College Station, Texas, October 10, 2025
News Summary
Texas A&M University has initiated construction on the Aplin Center, a transformative $60 million facility aimed at enhancing hands-on learning. Spanning 211,000 square feet, it will serve as a new visitor hub and educational center, featuring state-of-the-art immersive learning labs and a student-operated restaurant. The center is funded by a historic donation from Arch Aplin III, underscoring a commitment to agricultural and life sciences education. Set for completion in 2028, it promises to benefit both the university and the local community in numerous ways.
College Station, Texas – Texas A&M University Breaks Ground on Aplin Center
Texas A&M University has officially broken ground on the Aplin Center, a $60 million, 211,000-square-foot facility designed to revolutionize hands-on learning. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the center will serve as a new visitor hub for the campus, enhancing the educational experience for students and visitors alike. The facility is strategically located on the university’s West Campus near Kyle Field.
The Aplin Center is funded by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III, founder and CEO of Buc-ee’s. This donation represents the largest in Texas A&M’s history, reflecting a significant commitment to advancing agricultural and life sciences education.
Features of the Aplin Center
The Aplin Center will feature a range of immersive learning labs focused on culinary arts, meat and dairy science, fermentation, floral design, enology, and product development. A highlight of the facility will be a full-service restaurant operated by students, providing them with valuable real-world experience in hospitality and food service management.
Additionally, the center will house Texas A&M’s new visitor center, which will include a 170-seat theater and a multipurpose room intended to inspire prospective students and familiarize them with campus offerings.
Sustainable Design and Community Impact
Designed by DLR Group and Pickard Chilton, the Aplin Center will also be notable for being Texas’s largest mass timber project on a university campus, utilizing over 3.5 million board feet of Texas-sourced timber. This unique U-shaped design symbolizes a welcoming embrace, with landscaping plans that will incorporate mature oak trees and outdoor spaces that emphasize sustainability.
According to Texas A&M Chancellor Glenn Hegar, the Aplin Center aligns with the university’s values of innovation, collaboration, and commitment to students. Aplin, the donor, expressed his hope that the center will create a distinctive space that celebrates the Aggie spirit while facilitating innovative education.
Benefits to the University and Surrounding Community
The center is expected to benefit not only Texas A&M’s faculty and staff but also the local Bryan-College Station community and beyond. It will offer various accreditation courses during the summer, making it accessible to non-Aggies and enriching the community’s educational offerings.
Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences Jeffrey Savell stated that this project represents a significant advancement for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Aplin expressed his desire for the center to become a popular gathering spot for students, contributing to vibrant campus life beyond the academic scope.
Key Features and Timeline
- Project Name: Aplin Center
- Total Cost: $60 million
- Square Footage: 211,000 square feet
- Completion Year: 2028
- Funding: Largest donation in Texas A&M history
- Immersive Learning Labs: Culinary arts, meat and dairy science, fermentation, floral design, enology, and product development
- Full-service student-managed restaurant
- New visitor center with 170-seat theater
- Sustainable design using Texas-sourced timber
FAQ Section
What is the Aplin Center?
The Aplin Center is a $60 million, 211,000-square-foot facility aimed at redefining hands-on learning at Texas A&M University, which will also serve as a new visitor hub for the campus.
When is the Aplin Center expected to be completed?
The completion of the Aplin Center is scheduled for 2028.
What unique features will be included in the Aplin Center?
The Aplin Center will include immersive learning labs for culinary arts, meat and dairy science, fermentation, floral design, enology, product development, a full-service restaurant managed by students, and a new visitor center.
How will the Aplin Center benefit the local community?
The Aplin Center will provide benefits to Texas A&M faculty and staff while also offering opportunities for various certification courses accessible to non-Aggies, impacting the local Bryan-College Station community and beyond.
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Additional Resources
- VirtualBX: Texas A&M Breaks Ground on $60M Aplin Center
- Wikipedia: Texas A&M University
- KBTX: Texas A&M Breaks Ground on $250M Aplin Center
- Google Search: Aplin Center Texas A&M
- ConstructConnect: Texas A&M Regents Approve $250M Aplin Center
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaver Aplin
- KXXV: Governor Abbott Celebrates Groundbreaking of Aplin Center
- Google News: Aplin Center Texas A&M
- Hoodline: Governor Abbott Celebrates Groundbreaking of Aplin Center
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