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Building a transformed district: Two HCISD facilities receive awards for architectural design

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Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Center – Auditorium
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Harlingen School of Health Professions – Commons Area

The panorama of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District has changed considerably over the past few years with the construction of new facilities, some of which have recently garnered the attention of renowned architects from across the state.

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Chapter of American Institute of Architects (LRGV-AIA) honored two of the district’s new additions in their 2015 Design Awards.

Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Center designed by Megamorphosis was presented with the Honor Award, which is the highest offered by the chapter, and Harlingen School of Health Professions designed by Rike Ogden Figueroa Allex Architects received recognition the Merit Award.

“On behalf of our entire design team, we want to thank the HCISD School Board and staff for this opportunity to serve our community,” said John Pearcy Vice President at Megamorphosis. “The Performing Arts Center Design Committee comprised an amazing array of talented individuals whose commitment to providing our students an unparalleled place to grow and perform has been affirmed with this prestigious award.”

The Performing Arts Center, a roughly 30,000 square foot venue located at 3217 W. Wilson Rd., boasts a 900-seat auditorium designed to cater to patrons and performers alike. Building features include an elevated stage, dressing room, classrooms, practice rooms, offices, a conference room, and support area.

“The Harlingen Performing Arts Center and HSHP have played a large part in our transformational efforts,” said Superintendent Art Cavazos. “We are very proud of these two outstanding facilities. Built with our learners in mind, the design of these state-of-the-art spaces supports our district’s focus to create environments that maximize opportunities to enhance our students’ learning experiences.”

In addition to this recognition, HSHP also earned three Stars of Distinction from the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards for excellence in planning and design of the learning environment in August 2015.

HSHP is an HCISD School of Choice with a specialized focus on medical careers. Six areas of emphasis – Dental Science, Patient Care, Surgical Procedures, Pharmacology/Biomedical Technology, Medical Science, and Sports Medicine/Therapeutic Services – are highlighted throughout the main floor.

Located at 2302 N. 21 Street, the building features an open library and a vast lecture hall. Small breakout spaces and dining area help create a collegiate feel and promote collaboration.

For over 25 years, the LRGV-AIA Awards program has recognized achievements for a broad range of architectural activity to elevate the general quality of architecture practice, establish a standard of excellence against which architects can measure performance, and inform the public of the breadth and value of architecture practice.

 

 

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