Situated on a tight site, the original vocational technical school had several additions, but essentially remained unchanged in its current layout since being built in 1955.

The Emmett O’Brien Vocational Technical School project added 55,000 SF of new space and 120,000 SF of renovations to the existing facility. The renovated school, which houses 574 students in grades 9-12, features a new academic wing and cafeteria with state-of-the-art kitchen for the culinary arts programs, one of the school’s 11 trade programs. All the shops, from drafting and engineering to hairdressing and cosmetology, received major improvements, providing students with the skills they need to enter the workforce. The school’s exterior was also given a contemporary facelift with sleek steel components and curved lines.

The scope of work also included new technology, HVAC, plumbing, roofs, windows and sprinklers. The cafeteria was converted to a library/media center.

The design team worked in close collaboration with the Client (Department of Construction Services), Department of Education, School Administration and Owners Construction Manager to develop a design approach that permits “renovate as new” condition of the existing as well as completing additions to the building while fully occupied with minimal impact to the educational process. Early in the design phase, this phasing approach was assessed for the potential cost impact and reconciled with available project budget. A major portion of the new space was constructed towards the rear of the existing site, on the existing playfields as well as at the front entrance of the school. The project was completed in 2017.