Horticulture Forest Science Design Growth Chambers 119 & 120 in College Station, TX

The project known as Horticulture Forest Science Design Growth Chambers 119 & 120 involves renovating the Horticulture/Forest Science Building at 495 Horticulture Road in College Station. The Texas A&M University System is converting an existing open area into a dedicated room by installing a new wall. This 1,750-square-foot addition will house new growth chambers for research. The estimated cost is $1,200,000, and construction is scheduled to finish in December 2026.

SZS Architecture serves as the design firm of record for this renovation and alteration work. The scope is specific: the work creates a controlled environment suitable for housing new growth chambers. These chambers are essential for horticulture and forest science research, allowing scientists to manage light, temperature, and humidity precisely. The project involves public funds, consistent with the university's status as a state institution.

The project was registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in March 2026. Plan review was completed in the same month. Construction is set to begin in May 2026 and is scheduled to finish in December 2026. The entire build window spans 241 days, which is longer than the 121-day median for similar renovation projects in Brazos County.

Project Scale and Cost Context

At $686 per square foot, this project’s cost per unit area is above the county median of $96 for renovation and alteration filings. The total estimated cost of $1,200,000 places the project in the top quarter of costs for similar work in Brazos County. For comparison, the median estimated cost for such projects in the county is $300,000. This higher cost reflects the specialized nature of the work, which includes creating a secure, climate-controlled environment for sensitive research equipment.

The Texas A&M University System has six other TDLR-registered projects, with a combined value of $189,715,605. These include significant developments such as the TAMU Space Institute in Houston and the Player Development Center in College Station. SZS Architecture also has six other registered projects totaling $10,965,000, ranging from the Halbouty Building to the Wehner Building. This project fits within a broader pattern of infrastructure upgrades at the university, focusing on research capabilities and facility modernization.