A dynamic destination located in the heart of the Arlington Entertainment District, the Arlington Independent School District Dr. Marcelo Cavazos Center for Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) establishes itself as an exemplary addition to the numerous state of-the-art facilities located in the vicinity, such as AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. Here, students who were once underserved now have access to a venue that provides a bridge to their future. The building demonstrates that grandiose facilities may be built with, or even inspired by, modest resources.

The CVPA has revolutionized the way the performing and visual arts are taught and experienced in Arlington. The design goal was to create a world-class performing and visual art center to serve students from 9th through 12th grade. The facility implements these goals by taking an interdisciplinary approach to learning, which merges different art forms and encourages students to explore and refine their artistic abilities in a supportive and welcoming setting.

The 1,250-seat performance hall is an instrument in itself, it’s variable acoustics can be tuned according to the performance. Rectangular and ribbon-like panels add visual appeal to the space while amplifying its acoustics. When school is not in session, the concert hall hosts professional musicians and events, making the building an active community resource. Students also have access to high-quality Steinway & Sons pianos, similar to pianos used in international professional competitions like the Van Cliburn. One of the pianos offers another personal touch: it was built with wooden boards that Arlington ISD students and staff signed during a field trip to the Steinway factory in New York in 2018. A polished art gallery adjacent to the entrance displays local and student art, giving people at any age a chance to discover and be discovered.

A separate 450-seat theater provides students with the intimate setting to explore their theatrical potential and learn how to command an audience while performing. The space is also equipped with a digital backdrop that broadens the range of scenery options for student and professional performances.

A center courtyard spans the plot, encouraging and engaging the students with the natural environment. Thoughtful design establishes a tree-lined "Arts Lawn" between the fine arts and athletics centers, where Arlington residents and visitors can stroll and admire student sculptures. The CVPA serves as a cultural hub for the city of Arlington, providing much needed space for community events and performances.