GAINESVILLE, Texas — Three Gainesville ISD construction projects totaling $27.9 million are underway, according to state permit records. The work covers Edison Elementary, Gainesville Intermediate and Chalmers Elementary schools, with classroom additions and storm shelters planned at each campus.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation lists each project as public work. The records identify Gainesville ISD as the owner and WRA Architects as the design firm. City permit records show the commercial-addition permits were issued May 29.
Three campuses
The Edison project at 1 Edison Drive has an estimated cost of $13 million, the largest of the three. State records describe a 9,869-square-foot, eight-classroom addition, a 6,800-square-foot storm-shelter gym addition and 12,233 square feet of interior renovation. The project start date is May 4, 2026, with a projected completion date of Aug. 3, 2027.
The Intermediate School project at 2100 N. Grand Avenue is listed at $7.5 million. It includes a 10,103-square-foot, eight-classroom storm-shelter addition. State records list the same start and completion dates as the Edison project.
The Chalmers project at 600 Radio Hill Road is listed at $7.4 million. Its scope includes a 10,103-square-foot, eight-classroom storm-shelter addition to an existing building, with the same projected start and completion dates.
Storm shelter component
Each of the three projects includes a storm shelter, reflecting a growing emphasis on safe-room construction in North Texas schools. Storm shelters built to current code provide protection from severe weather events, including tornadoes, and can serve the surrounding community during emergencies.
Next steps
Families and residents can track construction updates through Gainesville ISD board meetings and city permit records. The school board's Phase 1 bond projects update is on the agenda for the Aug. 17 regular meeting. The three projects show planned facility investment but do not by themselves establish enrollment projections or opening dates for the new classroom space.