Completed in summer 2024, the $28 million, 29,000 sq ft addition expands hands-on learning opportunities for nearly 3,000 students across the district, supporting programs ranging from manufacturing and engineering technology to culinary arts, robotics, and construction. Designed by Shive-Hattery, the two-story facility places CTE education front and center — both physically and philosophically — reinventing how career-focused learning is experienced and valued within the school community.
The article details how precast concrete and structural steel enabled design flexibility, durability, and efficiency while delivering a modern aesthetic that distinguishes the addition from the original 1990s building. Custom-stained and acid-etched precast panels provide texture, shadow, and energy performance, exceeding code requirements while allowing daylight to permeate interior spaces. Thoughtful planning also supports future program changes, community use, and enhanced indoor air quality for high-volume lab environments.
Beyond education, the facility is engineered for resilience. Precast concrete wall panels and double-tee roof systems double as ICC 500–compliant storm shelter spaces, ensuring the building can serve as a safe haven during severe weather events common to the region. The project highlights how economical, prefabricated building solutions can deliver long-term value, safety, and community impact — well beyond the classroom.
