Adolfson & Peterson Construction has officially broken ground on two major high school renovation projects in Austin, Texas, signaling a significant investment in the city’s public education infrastructure. The Minneapolis-based contractor announced the start of the nearly $114 million projects on June 18, which will enhance McCallum and Anderson high schools, both part of the Austin Independent School District.

According to a news release sent to Construction Dive, the combined scope of work totals nearly 100,000 square feet. The projects were designed by PBK Architects, a Houston-based firm with a strong track record in K-12 educational facility design.

At McCallum High School, the expansion and renovation will total approximately $67 million. The project includes construction of a new three-story, 54,000-square-foot building focused on the Science and Career & Technology Education departments. The facility will feature computer labs, robotics spaces, wood shop areas, and dedicated classrooms for biology, chemistry, and physics instruction.

In addition to the new structure, Adolfson & Peterson (AP) will demolish the existing 30,000-square-foot science wing, update the secure entry vestibule, and remodel the front administrative office. AP’s construction contract at McCallum is valued at $32 million.

Meanwhile, at Anderson High School, a new 43,350-square-foot competition gym will be constructed as part of a larger project valued at more than $47 million. The gym will include 1,800 seats for spectators and full athletic amenities, including locker rooms, coaches’ offices, training rooms, officials’ dressing areas, and laundry facilities.

Common areas in the new Anderson facility will showcase a Hall of Honor and trophy cases celebrating the school’s athletic legacy. Like McCallum, Anderson’s entry vestibule and front office will also be reconfigured to enhance campus security. AP’s contract value for the Anderson High School work is $24 million.

“Schools are the heart of the community, fostering growth and connection and we are dedicated to providing exceptional work to support these campuses,” said Tommy Meserole, AP’s senior director of preconstruction, in the announcement.

Both projects are scheduled for completion in January 2027, aligning with Austin ISD’s broader bond-funded modernization efforts.

These improvements are part of the district’s larger push to modernize aging school buildings and enhance student safety, academic programming, and extracurricular facilities. Austin ISD voters approved a $2.44 billion bond in 2022 to fund upgrades across multiple campuses, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning environments.

At McCallum High, the focus on Career & Technical Education reflects an ongoing effort by the district to prepare students for post-graduation success, whether through college or direct entry into the workforce. The specialized facilities, such as robotics and wood shop labs, are expected to support hands-on learning and align with regional workforce development needs.

At Anderson High, the new athletic and wellness complex is intended not only to support student-athletes but to serve as a community resource for events and gatherings. The Hall of Honor is also a cultural addition that helps reinforce school spirit and community identity.

Both schools are situated in growing residential areas of Austin, and their upgrades are seen as critical to accommodating future student populations and sustaining educational excellence.

AP’s continued presence in Texas education construction builds on its established portfolio in the state, where it has delivered K-12 projects known for energy efficiency, stakeholder collaboration, and on-time performance.

Let me know if you’d like a version focused specifically on bond funding, community engagement, or architecture and design.

Originally reported by Matthew Thibault in Construction Dive.