Construction underway on Blinn’s new science, technology, engineering, and innovation building

Construction of the new science building and a new housing complex will prepare Blinn’s Brenham Campus for future enrollment growth

Rendering of completed science, technology, engineering, and innovation building.

In the renderings designed by PBK Architects, the new science, technology, engineering, and innovation building now under construction on the Blinn College-Brenham Campus stands tall in the campus landscape, offering students and visitors a vision of new discoveries and a brighter tomorrow.

That long-term vision for the future is precisely why work is underway now on the approximately 17-month construction process scheduled to be completed for the Fall 2021 semester.

“From computer technology and cybersecurity to engineering and healthcare, Blinn’s talented faculty will use this facility to train students in the careers that will define our future,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “With the construction of this new building, the students who come to Blinn in the years to come will be welcomed to a space where they can not only discover new ideas, but transform those ideas into action.”

Three stories tall and spanning 72,000 square feet, the new building will feature 17,000 square feet of laboratory space and a 3,000-square-foot innovation lab that will include a 3D printing lab, soldering space, robotics area, and a space where students

can work with interrelated computing devices. The innovation lab also will include a virtual reality space and a high-tech fabrication shop where students can use laser cutters to make precisely fitted materials.

The new facility also will include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, geology, information technology, microbiology, nursing, organic chemistry, and physics labs. On the roof, students will have access to a weather station where they can monitor and gauge local weather.

As Blinn expands existing programs and welcomes new awards in fields such as cybersecurity and drone maintenance and repair, it also anticipates a greater demand for Brenham Campus housing. To support that need, Blinn’s Board of Trustees has authorized a new student housing complex that would house approximately 500 students. In Fall 2018, Blinn introduced Mill Creek Hall to the Brenham Campus. That semester, Blinn posted record enrollment, including 2,737 students in Brenham, a 16.8% increase over Fall 2017.

While COVID-19 means that Blinn and community colleges across the state are budgeting for significant enrollment declines in Fall 2020, Blinn’s long-range vision for the Brenham Campus remains the same. The new student housing complex will be privately funded through a public-private partnership in a manner similar to Mill Creek Hall, allowing Blinn to add housing capacity without utilizing College funds.

The complex would include two buildings - a 184-bed facility that would be completed in time for the Fall 2021 semester and a 320bed facility scheduled to open in Spring 2022. With the addition of both complexes, Blinn anticipates continued long-term growth on the Brenham Campus.

The projects we pursue today will allow us to provide an unparalleled experience for the next generation of Blinn students. With the addition of the new science, technology, engineering, and innovation building and the new student housing complex, the future is bright for Blinn College.

- Charles Moser, Chair of the Blinn College District Board of Trustees