As Texas State University continues to meet the growing needs of its students, its dedication to providing community-centered housing has earned statewide recognition. Richard A. Castro Hall, a newly completed residence hall on the San Marcos campus, has received a 2025 Outstanding Construction Award from the Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America.
The annual award honors projects based on difficulty in construction resulting from design, location, or materials; unusual construction techniques involved; final appearance and quality of the finished product; and timeliness of completion. Richard A. Castro Hall stood out for its scale and complexity, earning praise for both quality and impact.
“Richard A. Castro Hall reflects a commitment to our priorities of creating spaces that help students feel at home and that they matter and belong,” said Kate Gannon-Cullinan, executive director of Housing & Residential Life. “The responsiveness of the construction team and contractors to increase our Bobcat community while still maintaining quality and warmth is an incredible accomplishment.”
Opened in 2025, Richard A. Castro Hall is comprised of 942 beds across seven floors. It features large common areas, student lounges, a teaching seminar room, kitchens, collaborative study rooms, and specialized spaces supporting Science & Technology, Engineering, and Art & Design Living Learning Communities.
The project was completed in just over 19 months by SpawGlass Contractors, Inc. in partnership with Randall Scott Architects. The condensed and efficient design-build delivery schedule was the first of its kind for Texas State.
Many members of the construction team were Texas State alumni, a connection that reinforced the project’s mission to enhance student success through access to stable, affordable housing.
Richard A. Castro Hall represents a major milestone in Texas State’s effort to strengthen student belonging. Since 2022, the university has increased on-campus housing by 35%, a key factor in improving first-year retention and engagement. Upcoming projects, including Hilltop II set to open in 2027, will further expand opportunities for Bobcats to live, learn, and build lifelong community connections right on campus.
“Increasing the on-campus community is crucial to allowing access to expand as more Bobcats call TXST home,” Gannon-Cullinan said. “This provides students with opportunities to develop life skills through building community with their peers, engaging in leadership, and anchoring their academic success in campus resources at their reach.”