed to facilitate any future growth. For the purpose of this study, enrollments both current and projected to 2020 are used to forecast space needs. Headcounts are converted to full-ti me equivalents (FTE) in the calculati on of space allocati ons.

Figure 8



Space Projecti ons by CampusPecan Campus Space SummaryThe Pecan Campus is currently in a space defi cit in all categories. There are not enough buildings to serve current needs, and more land will be needed to accommodate space needs beyond approximately 2015 (See Figures 9 and 10).

Note that ASF is converted to GSF by using an ASF/GSF factor of approx-imately 60%, which is typical for higher educati on buildings.

Note: The above chart shows the space defi cits in fi ve categories as projected to the year 2020. All totals in red font indicate defi cits.Note: The above chart illustrates the campus’ current land capacity in gray and the existi ng building capacity in blue. The amount of additi onal space needed beyond the campus’ land capacity is shown in white. Because of land availability for surface parking requirements, capacity at Pecan Campus will likely be reached in 2014 unless verti cal or off -site parking is considered.

Figure 9 Figure 10



Nursing and Allied Health Campus Space SummaryThe Nursing and Allied Health Campus has already reached its current site and facility capacity, also resulti ng in a signifi cant parking shortf all. In additi on, it has been concluded that there is not enough land to ac-commodate new constructi on and parking beyond 2011 unless addi-ti onal land is acquired (See Figures 11 and 12).


Note: The above chart shows the space defi cits in fi ve categories as projected to the year 2020. All totals in red font indicate defi cits.

Note: The above chart illustrates the campus’ current land capacity in gray and the existi ng building capacity in blue. The amount of additi onal space needed beyond the campus’ land capacity is shown in white. Because of land availability for surface parking requirements, capacity at Nursing and Allied Health Campus will likely be reached in 2011 unless additi onal land is purchased to expand parking and building sites.

Figure 11 Figure 12



Technology Campus Space SummaryThe Technology Campus is currently in a space defi cit in all categories. Currently, there are not enough faciliti es to serve the current academic needs as well as the large amount of non-credit off erings. (See Figures 13 and 14).


Note: The above chart shows the space defi cits in fi ve categories as projected to the year 2020. All totals in red font indicate defi cits. Note: The above chart illustrates the campus’ current land capacity in gray and the existi ng building capacity in blue. The amount of additi onal space needed beyond the campus’ land capacity is shown in white. Because of land availability for surface parking requirements, ca-pacity at Technology Campus will likely be reached in 2013 unless additi onal land is purchased to expand parking and building sites.

Figure 13 Figure 14



Mid Valley Campus Space SummaryThe Mid-Valley Campus currently has a defi cit in nearly all categories of space. Space needs will conti nue to grow as enrollment increases. The campus does appear to have the land area needed to support this additi onal space need, at least through 2020, unless new programs are added or moved from other campuses. (See Figures 15 and 16).


Note: The above chart shows the space defi cits in fi ve categories as projected to the year 2020. All totals in red font indicate defi cits.

Note: The above chart illustrates the campus’s current land capacity in gray and the building capacity in blue. Because of existi ng land availability for parking requirements and future building sites, Mid-Valley Campus would not reach campus capacity unti l some years aft er 2020.

Figure 15Figure 16



Starr County Campus Space SummaryThe Starr Campus will experience a defi cit of library space in the next ten years. The primary need at Starr Campus is for space which could benefi t the enti re community, such as a performing arts center, ad-diti onal library space, a nursing center, or a recreati on center. (See Figures 17 and 18).


Note: The above chart shows the space defi cits in fi ve categories as projected to the year 2020. All totals in red font indicate defi cits.Note: The above chart illustrates the campus’ current land capacity in gray and the existi ng building capacity in blue. Because of existi ng land availability for parking requirements and future building sites, Starr County Campus would not reach campus capacity unti l some years aft er 2020.

Figure 17 Figure 18

Pecan Campus


Introducti onSTC offi cially opened in fall 1993 with only one locati on. The campus, located on Pecan Boulevard, was previously the McAllen branch of Tex-as State Technical College and STC’s fi rst campus in the college district.

The Pecan Campus is the College District’s largest campus with 12 facili-ti es totaling 531,659 square feet, excluding portables. The campus is bounded by residenti al neighborhoods to the south, east and north. Commercial land uses are predominate to the west. The northern and southern porti ons of campus are divided by Pecan Boulevard, also known as state road FM 495.

Located on the south porti on of campus is the 127,455 square foot South Academic Building (Building J). The North Academic Building (Building G), Student Services (Building K), the Library (Building F), and Administrati on (Buildings A,X,D) are the larger remaining faciliti es on the south side of campus. There are also 14 portables located on the south side of campus.

The northern porti on of campus consists of the Communicati on Arts Center (Building L), Informati on Technology (Building M), and Insti tu-ti onal Support Services (Building N). The campus’ largest parking areas are also located on the north side of campus.

STC recently purchased 20 acres just west of the campus on which the College is already planning to expand parking and a new classroom facility into this area.

This campus houses an Early College High School program for McAllen ISD which occupies 11 portables just north of the Informati on Technol-ogy (Building M). The expansion of this program, and others, have led the College to increase the number of portables on campus unti l space defi cits are met with the constructi on of new faciliti es.

pecan campus

Campus Fast FactsCampus Opening: Campus Land Area: Campus Building Area: Campus Parking: Campus Enrollment: Campus Faculty/Staff :

Fall 1993101.25 Acres504,027 GSF2,650 spaces10,379 Students947

North view of Pecan Campus (south side)Source: Bing Maps

West view of Pecan Campus (north side)Source: Bing Maps

LegendA - Administrati on B - Art C - Sylvia Esterline Student Success Center D - Administrati on E - Physical PlantF - LibraryG - North Academic

H - Student Acti viti esJ - South AcademicK - Student Services/BookstoreL - Communicati on Arts CenterM - Informati on TechnologyN - Insti tuti onal Support Services

X - Administrati on

Existi ng Building


pecan campus

Data Gathering/Summary of IssuesThe planning team identi fi ed campus issues through interview sessions, questi onnaires, site analysis, and general campus observati ons at the Pecan Campus. While many positi ve items were noted, the following comments highlight some improvements to be considered:

Campus Environment• Redesign/rework west side of campus, south of Pecan Boulevard

once drainage easement is covered.• Limited gathering spaces to keep students on campus throughout

the day.• Campus property is not protected along the edges (fence damage

along 31st Street).• Limited pedestrian lighti ng along sidewalks and throughout campus

in general.• Presence of security around campus is limited, especially during

evening hours.

Campus Faciliti es• Lack of classroom space.• Lack of faculty offi ces and storage space.• Limited Student Union space.• Lack of recreati onal fi elds for intramural programs.• Lack of security storage for golf carts, bike patrol, vehicular traffi c

cones, and barricades.• Portables have become a security problem.• Labs in Building J are not soundproofed.• A child care facility is desired for faculty, staff , and students.• Classroom spaces could be more functi onal and designed for group

work.• Wellness center needs to be expanded and renovated.• Consistent technology is not integrated throughout campus class-

rooms.• Related departmental offi ces and classrooms could be arranged in

order to functi on eff ecti vely.• New library or expansion need additi onal study space.• Consider moving non-instructi onal departments and administrati on

off -campus.• No covered walkways between buildings.

