Morton Ranch High School

Katy, Texas

Firm

PBK

Client

Katy Independent School District

Area

475,690 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$53,368,000

Completion Date

04/2004

Constructed in a fast-growth community in the Katy Independent School District, this 475,690-square-foot facility is a modified repeat of an existing high school (one of three) in the district. Although similar to its predecessor in structural design and layout, the new high school’s plan has been modified and refined to reflect changes in the district’s instructional program, revisions to facilities standards and end-user suggestions. In addition, the school’s elevation has been modified to offer a brand-new perspective, and to give the campus its own personality and identity within the community.
The new high school is part of a master-planned site that also contains a new junior high. The two schools have been designed and constructed using similar materials and design elements to create a campus-like environment. Organization of the large high school plan is simplified by positioning all educational spaces around a centralized, main “mall” spine that runs the entire length of the building. A linear system of corridor “fingers” feed from this central spine, leading to various departments and classroom pods.