Midland ISD Celebrates Construction Milestone With Topping Out Ceremony at New Midland Lee High School
Parkhill joined Midland Independent School District, construction partners, and community members to celebrate a significant construction milestone at the future site of the new Midland Lee High School with a topping-out ceremony.
The event marked the placement of the final beam on the building, a tradition that signals the completion of a structure’s framework and the momentum of a project moving toward its finish line.
“Just as our Founding Fathers in 1776 boldly declared independence and built a new nation for future generations,” said Parkhill Architect RJ Lopez, AIA. “Midland’s community is investing in some of the most ambitious education projects in the nation—replacing a 65- and 90+-year-old high school with visionary new campuses opening in 2028 that embody West Texas entrepreneurial spirit.”
The new Midland Lee High School is one of two new high schools being built as part of Midland ISD’s landmark 2023 Bond Program, one of the largest educational bond programs in Texas history. Parkhill is providing comprehensive oversight across all phases, including master planning, architectural and interior design, landscape architecture, MEP and structural engineering, cost estimating, construction administration, and owner’s representation.
The bond program, which passed in 2023, addresses aging infrastructure at Midland ISD’s two 6A high school campuses and supports the district’s long-term educational goals. Parkhill has worked alongside Midland ISD to reassess facility conditions, prioritize needs, and build the community support that helped make the bond program possible.
The new campus is designed to serve approximately 3,800 students and will include multi-program indoor facilities alongside comprehensive academic, athletic, and community spaces. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2028.
“My son will be among the last 6th graders in elementary, heading to renovated/expanded junior highs and graduating from these two new state-of-the-art high schools—thanks to our shared commitment to the future of Midlanders,” RJ said.
Parkhill’s relationship with Midland ISD spans decades and includes facility assessments, bond planning, master planning, and the design and delivery of multiple campuses across the district, including Lone Star Trails Elementary School, Fasken Elementary School, and Yarborough Elementary School.