Parking and Signage• Lack of faculty/staff , student, and visitor parking (during the fi rst

four weeks of fall/spring semesters).• Some parking areas have limited signage.• Parking areas are dimly lit.

Campus Circulati on• Too many access points into and out of campus.• Pedestrian/vehicular confl icts occur while crossing Pecan Boule-

vard.• Widths of campus entrances create vehicular access confl icts.• No internal campus “loop” road.

Existi ng shaded gathering spaces

Example of faculty and staff offi ce space

Example of portable buildings

Parking during peak periods


Existi ng Conditi onsPecan Campus is located in McAllen, Texas. The 101.25 acre campus is bounded by Quince Avenue to the north, Ivy Avenue to the south, North 29th Street to the east, and a residenti al neighborhood and HEB grocery store to the west.

STC recently acquired a vacant mobile home park just south of Pecan Boulevard and just west of the southern porti on of the existi ng cam-pus. This property has been cleared and prepared for new develop-ment. The original campus and the newly acquired property is divided by a drainage channel that is soon to be covered by the City, which would help create a conti guous campus.

The campus is divided by Pecan Boulevard, a state road that separates the north and south porti ons of campus. This major thoroughfare causes confl icts between vehicular traffi c and pedestrians crossing the street.

A closer look at the Pecan Campus yielded the following fi ndings:Parking - During the fi rst few weeks of a new semester, parking reaches capacity. Throughout the semester there are peak ti mes where parking is very limited. Faculty, staff and visitor parking is also in demand.

Faciliti es - Faciliti es on campus are in fairly good conditi on. There are several faciliti es that are less than 10 years old. There are several portables that have maintenance issues, but with future campus expansion those should removed.

Land Use - With the excepti on of a couple commercial properti es, this campus is surrounded by single-family residenti al neighbor-hoods.

Circulati on - Vehicular circulati on is diffi cult to navigate especially the southern porti on of campus. Vehicles cannot loop around the enti re campus. Many vehicular and pedestrian confl icts are prevalent on the southern porti on of campus especially around the main entrance of the campus.

Gathering Spaces - Large outdoor gathering spaces are limited. Faciliti es contain limited indoor gathering spaces.

Walking Distances - Although Pecan Campus is the largest campus in the district, walking distances are less than 10 minutes from any locati on on campus.

A few of the existi ng conditi ons have been noted in the analysis map on the following page along with general observati ons.

pecan campus

LegendA - Administrati on B - Art C - Sylvia Esterline Student Success Center D - Administrati on E - Physical PlantF - LibraryG - North AcademicH - Student Acti viti esJ - South AcademicK - Student Services/BookstoreL - Communicati on Arts CenterM - Informati on TechnologyN - Insti tuti onal Support ServicesX - Administrati on

Existi ng Building

Existi ng Parking

Impeded Existi ng Circulati on

Existi ng Circulati on

Property Line


Campus AnalysisDuring the Analysis Phase, general observati ons were made from which several recommendati ons for the Pecan Campus were derived. The analysis maps helped the planning team gain an accurate understand-ing of the campus and its surroundings.

The main access points onto campus are off of Pecan Boulevard and North 29th Street for the southern porti on of campus. The north side of campus can be accessed from Pecan Boulevard and Quince Avenue.

There is a natural north-south axis through the center of the south por-ti on of campus. When the campus is fully developed, a parallel axis can be created that connects the north and south porti ons. Campus expan-sion would also help create two east-west axes connecti ng the existi ng campus.

Ideally, parking lots should be located on the outer edges of campus. This will maintain and strengthen the campus core. There is an internal parking area to the west of Buildings A and B that should be eliminated and used as a future building site.

Future faciliti es can be located on a porti on of the newly acquired property on the southern porti on of campus, and in the open space areas located on the north side of campus.

Campus Observati ons • The campus is surrounded by residenti al land uses.• Vehicular circulati on could be improved with fully developed loop

road.• Walking distances are minimal from parking lots to the core of

campus.• Walking distances from building to building are minimal.• Prominent views of campus exists along Pecan Boulevard.• Improve pedestrian circulati on confl icts from parking areas to the

campus core on the south side of campus.• Clear internal pedestrian access corridors within campus.• Opportunity to develop and create a main entrance to campus off

of Pecan Boulevard.• Abundant soft scape areas around campus.• Ample amount of green/open space on campus.• Pecan Boulevard divides the campus along an east/west axis and

creates a pedestrian barrier.• Campus uti liti es and capaciti es are currently meeti ng the existi ng

need.

pecan campus


Existi ng Building

Proposed Building

Proposed Circulati on

Proposed Axis

Property Line

Proposed Parking

Focal Point - Plaza

Existi ng Axis


Recommendati onsThe most criti cal need at the Pecan Campus is additi onal classroom space. This campus has the largest number of students today and has also achieved a very high growth rate. Because of the tremendous growth, all major categories of space are currently at a defi cit. Cur-rent projecti ons indicate this problem will get worse. Therefore, a very strong case can be made for additi onal building constructi on on this campus. Equally as important to new building constructi on is new parking to accommodate the student populati on. STC desires that students have the ability to park within a safe, walkable distance to the campus. They are also conscienti ous of surrounding neighborhoods and businesses and discourage students from parking in adjacent resi-denti al areas. Additi onal parking lots are essenti al today for peak ti mes and will be required with any additi onal growth in order to conti nue to serve students on the campus.

Again, due to the high growth Pecan Campus has seen since its last buildings were constructed, many of the support spaces are currently at capacity to adequately serve the student populati on. Support func-ti ons such as library space, dining faciliti es, student acti viti es areas, common areas, and storage spaces are maximized.

Furthermore, STC has taken a highly proacti ve approach to att ract and retain its younger generati on coming from the high school level. They off er one of the largest Dual Enrollment programs in Texas and have added many portable buildings to the Pecan campus to accommodate the Early College High School.

In additi on to facility and parking needs, there are several traffi c/circu-lati on improvements recommended for this campus. The campus lacks an identi fi able entry off Pecan Boulevard. The entry is confusing and no longer serves the number of cars and pedestrians that feed through the intersecti on. Because the campus is split between two sides of Pecan Boulevard, a pedestrian bridge should be considered to increase safety for students crossing the road.

pecan campus

Enrollment Summary

Existi ng Square Footage

Additi onal Square Footage Needed (by 2020)

Square Footage Added

Pecan Campus 504,027 GSF 671,563 GSF 493,000 GSF

Campus Capacity Summary

Based on projected enrollment, Pecan Campus will likely reach its capacity in 2015. Capacity is determined by the maximum build-out of land area with associated parking. In order to maintain a manageable, walkable campus that respects the established planning principles, considerati on should be given to cap enrollment at Pecan Campus at 15,000 students.

Building blocks in Phase One are criti cal to the overall development and physical appearance of the campus. These building blocks set the foun-dati on for Phases Two and Three. Specifi c recommendati ons include the following:

Phase One1. New Classroom Building I - North Side

a. Academic classrooms, labs, offi ce space for LASS, and Math and Science

b. Large building, approximately 75,000 SF, to be built similar to Bldg. J

c. Conti nue consolidati ng and replacing portable building space.d. Incorporate informati on commons and instructi onal tech

space.

