Tarleton State University’s Research and Economic Development Building—just a year old—has received a 2025 TEXO Distinguished Building Award, a recognition for construction excellence from the DFW-based commercial contractors association.
Located about 90 miles southwest of Fort Worth, the $7 million, 10,236-square-foot facility opened in July 2024 in Stephenville.
The building features a pair of parallel pre-engineered metal structures with curtainwall systems to maximize natural light. Built to support applied research, agriculture, and small business development, Tarleton described the design as fostering an “inspiring space for cross-disciplinary collaboration.”
Shared with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, the facility houses Tarleton’s Institute for Rural Economic Development and Research and its Small Business Development Center.
Since opening, Tarleton says it has become a meeting place for collaborative research projects. Tarleton State Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Economic Development Rupa Iyer calls it an investment in the region’s economy through public impact research.
Representatives from Tarleton State Campus Operations, The Christman Company, and Mustard Design accept the 2025 TEXO Distinguished Building Award for the Research and Economic Development Building. [Photo: Tarleton]
Designed for impact
“This groundbreaking project is a testament to the power of partnership — a bold, modern design driving innovation, research, and economic growth through true collaboration,” Tarleton Assistant Vice President for Campus Operations David Martin said in a statement.
“Collective efforts like these not only drive success but also make the journey genuinely rewarding. We would sincerely like to thank our operations facilities services team, SSC, Mustard Design, and The Christman Co. for their unwavering commitment to excellence,” Martin said.
Sponsored research and regional partnerships are two areas set to benefit from the new innovation ecosystem, the university said of last year’s grand opening.
“Our economy is driven through research and innovation,” said Tarleton State President Dr. James Hurley at the time. “The cutting-edge research between our university and Texas A&M AgriLife moving forward will help to meet challenges in Texas and beyond. As our university celebrates 125 years starting this fall, we are committed to building a better future for all.”
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