{"id":281557,"date":"2025-11-06T16:33:45","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T22:33:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/?p=281557"},"modified":"2025-12-22T13:23:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T19:23:10","slug":"denton-isd-trades-hallways-for-active-hub-design-at-new-prototype-elementary-schools","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/denton-isd-trades-hallways-for-active-hub-design-at-new-prototype-elementary-schools\/","title":{"rendered":"Denton ISD Trades Hallways for ‘Active Hub’ Design at New Prototype Elementary Schools"},"content":{"rendered":"

Denton ISD opened three new elementary schools in 12 months, each built around an “active hub” design that rethinks the traditional hallway-and-classroom model.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Martinez Elementary opened in August 2024, followed by Hill Elementary and Reeves Elementary in August 2025. Each school spans 113,500 square feet with a capacity for 750 students.<\/p>\n

The three schools share a common layout, but each responds to its site and community with a color palette that echoes its feeder high school to reinforce identity and connection, Pfluger said.<\/p>\n

Each campus honors a longtime Denton ISD educator: Anita Reeves taught in the district for 35 years; Fred Hill was the first African American man to serve on the district’s Board of School Trustees; and Dorothy Martinez was a longtime teacher and board member.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"

The exterior of Martinez Elementary ties into the school colors\u2014red, black and gold\u2014for the Martinez Monarchs. [Image: Wade Griffith\/Pfluger Architects]<\/p><\/div>\n

Rethinking “how students learn and teachers teach”<\/h3>\n

“The district was ready to rethink how students learn and teachers teach, with the whole school an active, fully connected neighborhood,” said Christian Owens, principal design director at Texas-based Pfluger Architects, in an announcement.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

Pfluger Architects partnered with the Denton school district on a prototype two-story design, which centers around a shared hub that merges the library, dining commons, and courtyard into one open, active core, he said. Classrooms and programs extend from this space to create clear sightlines and encourage movement between learning areas.<\/p>\n

The new model increases educational space by 28% while reducing exterior access points and the building footprint overall, according to the firm, which has an office in Dallas’ West End.<\/p>\n

\"\"

From above, Martinez Elementary\u2019s hub-centered prototype shows a curving courtyard at the building\u2019s core, rooftop solar arrays, and adjacent playgrounds and courts. [Image: Wade Griffith\/Pfluger Architects]<\/p><\/div>\n

Meeting fast growth with fast build<\/h3>\n

Denton ISD, which expects 4,000 new students over the next five years, sits in one of the nation’s fastest-growing counties, Pfluger said, citing U.S. Census data. In 2023, voters approved a capital improvement plan that required opening one school within a year of bond passage. <\/p>\n

That timeline set the pace for the project, while a collaborative visioning process set the tone for a redefined elementary model.<\/p>\n

Rather than replicate the old model, the district launched a visioning process grounded in learner needs, staff input, and community priorities, Pfluger said.<\/p>\n

Martinez and Hill elementary schools were built using prefabricated wall panels. While grading began on-site, panels were fabricated off-site and installed after foundations were set. The approach minimized on-site labor, enhanced envelope quality, and sped the drying-in process, according to Pfluger.<\/p>\n

Balfour Beatty was the general contractor for all three campuses<\/p>\n

\"\"

Inside the hub at Martinez Elementary, the library\/media center opens to an outdoor learning courtyard. Two-story glazing and upper-level sightlines support visibility, supervision, and collaboration. [Image: Wade Griffith\/Pfluger Architects]<\/p><\/div>\n

Hub design supports flexibility<\/h3>\n

The prototype model centers daily learning around the active hub, allowing grade levels to flex around the core as enrollment shifts, Pfluger said. Classrooms, collaboration zones, and outdoor areas are physically and visually linked to enable passive supervision without disruption. Intervention pods, calming rooms, and shared collaboration areas can also adapt to daily needs.<\/p>\n

Learning space is maximized and outdoor views support wellness and learning, Pfluger said.<\/p>\n

“As we designed these buildings, we thought about learning on display and how we ensure everywhere we go in every part of the building, there’s an opportunity to see learning, to participate in learning, and to collaborate,” Denton ISD Superintendent Susannah Holbert O’Bara said in the announcement. “Students and teachers benefit from flexible spaces that encourage autonomy, teamwork, and interaction across programs.”<\/p>\n

She added that the model is transparent and scalable as the community grows.<\/p>\n

\"\"

The dining commons includes an integrated stage for performances and assemblies, with an open layout that links to adjacent learning areas along the hub. [Image: Wade Griffith\/Pfluger Architects]<\/p><\/div>\n

Energy performance brings tax credits<\/h3>\n

Pfluger and CMTA performance engineers designed the schools for long-term performance. The focus on educational goals was paired with the need for efficient systems that reduce energy use, improve air quality, and lower costs, Pfluger said. <\/p>\n