2. New Classroom Building II - 47,000 GSF - South Sidea. Academic classrooms, labs, offi ce space for Business and Tech-

nology, Baccalaureate programs, and Non-credit programs.b. Incorporate informati on commons and instructi onal tech

space.

Note: Red font indicates the campus reaches capacity before all space needs are met.

Annual % 2008 2015 2020

Pecan Campus 6.3% 10,379 14,638 18,176

3. New Academic Building I - 48,000 GSFa. Science labs and faculty offi ces

4. Student Services Expansion - 22,500 GSF - South Sidea. New cafeteria, lounge space, and recreati on space.b. Locate near center of campus and near existi ng Building H.c. Keep Building H for students: clubs, organizati ons, and meet-

ing space.5. Parking

a. Expand parking in the southwest quadrant of campus.

6. Traffi c/Circulati ona. Construct conti nuous loop road around the south porti on of

campus.b. Construct new entry at Pecan Boulevard intersecti on leading

into south side of campus. Entry should include identi fi able signage and drop-off point. Access to the west should be in-cluded to form a conti nuous loop road along the western edge of campus.

Phase Two and Three1. New Classroom Building II - North Side

a. Classrooms, labs, offi ces for Developmental Studies, LASS, and Math and Science.

b. Approximately 40,000 SFc. Incorporate informati on commons and instructi onal tech

space.


pecan campus

2. New Classroom Building III – North Sidea. Classrooms, labs, offi ces for LASS, and Math and Science.b. Approximately 40,000 SFc. Incorporate informati on commons and instructi onal tech

space.

3. College Visitor and Informati on Center Building – South Sidea. New visitor, informati on center and administrati ve space –

50,00 GSF

4. Library, Center for Learning Excellence and Informati on Commonsa. New Library stacks, CLE and Informati on Commons space –

100,500 GSF

5. Pedestrian Bridgea. Bridge should facilitate pedestrican movement at main cam-

pus entry crossing Pecan Boulevard.

6. Existi ng Library Renovati ona. Renovate existi ng library building for classroom use and fac-

ulty offi ces.

7. New Academic Building II - North Side a. Classrooms, labs, offi ces for LASS, and Math and Science.b. Approximately 70,000 SFc. Incorporate informati on commons and instructi onal tech

space.

8. Parkinga. Expand and reconfi gure parking just west of the Communica-

ti on Arts Center (Building L) in Phase Two. Expand parking southwest of the South Academic Building (Building J).

b. Expand parking southwest and just east of the Informati on Technology Building (Building M).

Street view - Pedestrian Bridge Conceptual Design

Aerial view - Pedestrian Bridge Conceptual Design


pecan campus

Existi ng Building

Phase I - 192,500 GSF

Phase II - 190,500 GSF

Phase III - 110,000 GSF


Recommendati ons Conceptual Plan

Phase I - Student Services Expansion - South Side

Phase I - New Classroom Building II - South Side

Phase II - Library, Center for Learning Excellence and Informati on CommonsPhase II - Library, Center for Learning Excellence and Informati on Commons - South Side

Phase III - New Academic Building II - North Side


pecan campus

Recommendati onsConceptual Rendering

Nursing and Allied Health Campus


Introducti onSTC began off ering nursing and allied health programs in fall 1995 with approximately 150 students. Classes were taught at a variety of cam-puses and rental spaces within the District. In response to the grow-ing need for medically trained personnel in the Rio Grande Valley, STC opened the Dr. Ramiro R. Casso Nursing and Allied Health Campus in fall 2000 with 697 students. The campus’ current enrollment is over 1,600 students.

STC also provides medical training programs at several area high schools under the concurrent and contract educati on program, and at its other campuses in Weslaco and Rio Grande City.

The Nursing and Allied Health Campus lies in the shadow of McAllen’s growing medical district. The campus is next to the Community Ori-ented Primary Care Clinic and also neighbored by a new branch of the Texas A&M School of Rural Public Health. Two major hospital complex-es, a heart hospital, cancer treatment centers, surgical care centers, and multi ple health care offi ces, clinics and pharmacies are adjacent to the site.

Students at the Nursing and Allied Health Campus learn in professional simulated hospital clinic lab setti ngs as well as pati ent care setti ngs re-sembling nursing home care, physical therapy and occupati onal ther-apy rehabilitati on, radiology, ambulance, and emergency room care. Medical offi ce procedures and professions are learned in a simulated medical records lab and computerized medical transcripti on lab.

The College off ers eight Associate of Applied Science degrees and 13 certi fi cates in a variety of health occupati ons including Associate Degree Nursing, Emergency Medical Technicians, Health Informati on Technology, Occupati onal Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assis-tant, Radiologic Technology, Medical Assistant, and Pharmacy Techni-cian, Medical Transcripti on, Medical Insurance Coding, Pati ent Care Assistant, and Vocati onal Nursing.

The current facility is a four-story, 101,722 GSF building located near vacant land to the northwest, which could be acquired in the future for facility expansion.

nursing and allied health campus


Fall 20007.74 Acres101,722 GSF458 spaces1,632 Students132

LegendDr. Ramiro R. Casso Nursing and Allied Health Campus

North view of Nursing and Allied Health CampusSource: Bing Maps

South view of Nursing and Allied Health CampusSource: Bing Maps

Existi ng Building



Data Gathering/Summary of IssuesThe planning team identi fi ed campus issues through interview ses-sions, questi onnaires, site analysis, and general campus observati ons at the Nursing and Allied Health Campus. While many positi ve items were noted, the following comments highlight some improvements to be considered:

Campus Environment• Indoor gathering spaces are needed for student study areas.• Acquisiti on of land needed for future growth.

Campus Faciliti es• Lack of classroom space.• Lack of faculty offi ces and storage space.• There are maintenance issues with the building and the limestone

exterior is mildewing badly.• Airport restricti ons limit building heights to four stories.• Classrooms are not very functi onal and many classes have multi -

functi ons and should only be used for labs. • Many classrooms are not adjacent to labs.• Need for large auditorium (orientati ons and graduati ons).• Classrooms do not buff er sound well.• Library needs to be expanded.• Need for a larger student acti viti es area, bookstore, and fully func-ti onal café.

• Secure storage areas needed for expensive equipment.• Receiving/dock area needs to incorporate a ramp for deliveries.• Canopy in front and rear of building.• Interior signage is inadequate.

Parking and Signage• Lack of parking spaces unti l more land is acquired to provide sur-

face parking (students are being fi ned by the City for parking on streets adjacent to the campus).

• Lack of designated parking for faculty/staff .• Parking that has expanded to the north may cause some pedestrian

crossing issues.

Campus Circulati on• There is no designated bus drop-off .• Since this campus consists of a single building, no circulati on issues

existi ng. However, crosswalks and connecti vity will be important if new faciliti es are constructed to the northwest.

Example of expensive equipment in classroom

Land acquisiti on needed to accommodate expanding programs and parking defi cits

Cafe capacity is not large enough to accommodate the large campus populati on

Parking spaces are very limited


Existi ng Conditi onsLocated near the McAllen’s medical district, the Nursing and Allied Health Campus is approximately 7.74 acres. The campus is bounded by Driscoll Hospital to the north, East Vermont Avenue to the south, South “K” Center Street to the east, and El Milagro Clinic to the west.

