On August 5, VLK Architects attended a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the opening of Marine Creek Middle School in Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD. The sixth middle school campus in the district, Marine Creek Middle School is the next step in the district’s preparations for a potential maximum growth of 40,000 students by the 2027-28 school year.
Marine Creek Middle School’s collaborative design utilized VLK | LAUNCH®, which allowed district and campus leadership, teachers, and students to create the conceptual framework, vocabulary, and vision of the project. VLK designed a school that will truly support the district’s mission to foster a culture of excellence that instills a passion for a lifetime of continuous achievement in every student.
“I want to thank VLK for listening to us and taking our words and our wishes and turning them into reality,” said Dr. Jim Chadwell, Superintendent, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD. “This process takes time. We looked at every option for what could make this school the very best and this campus represents the very best.”
Marine Creek Middle School is a two-story, 165,000 square-foot campus designed to support district instructional expectations, as well as ease of student circulation and supervision in a safe and secure learning environment. The incorporation of a Texas vernacular architecture style was the preferred exterior typology identified in VLK | LAUNCH. Ample transparency was incorporated throughout the building, highlighting visual connections between interior and exterior spaces, supporting collaboration and connection with nature. Optimal natural light was provided to all instructional spaces. Finally, outdoor learning environments were incorporated, providing opportunities for healthy learning experiences outside the classroom.
Just west of the campus is a walkway to the outdoor recreation area surrounding Marine Creek Lake, which is operated by the Tarrant Regional Water District. The school will support the district’s goal to connect the community by extending walkways to Marine Creek Lake and the associated trail system, eventually connecting to the Trinity Trails in central Fort Worth.
“VLK is so grateful to be aligned with a district that truly values innovation, curiosity, and collaboration in their students and faculty,” said Leesa Vardeman, Principal, VLK Architects. “Every decision they made was based upon providing students with the opportunity to excel.”
Marine Creek Middle School will open this school year. The first day of classes is August 19th.