Construction officially started this month on a new science building at Tarrant County College’s Northeast Campus in Hurst. The three‑story, 84,438‑square‑foot facility represents an $85 million investment that will replace aging labs and provide modern study and meeting spaces.
Bond funding and community support
The project is part of a larger $225 million campus improvement plan that also renovates three existing buildings, adding more than 224,000 sq ft of new and updated educational space. Funding comes from the $825 million bond approved by Tarrant County voters in 2019, with the college covering the remaining costs through existing sources.
Board President Jeannie Deakyne praised the voters’ decision, saying it shows confidence in the college’s role across the region and that trustees will act as good stewards of that investment.
Faculty input shapes the new labs
Biology professor Kristin Byrd, who helped plan the building, recalled early days when renovated lab benches hinted at what could be achieved. “It’s exciting for sure, kind of relief that it’s finally happening,” she said, noting that the new space will give students room to expand their research.
Faculty walked architects through existing labs, highlighting equipment and storage needs. Chemistry professor Steven Rooney added that the current labs, built in 1968, were designed for technology that is now nearly six decades old. The new building will allow students to use phones, iPads and other modern devices for data collection.
Impact on students and the community
Students have long faced limited lab space, which constrained experimental work. The upgraded facility promises more reliable equipment, reducing downtime from broken autoclaves and other essential tools.
State Rep. Salman Bhojani, D‑Euless, reflected on his own community‑college journey, emphasizing that education remains the greatest equalizer and that the new building will help future generations succeed.
Looking ahead
The science building is slated to open in fall 2028, coinciding with the Northeast Campus’s 60th anniversary. Chancellor Elva LeBlanc, a former student of the current science building, expressed optimism that the new labs will inspire both faculty and students for decades to come.
Local leaders and residents view the project as a tangible sign of investment in the region’s workforce and economic future, reinforcing Tarrant County’s commitment to quality education.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
