MIDLAND, TX — Adolfson & Peterson Construction (AP), a national construction management firm and general contractor, reached the construction midpoint of Midland College’s (MC) expansion with its new Pre-K Academy and Center for Teaching Excellence, which will house an expansion of the college’s pre-kindergarten academy and the college’s new bachelor degree program in education. The topping off of the 60,000-square-foot, two-story structure will enhance quality pre-k education in Midland and support the community’s need for additional teachers.

This Midland College expansion will increase the current Pre-K Academy partnership between the college and Midland Independent School District from 68 to approximately 300 seats.

“Early childhood education is so important to the future of our world,” said Lucas Hubbard, AP Project Executive. “Many long-term benefits for the children range from the development of social and emotional skills needed to succeed to cultivating a lifelong love for learning and reading. It is rewarding to partner in constructing a high-quality facility that will shape the futures of the educators molding these young minds.”

Midland College leadership, including the board of trustees and executive council members were in attendance at the ceremonial beam signing to support the work the trade partners have accomplished.

The Pre-K Academy is scheduled to be completed in fall 2023. Parkhill serves as the architect and engineering firm for the project.

“The Midland College Pre-K Academy and Center for Teaching Excellence addresses two major challenges facing our community — a shortage of quality early childhood opportunities and a shortage of teachers,” said MC President Dr. Steve Thomas. “The new building will help address a dire community need for quality pre-k education. In addition, college students who complete the new Midland College baccalaureate-level program and obtain the Texas Teacher Certification EC-3 will fill a critical gap in the Permian Basin’s teaching pipeline. Midland College provides education and training that help our community grow and prosper, and this project will certainly enable us to continue that endeavor.”

AP’s Midland-based West Texas office’s other current project includes Potter County’s District Courts Building in Amarillo. Additionally, the AP Central Texas office is currently working on the Sunrise Commerce Center in Round Rock, while AP Gulf States’ current projects include adaptive reuse work at downtown Dallas’ Santander Tower. Additionally, AP’s recent completed projects include the new PGA of America headquarters in Frisco and Vari’s headquarters with VariSpace in Coppell.