The new 33,042 square-foot Student Activities and Cafeteria Building at 3201 W. Pecan, McAllen, Texas, was designed to meet the growing needs and functionality of South Texas College (STC). Known as the “Jewel” of the campus, this state-of-the-art facility quickly became the heart of student life and engagement.

The building serves as a modern student union, featuring a central cafeteria, a cutting-edge career placement center, a formal event hall, and both indoor and outdoor spaces designed for student interaction. One of its most popular and innovative features is the "living stairs," an interactive stepped space that encourages informal gatherings and collaboration.

This centrally located facility has become a focal point for students, providing spaces for career development, dining, events, and socializing. The design standards established for this project became the benchmark for future projects across the STC campuses, setting a high bar for functionality and student engagement.

Completed on time and under budget, this project showcases our team's ability to deliver high-quality, impactful designs that meet the evolving needs of educational institutions.