From forgotten storage to a future-ready innovation hub, Pfluger Architects helped Texas City ISD transform an old church gym into a state-of-the-art STEM/robotics center. With strong community support, including a $1 million contribution from Marathon Oil, this project offers students pathways to build real skills they can apply to careers in their community.
It began with a piece of land next to Texas City High School, where a new Industrial Trades Center was built. An old church gym on the property remained unused, which sparked an idea: why not transform this wasted space into something meaningful?
The district saw potential in the gym as a place to enhance its growing robotics program, creating a center for students to compete, collaborate, and explore hands-on STEM learning.
Pfluger’s design surrounded a competition arena with specialized labs, a makerspace, and flexible learning environments. This open, modular layout supports STEM curricula for PreK–12 students.
We used the existing concrete floors and exposed beams, then added industrial-style lighting to create an authentic workshop feel with state-of-the-art tools and equipment. Roll-up garage doors lead to an outdoor patio that accommodates larger equipment and expands capacity so students can explore beyond the old gym’s walls.
