Texas School for the Deaf Announces $43.5M Expansion to Student Housing and Classrooms in South Austin
A transformative expansion is underway at the Texas School for the Deaf (TSD), bringing new student housing, a renovated classroom building, and upgraded campus security to the historic South Congress Avenue campus. Backed by $43.5 million in funding from the 88th Texas Legislature, this major construction project will enhance the educational experience for students in the school’s ACCESS (Adult Curriculum for Community, Employment and Self-Sufficiency) program, which serves students ages 18 and older.
A Modern Home for a Thriving Program
The centerpiece of the expansion is a brand-new three-story student housing facility located on Elizabeth Street. This 40,000-square-foot building will include 16 four-bedroom apartments designed to house up to 64 students. Inside, the design incorporates gathering spaces and community-oriented common areas that promote learning, independence, and friendship—values that are at the heart of TSD’s mission.
The design team has applied DeafSpace principles throughout the project, ensuring accessibility, visibility, and spatial awareness are thoughtfully integrated. DeafSpace architecture prioritizes open sight lines, optimal lighting, and tactile surfaces to meet the unique communication and mobility needs of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.
Kleberg Building: Renovation and Expansion
The school’s Kleberg building, originally constructed in 1983, will receive a 13,000-square-foot addition and interior renovations. The new wing will include flexible classrooms and collaboration spaces tailored to prepare students for life beyond TSD—whether that means entering the workforce, pursuing higher education, or living independently.
The building will also receive aesthetic and functional upgrades inside and out, creating a more dynamic, welcoming, and educational environment for students and faculty alike.
Enhanced Security and Accessibility
In a move to increase both safety and traffic efficiency, a new 150-square-foot guard booth will be installed at the Elizabeth Street entrance. The updated security checkpoint will mirror the setup at the school’s Congress Avenue gate and include an island booth between expanded vehicle lanes, with added turn-around space for cars and buses.
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A Longstanding Mission to Empower Students
Founded in 1856, the Texas School for the Deaf serves over 500 students statewide. The school offers both day and residential programs for children and young adults who are deaf or hard of hearing, many of whom also have additional disabilities. From infancy through age 22, TSD provides tailored educational support including early intervention, speech and hearing services, American Sign Language (ASL)/English bilingual instruction, and transition planning for adulthood.
Superintendent Peter L. Bailey emphasized the school’s commitment to student growth and inclusion, stating, “We believe in empowering each student to reach their full potential by providing them with the tools and opportunities to maximize their language skills and thrive in an academic environment tailored to their individual needs.”
Bailey added, “Student success is at the core of our mission. Through updated facilities, state-of-the-art classrooms, and expanded residential spaces, we are helping students build the skills they need for lifelong learning.”
Timeline and Community Impact
Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026, with completion anticipated by the start of the 2028-2029 school year. The upgrades will not only support the current student body but also expand TSD’s capacity to serve more students in the years ahead.
“Even after graduation, our goal is for students to remain connected with TSD. This campus is not just a school—it’s a community and a home base," said Bailey. "We invite families, partners, and the public to visit and witness firsthand the amazing work our students and staff accomplish together. The future is bright for the TSD community.”
The enhancements align with TSD’s broader mission of creating a “language-rich environment” where students “learn, grow, and belong,” while promoting statewide outreach and accessibility through its Statewide Outreach Center (SOC), which offers resources for deaf and hard-of-hearing students and their families across Texas.
With this expansion, the Texas School for the Deaf is taking another major step toward ensuring every student has the tools, support, and space they need to thrive—on campus and beyond.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
