Webb Primary unites with T.A. Brown Elementary School at new state-of-the-art campus

Austin ISD today opened the new T.A. Brown Elementary School, one of the first projects to be completed as part of the 2017 Bond Program. After closing the former campus in 2016 due to significant structural issues, the modernized facility opened its doors to T.A. Brown and Webb Primary students for the first time this morning. AISD and campus leadership, along with students, parents and the community, joined together to celebrate the state-of-the-art campus with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The new campus, located on the original site, unites the T.A. Brown Elementary School and Webb Primary School communities. As one of the full modernizations included in the voter-approved 2017 bond, the new T.A. Brown provides 21st-century learning spaces to north Austin students. Designed as a green school, the facility is rooted in science, technology, engineering, the arts, mathematics and outdoor learning. It also includes a focus on sustainability, health and well-being, transparency and connection to the community.

"In the two years since voters approved our 2017 bond program, we have been hard at work to ensure all of our students have the facilities and resources they need to learn and to thrive," said Superintendent Dr. Paul Cruz. "T.A. Brown Elementary is a beautiful new and engaging learning facility where we are celebrating the union of the T.A. Brown and Webb Primary communities."

The former T.A. Brown campus was demolished in October of 2017 after being vacated due to structural issues that posed a safety risk to staff and students, to clear the way for the new facility. In the interim, T.A. Brown continued to operate from the Barrington Elementary School campus; the temporary move proved successful for students, faculty and staff thanks to the collaboration and resiliency of the community. AISD trustees voted in 2017 for Webb Primary to join the T.A. Brown community upon the opening of the new school.

"We've always said that T.A. Brown is the best school in town, and this incredible campus proves that to be the case today more than ever," said Veronica Sharp, principal of T.A. Brown Elementary School. "We've worked so hard to get to this point today, and we couldn't have done it without the tremendous support of our students, staff and community. We are thrilled to welcome Webb Primary students to the T.A. Brown family and to start the semester together in our new home."

A Campus Architectural Team made up of Principal Sharp, former Webb Primary director Marizza Marquez, additional school staff, parents and community members provided guidance throughout the design process as the team of ERO Architects, Rogers-O'Brien Construction and AECOM brought the modernized T.A. Brown campus to life. Design began in March 2018, with construction beginning in November 2018. Mr. T.A. Brown himself was an influence in the design of the school; a principal at Pease Elementary for 41 years, he represented high character and devotion to education.

For more information on the 2017 Bond Program, visit AISDfuture.com. To learn more about the district, visit AustinISD.org.