Gatesville ISD | Junior High Expansion and Renovation

Gatesville ISD is undertaking a major renovation and expansion of its junior high facility at 307 S Lovers Lane in Gatesville. The project encompasses 94,234 sq ft of construction with an estimated cost of $14,600,000. This scope of work is registered with TDLR under the name Gatesville ISD | Junior High Expansion and Renovation, reflecting a significant investment in the district's educational infrastructure.

Project Scope and Timeline

The construction is scheduled to begin in December 2026, following a registration period that started in October 2026. The filing indicates that plan review is pending, and the entire process is targeted for August 2028. This timeline represents a scheduled build window of 601 days, which is longer than the county median of 92 days for similar renovation and alteration projects in Coryell County. The extended duration reflects the complexity of altering and expanding an existing school building rather than constructing a new one from the ground up.

Huckabee serves as the design firm of record for this initiative. The firm is known for working on various educational projects across Texas, including the nearby Gatesville ISD High School New Field House. The registered accessibility specialist for this specific filing is Ross A Thomas, ensuring that the renovation meets the necessary standards for student and staff access. The project utilizes public funds, aligning with the district's commitment to maintaining and improving its facilities for the local community.

Local Context and Economic Impact

The estimated cost per square foot is $155, a figure that sits above the county median of $79 per square foot for comparable renovation filings. This higher cost per unit area is typical for projects involving significant alterations to existing structures, where structural and system upgrades can be more intensive than new construction.

Gatesville ISD has another project registered with TDLR, the High School New Field House, with an estimated cost of $6,900,000. Together, these projects represent a substantial investment in the district's facilities. The local area, ZIP code 76528, has a population of about 18,490 and a median household income of $66,989, according to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates. The construction activity will likely provide employment opportunities in a region where the Coryell County unemployment rate was 5.4 percent .