University Star

With the number of students steadily rising, the university responded with the opening and construction of several new buildings this year. The City of San Marcos is also developing and saw new construction of its own. Texas State and the city have experienced significant growth, and residents and students saw its effects in 2012.

Emerging Research Status—Jan. 12

Texas State was reclassified as an emerging research institution, which made the university eligible for more multi-million dollar potential funding. The new tier two distinction placed Texas State among the ranks of other state institutions including Texas Tech University, the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Houston.

Hillside Ranch Phase Two—Rezoning approved March 20, 2012

The San Marcos City Council voted 4-3 to pass an ordinance to rezone a single-family residential district to a multi-family district to begin construction of Hillside Ranch Phase Two.

Undergraduate Academic Center—Completed June 2012

The $47.7 million facility houses the Personalized Academic and Career Exploration (PACE) program and undergraduate advisement, as well as the psychology, sociology and political science departments.

Comanche 24-inch Water Transmission Main—Installation began July 9

The project is part of the City of San Marcos’ 2004 Water Master Plan in an attempt to better distribute water around the city. The project received about $2.6 million in funding from the City of San Marcos through water taxes. Approximately 6,561 feet of 24-inch main pipeline will be laid during construction.

The Retreat—Opened Aug. 2012

The Retreat, a student housing complex located at 512 Craddock Ave., contains 780 beds and 187 cottages. The complex opened its doors to students this fall.

Downtown Construction—Began Aug. 2012

The City of San Marcos broke ground on the two-year Downtown Reconstruction Project this fall. The $10.2 million construction project will improve Hutchison Street from the San Marcos River to LBJ Drive to Hopkins Street to University Drive. The project will include complete street and sidewalk reconstruction, installation of underground electric lines, and drainage, water and wastewater improvements.

North Campus Housing Complex—Opened Aug. 18

The North Campus Housing Complex opened its doors to students this fall. Construction on the $48 million project began two years ago. The housing complex consists of two separate residence halls built to house approximately 300 students.

Bobcat Stadium – North Side Complex—Opened Sept. 1

The renovated Bobcat Stadium welcomed thousands of Bobcat Athletics fans this fall. The stadium underwent renovation to accommodate the growing university population, doubling its existing capacity. The $33 million project addressed the need for concession space, restrooms, locker rooms, storage, display and retail space.

S.T.A.R. Park—Opened Nov. 9

Texas State recently opened S.T.A.R. One, the first incubator building at the Science, Technology and Advanced Research Park. S.T.A.R. Park, located at Hunter Road and McCarty Lane, will introduce the availability of wet labs, clean rooms and office space for companies looking to develop ideas and pursue patents.