Blinn College plans to break ground next month on a $68 million academic building at its new Waller campus in northwest Harris County. The three-story facility will be the first permanent structure on the 100-acre site, with classrooms, science labs, and administrative offices.
A separate workforce training complex nearby is set to welcome students this summer. A filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration lists a February 2 start date and splits the initial $10 million in permitting work between foundation and full-building permits, according to Chron.
Planned building and uses
As outlined by Blinn College, trustees signed off in December on a guaranteed maximum price of $68 million for the project. The academic building is slated to come in at about 82,149 square feet spread over three stories. College officials say the space will include traditional classrooms, science laboratories, student support areas and administrative offices, setting the stage for future phases of campus development.
Funding and permitting
Per Houston Chronicle coverage, Blinn’s board authorized the issuance and sale of $55.5 million in Series 2026 revenue bonds to pay for most of the construction. The district plans to cover the remaining costs out of its cash reserves. College representatives told the outlet they chose to split the permitting into two filings so crews could start on the foundation while final documents for the full building are still being wrapped up.
Nearby workforce training center and classes
Blinn College also reports that it is building a 17,000-square-foot Waller Workforce and Technical Education Complex less than a block from the future campus. Plans call for lecture classrooms, a mechatronics and advanced manufacturing lab, a medical learning lab and space dedicated to skilled trades training. Construction is underway, and the college says the complex is scheduled to open in time for summer 2026 classes.
Local impact and next steps
The district closed on the 100-acre parcel at FM 2920 and Binford Road in October 2024, positioning the new academic building as the anchor for what is expected to be a larger campus buildout. The first academic building is slated to open in fall 2027, with the site ultimately envisioned as a hub for the region’s commuters. Community Impact noted that the campus is intended to serve commuter students across Waller and Harris counties and to bolster nearby manufacturers and health care employers.
