(MCALLEN, Texas – July 30, 2014) The newest project at Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District was marked official by the groundbreaking of Robert Vela High School’s performing arts center. On May 22, ECISD, ERO Architects of McAllen and SpawGlass representatives took part in the ceremony, as well as local officials.
Located at 801 E. Canton Rd., the 19,709-square-foot facility will boast a 361-seat theatre, classroom space, dressing rooms and design shop. According to ERO Architects Project Manager Ismael Adame, the project is estimated to cost $7 million and is expected to be complete by January 2015.
“We are pleased to continue serving the Edinburg school district by bringing our fourth performing arts center here to the community. This new facility is state-of-the-art and will enhance student achievement and give them a learning environment comparable to what you would see at universities,” said Adame.
The theatre features modern technology including theatrical lighting, an intuitive intercommunication system, powerful rigging and effects speakers located around the theatre to provide ambient noise for dramatic performances. Combined, the innovative systems are similar to those used in a professional theatre, and will transform the students’ performances into a fully-immersive 21st century learning experience.
The Robert Vela High School Performing Arts Center is preceded by the Ciro L. Trevino Performing Arts Center at Edinburg High School, the Pat McNallen Performing Arts Center at Edinburg North High School and the Alberto Garza, Jr. Performing Arts Center at Johnny Economedes High School. The previous centers were simultaneously designed by ERO and constructed between October 2009 – November 2010 through Infrastructure Facility Allotment funding from the State of Texas. The district was eligible for funding because each performing arts center was also multiple learning environments for students and teachers.
For more information about ERO Architects, please visit goERO.com or facebook.com/eroarchitects.
About ERO Architects
Headquartered in McAllen with offices in Houston and Seguin, ERO specializes in the architectural design of education and government facilities. Currently designing the new McAllen Performing Arts Center, new Mission High School renovation, new Seguin ISD High School and the new Houston ISD Furr High School. Awarded the Business of the Year by the State of Texas, McAllen and Austin Chamber of Commerce, ERO combines experience, innovation and collaboration to each design project in order to reflect and enhance the needs of communities; exceed expectations and always deliver on-time and on-budget. ERO formulates a development framework that incorporates the social, cultural, economic and ecological infrastructure to design unique and beautiful spaces that afford opportunities for positive experience and sustainable prosperity. With a portfolio of designing over 200 facilities, ERO is the leading architectural firm in South Texas.
Photo Caption: ECISD officials break ground for the new performing arts center at Robert Vela High School in Edinburg. Photo by: Mark Montemayor
