Ball High South Auditorium Renovation in Galveston, TX

Galveston Independent School District is undertaking a major renovation of Ball High School, the oldest public high school in Texas, located at 4115 Avenue O in Galveston. The project, filed as Ball High South Auditorium Renovation, involves a complete overhaul of the existing auditorium and locker rooms, with an estimated cost of $27,500,000. This substantial investment covers 145,000 square feet of work, positioning the project well above the median estimated cost of $250,000 for similar renovation filings in Galveston County. The district aims to modernize key student facilities while preserving the historic character of the campus, which has served Galveston students for over a century.

Scope of Work and Design

The construction scope includes the renovation of existing auditorium and locker rooms, along with the conversion of specific spaces to additional locker rooms. New additions will include a scene shop and a lobby, enhancing the school's performance and event capabilities. A critical accessibility improvement involves adding an elevator, ensuring the facility meets modern standards for all students and staff. Additionally, the plan includes the infill of an existing pool, which will free up valuable land for other uses. Studio Red Architects serves as the design firm of record, bringing expertise from previous large-scale projects such as the Fallbrook Church in Cypress and Veranda Commons in Richmond.

The project is registered with TDLR, with Meghan Broussard Simecek listed as the registered accessibility specialist. This registration ensures that the renovation adheres to Texas accessibility standards, a crucial aspect for a public school serving a diverse student body. The use of public funds for this project underscores the district's commitment to providing safe, accessible, and modern facilities for its students. The construction start date is set for February 2026, with completion targeted for August 2027, allowing for a comprehensive build window of 545 days. This timeline is longer than the county median of 120 days for similar projects, reflecting the complexity and scale of the work involved.

Ball High School is situated in a vibrant area of Galveston, near several key local institutions including Galveston College and David Glenn Hunt Memorial Library. The surrounding community, with a median household income of $73,297 according to Census estimates for ZIP 77055, places a high value on educational facilities. The renovation will not only benefit the students of Ball High School but also enhance the overall infrastructure of the district, which includes other registered projects such as the Weis Middle School Parking Lot and Kermit Courville Stadium. This project is part of a broader effort by the Galveston Independent School District to upgrade its facilities, with six other TDLR-registered projects totaling over $50 million in the district.

The renovation of Ball High School represents a significant step forward for one of Texas' most historic schools. By modernizing the auditorium, locker rooms, and adding new amenities like a scene shop and elevator, the district is ensuring that the school remains a relevant and accessible hub for education and community events. The project's registration with TDLR and the involvement of experienced design firms like Studio Red Architects provide confidence that the work will be completed to high standards. As construction begins in February 2026, the community can look forward to a refreshed and modernized Ball High School, ready to serve students for generations to come.