There will be a likely expansion of this campus, but it would have to oc-cur to the north and west of the existi ng property. The City of McAllen currently owns this property, which is open space, and STC is currently in negoti ati ons to acquire a porti on of the available land.

A closer look at the Nursing and Allied Health Campus yielded the fol-lowing fi ndings:

Parking - This campus is highly uti lized throughout the day and parking is very limited. Temporary parking soluti ons have been created by roping off areas adjacent to existi ng parking, but the ulti mate soluti on would be property acquisiti on in order to meet enrollment increases and parking demand.

Faciliti es - The building on this campus is in good conditi on. There are some minor issues with mildew growth on the limestone exterior walls, some water intrusion because of improper exterior sealing, and air circulati on issues with the HVAC system.

Land Use - With the excepti on of an apartment complex just south of the campus, commercial and medical offi ces are a major adja-cent land use.

Circulati on - Since the campus facility is surrounded by parking, vehicular traffi c can easily access all sides of the building. De-pending upon future expansion, pedestrian and vehicular circula-ti on patt erns may be altered.

Gathering Spaces - There are very few indoor and outdoor gath-ering spaces on campus. Students are currently gathering in the library and cafe areas. Those areas are not adequate in size and can only accommodate a small number of students.

Ownership and Acquisiti on - Property acquisiti on should be a priority if enrollment and programs are to grow and expand on this campus. The campus is landlocked without the purchase of additi onal property to the north and west.




Existi ng Building

Existi ng Parking


Property Line


Campus AnalysisDuring the Analysis Phase, the planning team made general observa-ti ons resulti ng in several recommendati ons for the Nursing and Allied Health Campus. The analysis maps helped the planning team gain an accurate understanding of the campus and its surroundings.

The main entrances to campus are on East Vermont Avenue bounding the south property line. There is another entrance that can be ac-cessed from South “K” Center Street on the east. All entrances allow vehicular traffi c to navigate around the enti re campus. A new loop road could be established on the north end of the property to serve future campus expansion.

There is opportunity to connect future faciliti es visually with the exist-ing building. A focal point could be created with a plaza that serves both existi ng and future faciliti es.

The expansion of parking areas can occur with the acquisiti on of ad-diti onal property. This would not only make space available for parking areas, but for future faciliti es as well.

Locati ons of future faciliti es can be positi oned directly northwest of ex-isti ng property. If that occurs, connecti vity between faciliti es will have to be examined closely.

Campus Observati ons • The campus is located near commercial and medical land uses.• Vehicular circulati on routes loop the facility.• All parking areas are within reasonable walking distance.• Prominent views of campus currently exist along East Vermont Av-

enue, South McColl Road, and East Ridge Road.• The campus has adequate entrance/exits.• Opportuniti es for property acquisiti on.



Existi ng Building

Proposed Building


Proposed Axis Property Line

Proposed Parking Focal Point - Plaza

Proposed Acquisiti on



Recommendati onsThe Nursing and Allied Health Campus has experienced the highest growth rate of all the campuses, yet it is the smallest campus by land area and building size. Because of steady growth in the nursing indus-try, expansion of this campus is criti cal to capture the full potenti al of students. Projecti ons indicate this campus will more than double by 2020, therefore, it is recommended that the overall building square footage on this campus double. In order to expand, additi onal land is required. It is recommended that the College purchase at least an ad-diti onal seven acres in the tract immediately northwest of the existi ng site.

Parking is in short supply; however, the College is currently taking measures to increase the amount of parking with the limited available land they currently own. Any building additi ons will require additi onal parking. It is recommended that the current parking lot to the north of the NAH building be extended to the west and north to accommodate as many cars as possible while providing an additi onal access point and circulati on road to the northern edge of the campus.

As newer faciliti es are constructed on this campus, pedestrian connec-ti ons will become vital. Larger student support spaces will be needed to accommodate the increased annual enrollment. Enrollment is targeted to reach approximately 3,400 by 2020. The constructi on of newer faciliti es would balance rati o between enrollment and gross fl oor area.

Annual % 2008 2015 2020

Nursing and Allied Health 9.2% 1,632 2,603 3,434

Enrollment Summary




Nursing and Allied Health 101,722 GSF 172,998 GSF 173,000 GSF


Building blocks in phase one are criti cal to the overall development and physical appearance of the campus. These building blocks set the foun-dati on for Phases Two and Three. Specifi c recommendati ons include the following:Phase One

1. Nursing and Allied Health Campus Expansiona. Add classrooms, labs, specialty spaces, offi ces, and new li-

brary.b. Phase one expansion, approximately 91,000 SF, should be con-

structed along frontage of McColl Road in order to maximize frontage and visibility.

c. Remodel fi rst fl oor of east building to expand student services; i.e., new cafeteria, lounge, admissions, bookstore, and library.

d. Purchase available property adjacent to the existi ng campus.

2. Parkinga. Expand parking to the north and west of existi ng building and

just east of the Phase One facility.b. Include pedestrian mall and plaza to link the buildings.

Phase Two and Three1. Nursing and Allied Health Campus Expansion

a. Expand building along McColl Road to the north and south, approximately 82,000 SF.

2. Parkinga. Infi ll parking between McColl Road and S. “K” Center Street.b. Consider a joint-use parking garage with other adjacent land

owners if future building expansion is needed.


Recommendati onsConceptual Plan



Existi ng Building




Technology Campus


Introducti onThe Technology Campus is situated in Hidalgo County’s busy McAllen Foreign Trade Zone. The state-of-the-art facility provides a wide range of electronic training labs, technical machinery labs and classrooms to prepare students for careers to meet the targeted workforce needs of this vital and growing area. Courses of study range from business administrati on to precision manufacturing, computer science, diesel technology, and computer-aided draft ing and design.

The campus is also home to the College’s largest Workforce Training Center, which provides customized training programs to area employ-ers in a number of technical and managerial skill areas.

This campus houses four faciliti es and has four portables. Its largest facility is the Technology West Building (Building B), which is also con-nected to the Workforce Development Building (Building C) and totals 156,760 GSF.

The Technology East Building (Building A) is the newest facility on campus, and it houses several student support services. Shipping and Receiving (Building D) is located in the northwest corner of the campus.

technology campus


29.94 Acres160,453 GSF602 spaces949 Students168

D

LegendA - Technology East B - Technology West C - Workforce DevelopmentD - Shipping and Receiving

North view of Technology CampusSource: Bing Maps

East view of Technology CampusSource: Bing Maps

Existi ng Building


technology campus

Data Gathering/Summary of IssuesThe planning team identi fi ed campus issues through interview ses-sions, questi onnaires, site analysis, and general campus observati ons at the Technology Campus. While many positi ve items were noted, the following comments highlight some improvements to be considered:

Campus Environment• Lack of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces.• Access control needed at entrances.• Lack of landscaping and trees coverage.• Campus edges are not strongly defi ned.

Campus Faciliti es• Portable buildings in use.• Over used teaching areas due to lack of storage space.• Limited spaces for classroom, faculty offi ces, and storage.• Interior lighti ng is insuffi cient.• Shortage of labs for welding, machining and industrial maintenance

labs.• Lack of space for food and student services.• Lack of space for shipping and receiving.

Parking and Signage• Existi ng parking is suffi cient.• Monument sign at south entrance from Military Highway.

Campus Circulati on• No designated area for bus loading/unloading.

