Byron Nelson High School – Phases I, II & New High School Campus

Trophy Club, Texas
Client: Northwest ISD
Market Sector: Education
Role: Geotechnical Engineer & Construction Materials Testing Partner

Client Need

Northwest ISD embarked on a multi-phase plan to develop and expand its high school facilities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing student population. In 2007, the District launched Byron Nelson High School—then the largest high school in Texas—on a 170-acre site with more than 500,000 square feet of educational, athletic, and performing arts space.

In 2020, further expansion was required to accommodate specialized programs and increased enrollment. The project included new CTE and classroom additions, music wing expansion, a field house, and extensive site and pavement renovations.

By 2024, Northwest ISD committed to building a new, state-of-the-art high school on a 137-acre site. This ambitious campus will include a 730,000-square-foot academic facility, a 7,500-seat varsity football stadium, a dedicated CTE Academy, theater, and a 3,200-seat athletic arena—requiring extensive planning and coordination from the ground up.

How We Helped

UES provided full-service geotechnical engineering and construction materials testing support across all three phases of the District’s high school expansion projects. Our work included:

Initial site investigations and subsurface exploration for each phase
Soil analysis and foundation design recommendations
Materials testing and inspection throughout construction
Pavement and flatwork evaluations
Structural fill and compaction testing

For the most recent project in 2024, UES took a proactive, forward-looking approach by preparing a comprehensive scope of work that anticipated design refinements and potential changes in building scale. By factoring in options under early discussion, we helped the District avoid costly remobilizations and schedule delays during design.

In addition, our team played a strategic advisory role in protecting the District’s interests. For example, during the geotechnical assessment, we coordinated closely with a geothermal well specialist to align boring depth and testing needs—ensuring compatibility with the planned geothermal field and overall site development.

Project Highlights

Phase I (2007): 170-acre site, 504,000 SF facility
Phase II (2020): 3-story classroom and CTE additions, expanded orchestra/band rooms, new field house
New High School Campus (2024):
- 137-acre site
- 730,000 SF academic building
- 7,500-seat stadium
- 3,200-seat athletic arena
- CTE Academy and performing arts center
Total Project Value (Phase I): $85 million

Client & Community Impact

Through careful planning, deep technical expertise, and an anticipatory project management approach, UES has been a trusted partner to Northwest ISD across nearly two decades of growth. Our ability to adapt to evolving needs while safeguarding the client’s timeline and budget has helped ensure successful delivery of flagship educational facilities that serve students, staff, and the broader community.