The three schools target an energy use intensity of 20 or lower, with Martinez is tracking at 18 EUI, the firm noted.<\/p>\n

Martinez and Hill together are expected to earn $4.2 million in tax credits that will support future capital investments. The energy usage performance qualifies the district for Clean Energy Tax Credits through Elective Pay, according to the announcement.<\/p>\n

More views<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"\"

A classroom supports group work and movement-based activities, with direct views to the adjacent outdoor learning area. [Image: Wade Griffith\/Pfluger Architects]<\/p><\/div>

\"\"

Under the main stair, built-in reading nooks give students quiet spots for independent reading, with red accents echoing the Martinez Monarchs\u2019 colors. [Image: Wade Griffith\/Pfluger Architects]<\/p><\/div><\/p>\n

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After voters approved Denton ISD\u2019s 2023 capital improvement plan, enrollment growth made it necessary to open three elementary schools quickly\u2014including one within a year of bond passage, Pfluger Architects said. The district opened Martinez Elementary in August 2024 and completed two more in time for the 2025\u201326 school year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":281569,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,9],"tags":[207835,3178,167685,207830,207831,6593,5891,150,48045,207833,207837,207832,853,134813,207836,207834,207838,207829,3304,284],"class_list":["post-281557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-creative","category-education","tag-active-hub-design","tag-architecture","tag-balfour-beatty","tag-christian-owens","tag-cmta","tag-denton-county","tag-denton-isd","tag-education","tag-energy-efficiency","tag-hill-elementary","tag-learning-environments","tag-martinez-elementary","tag-north-texas","tag-pfluger-architects","tag-prototype-schools","tag-reeves-elementary","tag-school-construction","tag-susannah-holbert-obara","tag-sustainability","tag-texas"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nDenton ISD Trades Hallways for 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Preston launched the Dallas Innovates' media platform to tell the story of innovation in Dallas-Fort Worth. It was official in 2016 when the Dallas skyline turned purple for innovation. Since then, Dallas Innovates has become a must-read among business leaders and forward thinkers in North Texas. \\\"Our partners call us 'the tip of the spear for innovation news in North Texas,'\\\" she says. \\\"Now it's our tagline.\\\" The media-with-a-mission brand covers what's new and next in North Texas business. \\\"Our lens is lift,\\\" Preston says. \\\"We want to inspire ideas and opportunity. We're a catalyst for connections, here and beyond.\\\" Covering the Dallas-Fort Worth Innovation Economy \\\"Dallas-Fort Worth has all of the core assets that drive an innovation economy,\\\" Preston told D CEO about the launch. \\\"We felt Dallas Innovates could be the center of innovation in business in DFW, from startup to enterprise, and include all the great impact work happening here.\\\" One of our superpowers is our diverse economy: \\\"A lot of places want one thing to hang their hat on, but DFW has many centers of innovation,\\\" she noted. \\\"And the fact that small businesses can work with very large companies here as a Fortune 50 market is a huge advantage.\\\" Preston founded media company Dallas Next in 2021 and publishes Dallas Innovates in a collaboration with the Dallas Regional Chamber. DRC innovation and research chief Duane Dankesreiter and Dallas Innovates co-founder says it's \\\"the drumbeat\\\" for the innovation economy in the region. Dallas Next also publishes the DALLAS\u00ae publications in partnership with the DRC. Dallas Innovates' sister publications include the DALLAS\u00ae Regional Economic Development Guide, the DALLAS\u00ae Relocation + Newcomers Guide, and the\u00a0DALLAS\u00ae Commercial Real Estate, which is a partnership with the DRC and The Real Estate Council. \\\"It's hard to say no to Quincy Preston when she believes in something,\\\" wrote D CEO Editor Christine Perez in the magazine. \\\"She won't stop until she makes it happen.\\\" In a previous role at D Magazine Partners, Preston incubated Dallas Innovates and published the DRC's brand publications. There, she also led the launch of D Healthcare Daily at D CEO and the launch of D TV. Preston developed data solutions to provide insights and measurement for growth across D Magazine Partners brands. Preston has worn many hats in her media career, including stints as a writer, photographer, and award-winning designer. During her long tenure at the Dallas Business Journal, Preston managed budgets, project schedules, resources, and talent; she also developed several cost-saving and income-producing initiatives that were adopted across the ACBJ chain of more than 40 newspapers. Preston's first editorial job was working for a fashion magazine at the Dallas Apparel Mart with an office a few doors down from Lucy Billingsley, daughter of legendary real estate developer Trammell Crow. At the time, Billingsley was running the market center where she led three expansions and a ~7 million-square-foot development. It was good company to be in. Later, when Preston launched an agency that she ran through the early nineties, Billingsley helped her with tough-but-kind advice\u2014and some pivotal connections. Today, Preston helms Dallas Innovates and the DALLAS\u00ae publications group, published by Dallas Next for the Dallas Regional Chamber. The growing DALLAS\u00ae platform includes sister publication Dallas Innovates. Together they focus on Dallas-Fort Worth business, including real estate, relocation, economic development, and innovation. 