On October 1, American Constructors joined Belton ISD in celebrating the grand opening of Hubbard Branch Elementary School, which opened to students at the start of the 2024 school year. Completed in May, the new 111,000 square-foot, two-story building provides a modern and enriching environment for up to 800 students
At the event, district leadership shared remarks honoring Miller Heights Elementary, the original school that served this community for 61 years prior to Hubbard Branch’s construction.
In the Q&A below, project manager Josh Katkoski gives us a behind-the-scenes look into the new campus.
AC: What are some of the design features included in the Hubbard Elementary project, or what makes this project stand out?
JK: While this school was built with conventional construction techniques, there are several stand-out design features that come to mind. The use of large, aluminum and glass windows creates an open and inviting atmosphere for students. The acoustic panels in the library enhance the space while also serving an important function. There are also two outdoor learning areas connected to the downstairs classroom pods for students to enjoy a change of scenery. The outdoor learning spaces are pretty large, each fitting up to eight different classes at once, so there’s plenty of room for multiple classes.
AC: What were some of the challenges you faced during this project? How did you overcome them?
JK: There were several components of the project that didn’t come together until the final hour due to permitting hold-ups, inventory shortages, and shipping delays. For instance, the road leading into the Hubbard neighborhood needed improvements, but we didn’t get cleared for that work until late spring. We also faced delays for the electrical switchgear, which delivers power throughout the building. However, we were able to rent temporary electrical equipment until the necessary components arrived, allowing us to keep the project on track.
AC: How will this school benefit the Belton community?
JK: Hubbard Branch Elementary is essentially a replacement for Miller Heights Elementary, a school that had deep emotional ties for many people in the neighborhood. It was important to involve the community throughout the design and construction process so they felt like they were a part of this new school as much as the old one. There were many conversations about how best to honor the legacy of Miller Heights, and we installed thoughtful graphic murals throughout the campus as an ode to the old school. The library alone has four murals.
AC: What was your favorite part about working on the project?
JK: Working with Belton ISD was a rewarding experience. Small communities like Belton are always incredibly appreciative of the work we do. This was our first collaboration with Belton ISD in about 20 years, so it was exciting to partner with them again. Our team felt a strong sense of accomplishment in overcoming the challenges we faced and fulfilling the district’s vision.
It was heartening to see students and faculty move into their new home this fall, and we thank Belton ISD and Huckabee Architects for their dedicated partnership throughout this project. We look forward to the opportunity to partner again in the future!