Existi ng indoor and outdoor gathering spaces

Some student work areas have insuffi cient lighti ng

Existi ng limited landscaping

Existi ng designated loading/unloading area for school buses


Existi ng Conditi onsOne of three STC campuses located in McAllen, the Technology Cam-pus is approximately 29.94 acres. The campus is bounded by industrial land use to the north, West Military Highway to the south, South Ware Road to the east, and a vacant industrial property to the west.

A closer look at the Technology Campus yielded the following fi ndings:Parking - Parking is currently suffi cient. There is an issue with loading/unloading of school buses when high school students ar-rive on campus.

Faciliti es - The Technology West and Workforce Development Buildings (Buildings B and C) are renovated faciliti es and have some issues with functi onality. Building A is a newer facility on campus and it also has some issues with functi onality and the layout of some spaces.

Land Use - This campus is located in the heart of McAllen’s indus-trial district and trade zone.

Circulati on - There is an internal loop road which makes vehicular circulati on on this campus easy.

Gathering Spaces - Indoor and outdoor gathering spaces are lim-ited.

Walking Distances - Most pedestrian circulati on occurs within the campus faciliti es, reducing vehicular and pedestrian confl icts greatly. This also makes walking distances on campus very mini-mal.


technology campus


Existi ng Building

Existi ng Parking


Property Line

D


Campus AnalysisDuring the Analysis Phase, the planning team made general observa-ti ons resulti ng in several recommendati ons for the Technology Campus. The analysis maps helped the planning team gain an accurate under-standing of the campus and its surroundings.

There are three entrances to the campus off of South Ware Road, one of those entrances being the main entrance. There is another entrance off of West Military Highway on the south side of campus. The main entrance is marked with signage.

Logically, the potenti al locati on for future faciliti es would be north of the existi ng buildings with parking expansion wrapped around the new faciliti es.

Open/green space is very limited and will conti nue to become reduced with campus expansion.

Campus Observati ons • The campus is located within an industrial district• An existi ng loop road makes vehicular circulati on easy.• Walking distances are minimal from parking lots to the core of

campus.• Walking distances from building to building are minimal.• Prominent views of campus currently exist along South Ware Road

and West Military Highway.• Internal pedestrian access corridors are established within campus

faciliti es.• Opportuniti es exist to enhance a main entrance to campus off of

South Ware Road.• Limited amount of green/open space on campus.• Future parking expansion will be limited.

technology campus


Existi ng Building

Proposed Building


Property Line

Proposed Parking

D


technology campus

Annual % 2008 2015 2020

Technology Campus 5.0% 949 1,269 1,518

Enrollment Summary




Technology Campus 160,453 GSF 252,480 GSF 161,000 GSF


Note: Red font indicates the campus reaches capacity before all space needs are met.

Recommendati ons The Technology Campus has one of the largest non-credit student populati ons in the district and when combined with the total student populati on, this campus will experience space defi cits around 2013.

There is limited space within the current campus property boundary to expand. Additi onal acquisiti ons near the campus are recommended to serve the projected capacity of students beyond 2020. With the high number of non-credit courses, opportuniti es for new programs could exist if additi onal land was available. There is currently a shortage of labs for welding, machining and industrial maintenance. Storage space is limited, and most importantly, teaching space.

Student support services are highly uti lized and they lack space for future expansion. One issue with expansion will be the balance of parking areas and building sites. The areas available for building sites remove the opportunity for future parking areas in those same loca-ti ons. This is one of the reasons this campus will reach its land capacity near 2013.

Vehicular circulati on works well, but a new visitor parking and bus drop-off area is recommended. This will create a more identi fi able entry off of South Ware Road.

Building blocks in Phase One are criti cal to the overall development and physical appearance of the campus. These building blocks set the foundati on for Phases Two and Three. Specifi c recommendati ons include the following:Phase One

1. Technology Campus Expansion and Insti tute for Advanced Manu-facturinga. Approximately 52,000 SF for Technology Campus Expansion

and 12,000 SF for Insti tute for Advanced Manufacturingb. Labs, classrooms, offi ces and student spaces for Business and

Technology and Developmental Studies.c. Expand programs of Library into remodeled Building C.

2. Logisti cal Support Center Expansiona. Approximately 10,000 SF

3. Parkinga. Expand parking just west of Phase One facility.b. Expand visitor parking and construct bus drop-off near en-

trance of Phase One facility.

Phase Two and Three1. Technology Campus Expansion II

a. Academic classrooms, labs, offi ce space.b. Approximately 41,000 SF

2. Technology Campus Expansion IIIa. Approximately 46,000 SF

3. Parkinga. Expand parking west of Phase Two and Three faciliti es.



technology campus


Existi ng Building




D

Phase III - Technology Campus Expansion and Insti tute for Advanced Manufacturing

Technology Campus Expansion and Insti tute for Advanced Manufacturing - west entry view


technology campus


Mid-Valley Campus


Introducti onIn 1994, STC’s Mid-Valley Campus classes were fi rst off ered at the High School for Medical Professions. A few years later, the Weslaco Econom-ic Development Corporati on leased the College porti on of its building for seven classrooms and one offi ce.

Aft er a competi ti ve process to select a site to serve this region of the county, STC made a decision to locate its Mid-Valley Campus in Wesla-co, Texas.

In 1997, the Weslaco Economic Development Corporati on donated a 20-acre site and warehouse at 400 North Border Avenue in Weslaco. The warehouse was renovated at a cost of $5.2 million, with Buildings A and B ready for occupati on in fall 2000.

In 2001, a $22 million expansion program was made possible by a bond issue approved by taxpayers. The expansion included four new buildings, and facility and site ameniti es. The existi ng A and B build-ings were renovated for the Student Success Center, Nursing and Allied Health programs, and physical science and chemistry classes.

The largest of the four new buildings is the North Academic Building (Building G). The 91,640 square foot facility contains 31 classrooms, 53 staff offi ces, 7 computer labs, 4 science labs, 3 technical training labs, an art lab and a lecture hall that doubles as an auditorium.

The 24,400 square foot state-of-the-art library (Building E) is another focal point of the campus. In additi on to roughly 14,000 square feet of bookshelves, the facility contains student computer labs and study rooms, reading areas and a faculty resource lab. It also houses instruc-ti onal technology and technical support services staff .

The Student Services Building (Building F), with 23,281 square feet, contains 21 staff offi ces, 2 training labs, a student acti viti es area, a kitchen, dining area, game room and a multi -purpose room.

The Workforce Center (Building D) is located in a new 15,940 square foot structure composed of 7 classrooms and 13 staff offi ces.

The bond constructi on expansion also included landscaping of the 53.59 acre site, more than 300 new parking spaces, and the additi on of new vehicular driveways and entrances to the campus. A Thermal Energy Plant was also built on site providing chilled water for the air conditi oning systems for Buildings E, F and G.

