Del Mar College Memorial Classroom Building Renovation

Owner: Del Mar College
Architect: Gignac Architects

 

The story of Del Mar College (DMC) has a humble beginning. In 1935, DMC, formerly known as Corpus Christi Junior College, was staffed by 10 instructors teaching evening classes on the campus of Corpus Christi High School. By 1942, enrollment growth required expansion, and DMC moved to its current location. The Memorial Classroom Building was the first permanent building constructed on the new campus.

 

As DMC prepared to celebrate its 90th anniversary, plans were made to repurpose the historic Memorial Classroom Building to serve as the college’s central administrative hub. SpawGlass-Corpus Christi partnered with Gignac Architects to bring new life to this important piece of DMC’s legacy.

 

The project involved restoration of the building’s exterior, new landscaping, and a full interior demolition and rebuild. Historic architectural elements, including the original terrazzo floors, were carefully restored. New mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems were installed. Security, fire and audiovisual systems were upgraded. New walls, ceilings, finishes and accessibility features completed the transformation of this former classroom building.

 

Modernizing the structure required inventive thinking and craftsmanship. The building’s interior structure is comprised of hollow clay block, a material widely used in the first part of the 20th century. Though sturdy, the clay block frame was unable to support traditional anchoring methods for new windows, which must withstand coastal winds up to 157 miles per hour. After collaborating with product consultants, windstorm engineers and waterproofing specialists, the team developed and self-performed the innovative solution of fastening epoxy anchors and 2’x4’ bolsters at every window opening to preserve the history of the building while bringing it up to current codes.

 

The Memorial Classroom Building now serves a new purpose, while its presence on campus remains deeply familiar. For SpawGlass Assistant Project Manager Regina Chapa, the project had a personal impact. “I earned my architectural drafting degree at DMC and took classes here in this building,” she said. “Being part of the team that brought this space back to life, and using the knowledge I gained while I was a student here, was incredibly meaningful.”

 

During the building’s grand re-opening event in February 2025, celebrated in conjunction with the college’s 90th anniversary, the Texas Historical Commission presented DMC with a permanent marker recognizing the building’s significance and the college’s role in shaping higher education in the Coastal Bend region.

 

“Throughout the construction process, the expertise of the team’s leadership and commitment to teamwork was apparent,” said DMC Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer John Strybos. “Overall, we could not have asked for a better construction experience.”

 

We’re honored to have created a space that celebrates the college’s history while supporting their mission – to “provide educational pathways that transform lives, build partnerships and enrich communities” – for many more chapters to come.