Forney, TX

Keith Bell Opportunity Central

Career Technical Education Facilities Program (CTEP)

New Construction

Career and Technical Education Center (CTE)

2025 Outstanding Project

Nicknamed “The OC,” this innovative facility merges career and college instruction with community engagement, offering life-long learning, special events, wellness activities, and business partnerships. Serving FISD students during school hours, it remains open on evenings and weekends for college and community activities.

The OC includes eateries, retail, and services supported by students, along with flexible, technology-rich spaces that accommodate CTE programs, dual-credit courses, and college-level instruction. Co-working spaces occupy the first floor, while classrooms, labs, and multi-purpose areas are on the second and third floors. At the heart of the building is an arena with retractable seating on the lower levels and instructional space on the third floor overlooking the venue.

Several areas provide views of the “front yard,” a green space with a paved plaza, rolling hills, and an outdoor venue. Partnerships with Dallas College and Texas Tech University, along with local businesses, ensure high-quality programs for students, enabling them to gain practical experience while fostering strong community ties.

Architect

Huckabee

801 Cherry St., Ste. 500
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Huckabee-inc.com
Devin Wilson, Sr. Executive Director, Education
817-377-2969

Design Team

  • IEG Innovative Engineering Group, Structural Engineering
  • Gallagher Construction Services, Contractor
  • RLK Engineering, Civil Engineering
  • Romine, Romine and Burgess, MEP Engineering

Owner/Client

Forney ISD
Forney, TX
Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent

Key Stats

  • Grades Served: PreK; 10–12
  • Capacity of Students/Occupants: 2,400
  • Size of Site: 48 acres
  • Gross Area of Bldg./Space: 355,927 gsf
  • Space per Student: 148 sq. ft.
  • Square Foot Cost: $399
  • Project Cost: $142,144,420
  • Occupation Date: 1/1/2024

Award Issue

Spring 2025
— Outstanding Project

Photography

©2024 Truitt Photographics

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