A Wellness Center (Building C) was recently renovated and completed in 2009.

mid-valley campus


Fall 200053.59 Acres208,691 GSF1,271 spaces2,916 Students186

North view of Mid-Valley CampusSource: Bing Maps

East view of Mid-Valley CampusSource: Bing Maps

LegendA - Student Success CenterB - Nursing and Allied Health C - Wellness Center D - Workforce Center E - Library

F - Student ServicesG - North AcademicH - South Academic

WE - Child Development Center

Existi ng Building


mid-valley campus

Data Gathering/Summary of IssuesThe planning team identi fi ed campus issues through interview sessions, questi onnaires, site analysis, and general campus observati ons at the Mid-Valley Campus. While many positi ve items were noted, the follow-ing comments highlight some improvements to be considered:

Campus Environment• There are campus access issues on West Huisache Street when

cargo trains stop on the tracks for an extended period of ti me.• Lack of gathering spaces (indoor and outdoor/shaded).• The campus “mall” lacks development.• Access control at entrances to campus is desired.• Lack of landscaping around campus.

Campus Faciliti es• Lack of classroom space.• Lack of faculty offi ces.• Lack of storage space for faculty, custodians, maintenance and

security.• Student services, library and cafe space could be expanded.• Workforce building could be used more eff ecti vely.• Need for a new instructi onal building with multi -media capabiliti es.• Some restrooms are not ADA compliant.• Nursing and Allied Health classes are not located together.• Classroom layouts and furniture are not conducive to great learning

environments.

Parking and Signage• Parking is adequate at the moment.• Pedestrians walkways are not provided in parking areas.

Campus Circulati on• There is a parti al loop road around the campus.• Lack of building-to-building pedestrian circulati on.

Existi ng parking areas without sidewalks

Existi ng campus mall

Train crossings oft en blocks access to northwest entrance to campus

Existi ng library


Existi ng Conditi onsThe Mid-Valley Campus, located in Weslaco, is approximately 53.59 acres. The campus is bounded by West Huisache Street to the north, West Railroad Street to the south, North Calle de la Republica and Calle de Colorado to the east, and North Border Avenue to the west.

Future campus expansion would most likely occur to the north and east, but the current campus could accommodate at least seven new faciliti es before it reach capacity. Campus leadership has done a great job of developing its parking on the outer edges of campus, creati ng an opportunity for future faciliti es to be constructed in the interior of the campus, creati ng a fully development pedestrian mall opportunity once infi ll constructi on is complete.

All of Mid-Valley’s faciliti es are in good conditi on with the excepti on of the South Academic Building (Building H), which is a likely candidate for future demoliti on. This campus has a small uti lity plant that services only three faciliti es at the moment.

A closer look at the Mid-Valley campus yielded the following fi ndings: Land Use - The Mid-Valley Campus is adjacent to a residenti al area to the east and porti on of the north. Also to the north and west is light industrial land uses, and a high school is just west of North Border Avenue. Commercial land uses are located to the south.

Circulati on - There is a lack of a fully developed internal loop road on campus, although vehicles can circulate the campus in all direc-ti ons. The current vehicular circulati on patt ern terminates into a parking lot on the east side of campus. Generally, pedestrian circulati on is good, but there are a couple of crosswalks that could be enhanced to become more visible to vehicular traffi c.

Walking Distances - Walking distances on campus are accept-able by today’s standards. It takes three to four minutes to get from one end of the campus to the other. Faciliti es are somewhat spread out from each other, but with the logical placement of future faciliti es, the campus will become more compact reducing walking distances even more.

Green Space - There is suffi cient green space available on campus with the opportunity to create outdoor gathering spaces.

mid-valley campus

Ownership and Acquisiti on - In order to meet future growth, the campus has adequate room to expand within the existi ng bound-aries for the next several years. However, if the campus conti nues to grow aft er available sites are built upon, then additi onal land will need to be required.

Facility Space - Additi onal spaces are needed to support custodial, maintenance and security functi ons on campus. There is a lack of large and small classrooms, and a need for an instructi onal build-ing in order to expand existi ng and future programs.


LegendA - Student Success CenterB - Nursing and Allied Health C - Wellness Center D - Workforce Center E - Library F - Student ServicesG - North AcademicH - South Academic


Existi ng Building

Existi ng Parking

Impeded Existi ng Circulati on


Property Line


mid-valley campus

Campus AnalysisDuring the Analysis Phase, the planning team made general observa-ti ons resulti ng in several recommendati ons for the Mid-Valley Campus. The analysis maps helped the planning team gain an accurate under-standing of the campus and its surroundings.

The primary entrance into campus can be accessed from Railroad Street or Business Highway 83. There is one secondary entry on North Border Avenue on the west, another on West Huisache Street to the north, and North Calle de la Republica on the east. There is another secondary entry further south on North Calle de la Republica as well.

Mid-Valley Campus has a natural north-south axis through the center of campus, which helps to create an east-west axis just north of Build-ing F. When the campus becomes fully developed, this will establish the “heart” of the campus just southeast of Building E.

Future parking is encouraged to conti nue to develop on the outer edges of campus, further strengthening the campus core functi onally and visibly. Parking is suffi cient at this ti me, but future development of the campus will prompt the expansion of more parking areas.

The campus internal streets currently do not form a complete loop around the campus, but through future development this should be integrated into the overall campus design. An internal loop road helps to prevent campus vehicular traffi c from using public streets in order to access various parts of campus and creates a safer pedestrian environ-ment.

Ample open space is available for future building sites. Building sites are available south of the North Academic Building (Building G), along each side of the main entry, and just north and east of the Library (Building E). If additi onal building sites are needed, there is possible campus expansion that can take place on adjacent properti es near campus.

Campus Observati ons • The primary land use that is adjacent to the campus is residenti al.• Some pedestrian circulati on routes cut through parking lots.• All parking areas are within reasonable walking distance.• Prominent views of campus currently exist along Business Highway

83 and North Border Avenue.• Ample amount of green/open space within campus core.• Opportuniti es to enhance/soft en parking lots with landscape ele-

ments.



Existi ng Building

Proposed Building


Proposed Axis

Property Line

Proposed Parking

Focal Point - Plaza


Annual % 2008 2015 2020

Mid-Valley Campus 4.5% 2,916 3,815 4,490

Enrollment Summary




Mid-Valley Campus 208,691 GSF 200,406 GSF 224,000 GSF


mid-valley campus

Recommendati onsThe Mid-Valley Campus off ers the most opportunity for growth and expansion beyond 2020. This is the reason this campus is recommend-ed to accommodate overfl ow growth from other campuses if needed. Enrollment projecti ons predict a normal and steady growth in all areas of the campus.

Despite the success of this campus, there is sti ll a lack of teaching space, storage and faculty offi ces. Student support services are at capacity as well. Mid-Valley is the only campus at this ti me that has a child-care facility, and will conti nue to off er this service in the future.

There are some programs off ered on campus that are disjointed, and as new faciliti es are constructed, this issue should be addressed. The campus also lacks a well defi ned pedestrian mall and it is recommend-ed that one is created in Phases Two or Three. Currently, there are ample parking spaces and adequate land is available to accommodate projected growth unti l 2020. However, it is recommended that sev-eral parking areas be reconfi gured and expanded to maximize parking spaces and minimize pedestrian and vehicular confl icts.

Building blocks in Phase One are criti cal to the overall development and physical appearance of the campus. These building blocks set the foundati on for Phases Two and Three. Specifi c recommendati ons include the following:Phase One

1. Technology and Workforce Center Expansion – 10,000 SF

2. Health Professions and Science Centera. Classrooms, labs, specialty spaces and offi ces for NAH.b. Opportunity to relieve NAH campus.c. Approximately 36,000 SF

3. Classroom Expansion - 30,000 SF

4. Student Services Expansion - (Building F) a. Larger cafeteria, more lounge space and adds quiet spaces.b. Approximately 7,000 SF

5. Parkinga. Expand parking just north of new Health Professions and Sci-

ence Center.

