South Texas College Student Activities Expansion

The second project being presented to the South Texas College Facilities Committee is the expansion of the Student Activities Building, which we first designed in 2003. (Original design by Mario Garza, Jr. - Inter Architect; expansion design by Christopher R. Collins, Architect and Hector Rene Garcia, Architect. Renderings by intern E.J. Melendez.)

The expansion (yellow) is sited 30' to the east of the existing facility, leaving a mesquite and sombrilla shaded courtyard that will serve as a secondary entrance and an outdoor gathering area.

As designed, the expansion is 4,137 SF, just under the programmed spaces of 4,186SF.

The expansion (yellow) is just east of the existing Student Activities Building with the Student Services (original and expansion) to the west. Careful siting of the facilities has allowed us to save most of the mesquites on the site.

Entrances into the expansion will be off of the main mall, to the north, and directly from the existing facility (via a courtyard) to the west. The Exercise Area (1,986 SF - yellow) is the primary space, with an expanse of windows looking out to the mesquite shaded courtyard and providing direct access to the Locker Rooms (1,090 SF - teal) and Support Spaces (651 SF - orange).

Existing Student Activities building, main entry (center) and sombrilla shaded courtyard (left). This facility has become a popular hangout for students and the expansion will allow for additional programs to be offered.

 North Elevation: View of the expansion (left), courtyard (center) and existing facility (right).

East Elevation

South Elevation: Existing facility (left), courtyard (center) and expansion (right).

West Elevation: Courtyard view into the Exercise Area.

 Southwest view from the General Academic Building towards the Student Activities Building, expansion (left) and existing facility (right).

View of the Student Activities Expansion as seen from the main campus entry driveway.