Texas City ISD—Marathon STEM and Robotics Center
Architects: Pfluger Architects
“To meet the growing demand for STEM education, the district teamed up with local community partners to develop a robotics curriculum to increase the number of graduates participating in STEM & engineering programs. A former storage building has been transformed into a modern space for these programs with specialized labs and a competition arena. The renovated facility allows the district to host competitions and serves as a valuable resource for the entire community and all students, PreK-12.”
Design
“This school district had a dream: a cutting-edge STEM Center to inspire innovation & spotlight its robotics program. Bringing that vision to life meant boldly transforming a lifeless, forgotten storage building into a dynamic educational hub. The design centers around an open robotics arena surrounded by breakout spaces, classrooms, a makerspace, & fabrication lab. A modular layout adapts to diverse learning styles, can host competitions, and supports all students PreK-12. The dynamic setting offers endless opportunities to explore against an industrial backdrop.”
Value
“Proximity to industry giants and community partners offers unmatched real-world learning & career exploration for students across all grade levels. Savings, both initial & long-term, were ensured by recycling the foundation, steel & roof, & upgrading the envelope for energy efficiency. The layout is designed to be flexible, accommodating various events and enhancing the district’s reputation in STEM, CTE, and Robotics. It serves as a prime venue for regional competitions and community events.”
Wellness
“The design supports the well-being & growth of PreK-12 students through spaces that encourage play, exploration, & self-discovery. With flexible furnishings & layouts tailored for all ages, students develop new skills & interests in a nurturing environment. Technology-rich areas with industry-standard equipment support hands-on learning. Bullet-resistant film promotes safety & transparency, while natural light & garage doors connect to the outdoors. The safe, inclusive space supports diverse learning styles & fosters collaboration, critical thinking, & student wellness.”
Community
“This building’s existence results from community partners & the district joining forces to invest in the region’s future workforce. By sparking interest in STEM from an early age, more students gain exposure to exciting career paths right in their backyards. The facility blends the spirit of both area high schools into one collaborative space. Beyond nurturing homegrown talent, the building cultivates civic pride through its multi-use capabilities, hosting events that bring the community together.”
Planning
“Less than a year after breaking ground, the facility opened thanks to Marathon’s immediate funding. From the start, designers worked closely with Marathon, both high schools & community members, to align every decision with a shared vision. CTE and IT directors contributed their expertise, choosing resources that address real-world needs. The site plan allows easy access for ITC students and convenient drop-offs for other high schoolers. Preserving the original structure, the design blends old and new to create a cutting-edge learning environment that empowers future innovators.”
School Transformation
“Smart design & community partnerships moved robotics from a cramped classroom to a dynamic environment, transforming both the building & the delivery of STEM curriculum. The district can now host competitions, bringing greater awareness to the program. Students from PreK-12, engage in technology-rich learning experiences that spark their curiosity & passion for STEM. They progress from simple coding to complex projects, honing collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills along the way.”
Star of Distinction Category Winner