Phase Two and Three1. New Classroom Building I

a. Academic classrooms, labs, offi ce space.b. Approximately 51,000 SF

2. Child-Care Center - 10,000 SF

3. New Classroom Building II - 40,000 SF

4. New Classroom Building III - 40,000 SF

5. Parkinga. Expand parking in the southeast quadrant of campus in Phase

Two. Expand and reconfi gure parking just south of Technology and Workforce Center Expansion.

b. Expand parking in the southwest quadrant of campus in Phase Three. Reconfi gure parking area just west of the North Aca-demic Building (Building G) and parking area just west of the Library (Building E).


mid-valley campus




Existi ng Building




Future Building Sites

Phase I - Technology and Workforce Center Expansion

Phase III - New Classroom Building and Pedestrian Mall



mid-valley campus

Starr County Campus


Introducti onThrough the vision of the leaders of Starr and Hidalgo counti es, STC opened its doors with a clear mission of bringing higher educati on op-portuniti es to the citi zens of both counti es.

On December 7, 1993, STC began off ering classes in Starr County with six evening courses—both in basic academics and conti nuing educa-ti on—taught at Rio Grande City High School. Sixty-one students were enrolled for the fi rst semester. Through classroom space donated by both Rio Grande City ISD and Roma ISD, the College was able to expand its services.

By fall 1999, the College had developed its own campus. The Starr County Campus opened with a 27,279 square foot facility located at 142 FM 3167 in Rio Grande City. The new campus had 12 classrooms and labs, a Learning Resource Center, a Student Success Center, student support services and administrati ve offi ces.

A $16 million expansion program provided new classroom faciliti es, a larger library, a workforce center, a student acti viti es center and a student services building. The new structures were made possible through the passage of the 2001 bond electi on that provided funding for the college’s growth.

The Starr County Campus now serves approximately 1,100 students, and enrollment conti nues to climb. With the creati on of the new work-force center, STC is also able to expand its skills training programs.

STC’s conti nued success in Starr County has been made possible through the Board of Trustee’s partnership with the County’s elected offi cials, school districts, business leaders and taxpayers, as well as the College’s students, faculty, staff and administrati on.

starr county campus


Fall 199369.5 Acres123,427 GSF427 spaces1,040 Students114

LegendA - Administrati on/Bookstore B - Student Success Center C - North Academic D - Workforce Center E - South AcademicF - LibraryG - Student Services

H - Student Acti viti es Center

North view of Starr County CampusSource: Bing Maps

West view of Starr County CampusSource: Bing Maps

Existi ng Building


starr county campus

Data Gathering/Summary of IssuesThe planning team identi fi ed campus issues through interview ses-sions, questi onnaires, site analysis, and general campus observati ons at the Starr County Campus. While many positi ve items were noted, the following comments highlight some improvements to be considered:

Campus Environment• Centralized gathering spaces.

Campus Faciliti es• Need for more classroom, faculty offi ces and storage space.• Expand library and student services.• Amphitheater lacks roof.• Weight room area needs showers and lockers to be bett er uti lized.• Welding and automoti ve classroom spaces are inadequate.• South Academic Building (Building E) lacks indoor gathering spaces.• Biology, computer labs, nursing and faculty need additi onal spaces.• The expansion of food services would benefi t students who att end

night classes.• Lack of community space including health services or meeti ng

rooms.

Parking and Signage• Parking should be suffi cient for a few years.

Example of library services and student study areas

Existi ng amphitheater

Example of student acti viti es

Community space example


Existi ng Conditi onsThe Starr County Campus is located in Rio Grande City. The Starr Coun-ty Campus is approximately 45 minutes from McAllen where three of the fi ve STC campuses are located. The 69.5 acre campus is bounded by Rio Grande City High School to the northeast, by residenti al proper-ty to the south, large tracts of open space/vacant land to the east, and FM 3167 to the west.

This campus has newer faciliti es and its academic space is adequate at the moment. However, community space is needed on this campus to help provide opportuniti es and services to the local residents.

The University of Texas Pan-American is currently in the process of constructi ng a new facility that would be adjacent to the Starr County Campus. Both enti ti es would work together to provide educati onal resources to the city and county.

A closer look at the Starr County Campus yielded the following fi ndings:Parking - There is suffi cient parking currently. There are two large parking areas at the north and east sides of campus, and two smaller parking areas on the west side of campus near the main entrance.

Land Use - With the excepti on of a nearby high school, the major land use surrounding the campus is single-family residenti al.

Circulati on - A loop road is on the outer edges of campus, which decreases vehicular and pedestrian confl icts.

Gathering Spaces - There is a lack of indoor and outdoor gathering spaces. The few gathering spaces that do exist are scatt ered.

Green Space - There is available open and green space within and around the campus. Some of this space should be preserved dur-ing campus expansions.

Walking Distances - Walking distances are minimal. It takes two to three minutes to go from one end of the campus to the other.

Facility Space - There is a need for additi onal storage space. Stu-dent support and service areas are small. There is a lack of space for the community to hold events and functi ons.


starr county campus



Existi ng Building

Existi ng Parking


Property Line


Campus AnalysisDuring the Analysis Phase, the planning team made general observa-ti ons which resulted in several recommendati ons for the Starr County Campus. The analysis maps helped the planning team gain an accurate understanding of the campus and its surroundings.

There are two entrances onto campus, both are off of FM 3167. Cur-rently, two north-south axes exist that should be respected and conti n-ued. An east-west axis has already been established as well.

Future parking areas should conti nue to outline the campus boundar-ies as development occurs. Future faciliti es should also be located in respect to existi ng faciliti es.

Campus Observati ons • The campus is surrounded by residenti al land uses.• Vehicular circulati on is adequate because of the existi ng loop road.• Walking distances are minimal from parking lots to the core of

campus.• Walking distances from building to building are minimal.• Prominent views of campus are currently along FM 3167.• There are clear internal pedestrian access corridors within campus.• Abundant soft scape areas around campus.• Ample amount of green/open space on campus.

starr county campus



Property Line

Existi ng Axis

Existi ng Building

Proposed Building


Proposed Parking



Recommendati onsThe need for academic space at Starr County is not as urgent as other campuses, yet there is sti ll a need. This campus has a luxury that many of the other campuses lack, which is available land needed to expand.

This campus is ti ed to the community and off ers its faciliti es to local groups and programs. Because of the close relati onship with the local populati on, community space is important and should be expanded. Most of the recommended faciliti es in Phase One will be available to the community.

The recommended expansion of the Technology and Workforce Center will help STC to conti nue to provide services to the community and foster that relati onship. STC should strategically partner with UT Pan American to sti mulate future growth of the campus. UT Pan Ameri-can is constructi ng a facility just southwest of the campus boundary. Programs off ered there will not interfere with STC’s programs and academic goals.

