Cranes In Huntsville Signify The University Is Growing
HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS — The recent sighting of cranes on the horizon in Huntsville usually signifies that Sam Houston State University continues to grow.
Sam Houston State University has entered a new phase of campus development after the demolition of Academic Building III, located at 1922 Avenue J, clearing the way for a modern instructional facility designed to support the university’s expanding academic needs.
Academic Building III previously housed Military Science, ROTC, and several other academic programs. Its removal marked the beginning of a major capital project: the construction of the Active Learning Center, a three‑story, technology enhanced classroom building that will reshape a prominent section of the SHSU campus.
Active Learning Center Project Details
• Project Name: Sam Houston State University – Active Learning Center
• Location: 1922 Avenue J, Huntsville, Texas (Walker County)
• Start Date: July 23, 2025
• Estimated Completion: December 30, 2026
• Estimated Cost: $30,438,742
• Funding: Public funds; project located on public land
The project includes construction of a new three story, 46,421‑square‑foot Active Learning Classroom Building, along with the repurposing of a portion of the former Academic Building III. According to state filings, the facility will feature flexible learning environments and updated infrastructure intended to support active learning and modern teaching methods.
The project was filed by Peter F. Grojean of San Antonio, who is listed as the Registered Accessibility Specialist. Architectural design is being led by PGAL in Austin, Texas. The General Construction Contractor on the Project is Bartlett Cocke.
With demolition complete and construction underway, the Active Learning Center represents one of SHSU’s most substantial facility upgrades in recent years. The new building is expected to enhance instructional capacity, modernize classroom technology, and support the university’s continued growth.
