City of Waco Full Steam Ahead with Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center

Last updated on July 18, 2025 at 08:00 AM

Progress continues on the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center. The new roof has been installed, and the metal stud framing is complete, which means the interior spaces for the classrooms, labs, recording studio, kitchen, and common areas are now well defined. Next for the project includes drywall and electrical work to support the new state-of-the-art technology.

About the Project

The grand opening for the STEAM Center is scheduled for January 2026. Once complete, the new facility will provide a transformative community space where people of all ages can explore science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math through hands-on experiences. With support from local partners, the STEAM Center will offer the most up-to-date curriculum and expert instruction to drive innovation, education, and opportunity for everyone.

This $13.7 million project is more than a renovation — it's an investment in Waco's future.  Plans are in the works include:

• Robotics lab for hands-on exploration of engineering and coding.
• Teaching kitchen to support culinary learning and entrepreneurship.
• Recording studio for music production and media creation.
• Immersive lab that offers experiential learning opportunities.
• Flexible classrooms, a computer lab, and a demonstration space to host workshops, community discussions, and more.

STEAM Center Project

In Case You Missed It: Groundbreaking Event

On Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, the community gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center!

The former Bledsoe-Miller Community Center building (now operating as the Doris Miller Community Center) is getting transformed into a state-of-the-art facility that will deliver engaging, high-quality educational experiences that prepare individuals for the workforce and foster lifelong learning.  

During the groundbreaking, longtime champion of the project, District One Councilmember Andrea Barefield, highlighted that the STEAM Center will be a place where every person, no matter their age or background, will have the chance to learn something new, ignite their creativity, and contribute to our city's shared success.

Event Photos