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[Photo: Pfluger Architects]"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/denton-isd-trades-hallways-for-active-hub-design-at-new-prototype-elementary-schools\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Denton ISD Trades Hallways for ‘Active Hub’ Design at New Prototype Elementary Schools"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/","name":"Dallas Innovates","description":"What's new + next in Dallas - Fort Worth","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#organization","name":"Dallas Innovates | Published by Dallas Next","url":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Dallas-Innovates-logo-purple.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/Dallas-Innovates-logo-purple.jpg","width":1782,"height":410,"caption":"Dallas Innovates | Published by Dallas Next"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/dallasinnovates\/","https:\/\/x.com\/dallasinnovates","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/dallasinnovates\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/dallas-innovates"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#\/schema\/person\/31d96a1ad48d703a6b72c03a291cd710","name":"Quincy Preston","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a7b6237fd07da03813670ac36e1677b49e7d53f115936e2c32e5eb4a63a263e3?s=96&d=retro&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a7b6237fd07da03813670ac36e1677b49e7d53f115936e2c32e5eb4a63a263e3?s=96&d=retro&r=g","caption":"Quincy Preston"},"description":"Quincy Preston is fueled by an entrepreneurial spark and driven by mission. Preston launched the Dallas Innovates' media platform to tell the story of innovation in Dallas-Fort Worth. It was official in 2016 when the Dallas skyline turned purple for innovation. Since then, Dallas Innovates has become a must-read among business leaders and forward thinkers in North Texas. \"Our partners call us 'the tip of the spear for innovation news in North Texas,'\" she says. \"Now it's our tagline.\" The media-with-a-mission brand covers what's new and next in North Texas business. \"Our lens is lift,\" Preston says. \"We want to inspire ideas and opportunity. We're a catalyst for connections, here and beyond.\" Covering the Dallas-Fort Worth Innovation Economy \"Dallas-Fort Worth has all of the core assets that drive an innovation economy,\" Preston told D CEO about the launch. \"We felt Dallas Innovates could be the center of innovation in business in DFW, from startup to enterprise, and include all the great impact work happening here.\" One of our superpowers is our diverse economy: \"A lot of places want one thing to hang their hat on, but DFW has many centers of innovation,\" she noted. \"And the fact that small businesses can work with very large companies here as a Fortune 50 market is a huge advantage.\" Preston founded media company Dallas Next in 2021 and publishes Dallas Innovates in a collaboration with the Dallas Regional Chamber. DRC innovation and research chief Duane Dankesreiter and Dallas Innovates co-founder says it's \"the drumbeat\" for the innovation economy in the region. Dallas Next also publishes the DALLAS\u00ae publications in partnership with the DRC. Dallas Innovates' sister publications include the DALLAS\u00ae Regional Economic Development Guide, the DALLAS\u00ae Relocation + Newcomers Guide, and the\u00a0DALLAS\u00ae Commercial Real Estate, which is a partnership with the DRC and The Real Estate Council. \"It's hard to say no to Quincy Preston when she believes in something,\" wrote D CEO Editor Christine Perez in the magazine. \"She won't stop until she makes it happen.\" In a previous role at D Magazine Partners, Preston incubated Dallas Innovates and published the DRC's brand publications. There, she also led the launch of D Healthcare Daily at D CEO and the launch of D TV. Preston developed data solutions to provide insights and measurement for growth across D Magazine Partners brands. Preston has worn many hats in her media career, including stints as a writer, photographer, and award-winning designer. During her long tenure at the Dallas Business Journal, Preston managed budgets, project schedules, resources, and talent; she also developed several cost-saving and income-producing initiatives that were adopted across the ACBJ chain of more than 40 newspapers. Preston's first editorial job was working for a fashion magazine at the Dallas Apparel Mart with an office a few doors down from Lucy Billingsley, daughter of legendary real estate developer Trammell Crow. At the time, Billingsley was running the market center where she led three expansions and a ~7 million-square-foot development. It was good company to be in. Later, when Preston launched an agency that she ran through the early nineties, Billingsley helped her with tough-but-kind advice\u2014and some pivotal connections. Today, Preston helms Dallas Innovates and the DALLAS\u00ae publications group, published by Dallas Next for the Dallas Regional Chamber. The growing DALLAS\u00ae platform includes sister publication Dallas Innovates. Together they focus on Dallas-Fort Worth business, including real estate, relocation, economic development, and innovation. Connect on social media: LinkedIn, Twitter\u00a0 Send news and tips here.","sameAs":["http:\/\/www.dallasinnovates.com","https:\/\/x.com\/quincypreston"],"url":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/author\/quincy-preston\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=281557"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/281557\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/281569"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=281557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=281557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dallasinnovates.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=281557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}