There will be a few parking area expansions and a loop road extension in later phases, but the existi ng axes will be preserved through the con-structi on of new faciliti es. Starr County will be able to accommodate

starr county campus

Annual % 2008 2015 2020

Starr County Campus 4.0% 1,040 1,339 1,539

Enrollment Summary




Starr County Campus 123,427 GSF 141,015 GSF 141,000 GSF


growth well beyond 2020. Building blocks in Phase One are criti cal to the overall development and physical appearance of the campus. These building blocks set the foun-dati on for Phases Two and Three. Specifi c recommendati ons include the following:Phase One

1. Library Expansion and Cultural Arts Centera. Serve as a regional library for Starr County, provide informa-

ti on commons, art exhibiti on space and instructi onal tech space.

b. Approximately 15,000 SF each

2. Health Professions and Science Centera. Classrooms, labs, specialty spaces, and offi ces.b. Approximately 22,000 SF

3. Technology and Workforce Center Expansion - 16,000 SF

4. Student Services Expansion - 5,000 SF

5. Parking

a. Expand parking in the southwest quadrant of campus.Phase Two and Three

1. New Classroom Building Ia. Academic classrooms, labs, offi ce space.b. Approximately 20,000 SF

2. Performing Arts Classroom Buildinga. Music and drama programs.b. Approximately 19,000 SF

3. New Classroom Building II - 44,000 SF

4. Parkinga. Expand parking in the southeast quadrant of campus in Phase

Two.b. Expand parking in the northeast quadrant of campus in Phase

Three.



starr county campus



Existi ng Building




Future Parking

Phase III - New Classroom Building II


starr county campus


Cost Esti mate


cost estimate

Esti mate Clarifi cati onExecuti ve Cost Summary

1. The basis for the cost model was documentati on from Freese and Nichols including CAD fi les, PDF documentati on, and the Master Building Legend

2. Direct constructi on cost are generated as 2010, fi rst quarter cost data

3. This master plan cost model assumes that the each building, or groups of buildings will be individual projects, competi ti vely bid, to qualifi ed, Texas-based, General Contractors

4. The cost model assumes normal working hours, conditi ons, and typical scheduling

5. The cost model includes direct cost for only those projects that have been identi fi ed as Phase I in the Master Building Legend

6. Fees for General Contractor General Conditi ons and Profi t have been included for budgeti ng purposes

7. Fees for Design Consulti ng (Architecture/Engineering) have been included for budgeti ng purposes

8. A Design Conti ngency of 5 percent has been included for budget-ing purposes and is intended to be used by the owner to cover scope changes, specialty design conditi ons and specialty design consultants.

9. An Owner’s Conti ngency of 5 percent has been included for budgeti ng purposes and is intended to be used by the owner to cover scope changes, unforeseen conditi ons, etc.

10. An allowance for escalati on of 5.7 percent has been identi fi ed for budgeti ng purposes. Escalati on refers to the general infl ati on of material costs over ti me. It is important to note that escala-ti on factors are extremely volati le and subjected to multi ple infl uencing factors. Local and global economies, material and labor availability, all aff ect the infl ati on rate. It is recommended that as the Master Plan project progresses, the College should conti nually maintain current escalati on rates, related to the start dates of specifi c constructi on projects. An esti mated escalati on schedule can be provided.

11. An Owner’s allowance of 1 percent have been identi fi ed for tem-porary faciliti es and relocati on costs associated with work on the Master Plan

12. An Owner’s allowance of 4.5 percent have been included per STC for Furnishings, Fixtures, and Equipment

13. An Owner’s allowance of 6.5 percent have been included per STC for Informati on Technology

14. Land acquisiti on costs are excluded from this cost model but should be recognized by the owner as potenti al additi onal cost in the development of the Master Plan

15. Demoliti on of existi ng structures has been excluded from this cost model but should be recognized by the owner as potenti al additi onal cost in the development of the Master Plan

16. Projects identi fi ed in the Master Plan as Phase II or Phase III are not included in this cost model

17. The STC Pedestrian Bridge project on the Pecan Campus is not included in this cost model

18. General uti lity infrastructure cost required to facilitate expan-sion of the campus including Central Plant capacity upgrades and extension of primary uti liti es are included in this cost model

19. Specifi c uti lity extensions off of major loops or primary lines to projects identi fi ed in Phase II and/or III are not included in this cost model

20. Landscaping/Hardscaping and paving costs identi fi ed in Phase I of this Master Plan are included in this cost model

21. Landscaping/Hardscaping and paving costs identi fi ed in Phase II or Phase III of the Master plan are not included in this cost model

22. Building specifi c cost data has been created based on high level cost assumpti ons identi fi ed for each constructi on project. These assumpti ons, related to building fi nishes, structural types and foundati on systems are identi fi ed in the building esti mates as well as the Project Data Sheets documented for each project.


cost estimate

Phase I - Executi ve Cost Summary

Note: See appendix for detailed cost breakdown.


cost estimate

Phase I - Indirect Cost Breakdown



cost estimate

Phase II - Executi ve Cost Summary



cost estimate

Phase II - Indirect Cost Breakdown



cost estimate

Phase III - Executi ve Cost Summary



cost estimate

Phase III - Indirect Cost Breakdown



Building Descripti on GSF Total CostPecan CampusNew Classroom Building I 75,000 $16,412,994.00 New Classroom Building II 47,000 $9,903,174.00 Student Services Expansion 22,500 $5,651,857.00New Academic Building I 48,000 $10,335,839.00Campus Site Work $7,597,214.00

Subtotal 192,500 $49,901,078.00Nursing and Allied Health CampusNursing and Allied Health Campus Expansion 91,000 $24,907,326.00Campus Site Work $3,697,322.00

Subtotal 91,000 $28,604,648.00Technology CampusTechnology Campus Expansion and Insti tute for Advanced Manufacturing 64,000 $12,639,824.00Logisti cal Support Center Expansion 10,000 $2,271,526.00Campus Site Work $3,120,523.00

Subtotal 74,000 $18,031,873.00Mid-Valley CampusHealth Professions and Science Center/Classroom Building 66,000 $13,825,855.00Student Services Expansion 7,000 $1,994,486.00Technology and Workforce Center Expansion 10,000 $2,607,708.00Site Work $1,952,505.00

Subtotal 83,000 $20,380,554.00Starr County CampusLibrary Expansion and Cultural Arts Center 15,000 $4,254,914.00Technology and Workforce Center Expansion 16,000 $3,799,290.00Student Services Expansion 5,000 $1,608,399.00Health Professions and Science Center 22,000 $5,630,724.00Site Work $2,291,881.00

Subtotal 58,000 $17,585,208.00

TOTAL 498,500 $134,503,361.00

District-Wide Campus Master Plan SummaryDistrict-Wide Space Needs Summary

cost estimate

Total GSF Distributi on Phase I Phase II Phase IIIPecan Campus 493,000 40% 192,500 190,500 110,000Nursing and Allied Health Campus 173,000 14% 91,000 40,000 42,000Technology Campus 161,000 13% 74,000 41,000 46,000Mid-Valley Campus 224,000 19% 83,000 61,000 80,000Starr County Campus 141,000 12% 58,000 39,000 44,000Conti nuing Educati on 27,000 2% 27,000

Total 1,219,000 100% 498,500 398,500 322,000

Phase I Project Summary

Note: Cost esti mates have been rounded to the nearest dollar.

Note: Distributi on of space was determined by projected enrollment, space needs and campus capacity.

Prepared by:

Freese and Nichols, Inc.4055 Internati onal Plaza, Suite 200Fort Worth, Texas 76109(817) 735-7300www.freese.com

stc master plan - final.indd

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