Fox Tech High School, San Antonio’s first public secondary school, is preparing for a significant transformation with an $81 million renovation project. This initiative has received conceptual approval from the Historic and Design Review Commission and is made possible by the San Antonio Independent School District’s 2020 bond program.

Project Overview

The renovation plans include:

• A new performing arts building featuring a 704-seat auditorium and a black box theater.
• An athletics building designed to enhance the existing gym facilities.
• A new surface parking lot, addressing parking constraints on campus.

A Rich History

Fox Tech High School boasts a notable history dating back to its founding in 1879. The first campus was established in 1882, and through the years, it has seen several name changes and expansions—becoming San Antonio High School in 1917, followed by Main Avenue High School, and later, San Antonio Vocational and Tech High School in 1932. In honor of a principal who championed vocational education, the name was changed to Fox Tech in 1961. Currently, it also serves as the location for the Centers for Applied Science and Technology (CAST), which opened in 2017, and a law magnet program.

Recent Developments

The future of Fox Tech was part of a broader discussion last year regarding the proposed construction of a new $160 million baseball stadium near the school. As part of negotiations, the San Antonio ISD sought commitments for affordable housing and a new Advanced Learning Academy campus. The district’s willingness to engage with the stadium project underscores the strategic importance of this location.

Design and Construction Details

Most recently, the design review panel granted approval for the performance and athletics facilities. Construction is slated to commence within the year, with the new performing arts center located at the northeast corner of the campus at West Quincy Avenue and Jackson Street. The current north parking lot will be repurposed.

The architectural design will incorporate:

• Metal facade panels
• Glazed brick
• Glass curtain wall systems
• Glazed tiles

The black box theater will be conveniently positioned south of the performing arts center, while the new athletics building will connect to the existing gyms, enhancing student access to modern locker rooms and other facilities.

Future Improvements

Under the guidance of Bartlett Cocke general contractors and San Antonio-based Alta Architects, the renovation will also enhance parking availability with an 85-space lot set to be added where outdated facilities previously operated. This is essential as the campus has faced parking issues in recent years.

To accommodate the increased demand for parking, a $17.2 million parking garage, completed in 2021, was built in collaboration with Bexar County. This facility provides additional space for staff and students, ensuring a smooth transition to the new educational environment.

A Commitment to Students

The upcoming facilities will benefit both Fox Tech and CAST Tech students, with each school enrolling around 500 students in grades 9-12. This revitalization project symbolizes a significant commitment to improving educational resources in the San Antonio area.