Wayne County Schools Career Center
New Technology Center – Smithville, Ohio

It was only 18 months ago that a natural disaster in the form of an ice/snow storm destroyed the roof of the Wayne County Career Center’s Technology Center. Today, a new and improved technology facility is rising from the ground. Although academic space was a little cramped during the last school year, students and administrators will find that the delay will be well worth the wait. The new Technology Center will house 4 new tech-related career programs and thus be able to take advantage of matching funds (60/40) from the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission (OSFC).

Harris/Day worked closely with Wayne County Schools and the OSFC to expedite the ELPP’s program requirements for funding approval, as well as to complete construction documents allowing construction to start earlier this month.

The staff was thrilled with the hands-on involvement they had during the design phase,” said Al Zimmerman, WCSCC staff project manager. “They can’t wait to occupy their new program spaces that are scheduled to be ready for classes this Fall.” In order to meet that goal, contractors are moving quickly as illustrated in the construction photos.

North Central State College
Kehoe Center Renovations – Shelby, Ohio

Flexibility is often a key ingredient during design/construction of a project. The Kehoe Center renovations project at North Central State College has been split into two phases in order to accommodate both Fall semester classroom needs, and to allow more time to raise additional funds needed for an expanded program of space needs .

The Harris/Day team investigated multiple solutions to address both the space and budget constraints originally placed on the 3rd floor renovation project – before first tackling the basic needs of a new kitchen, restroom improvements, and classroom expansion. This portion of the project is ready to start construction for occupancy this Fall.

The second phase, and main emphasis of the Kehoe Center project, is the conversion of the remaining 3rd floor space into a new, ‘state-of-the-art’ banquet hall and seminar facility. To help staff visualize the new space and assist with fundraising efforts, Harris/Day developed 3D, computer-generated renderings of the proposed design concepts – including the relocated North Central State College ‘Hall of Entrepreneurs’.

“Alumni and community supporters at a recent Kehoe Center event were very impressed with the realistic images,” said Dean Schaad, NCSC Director of Facilities. “Their enthusiasm will drive the fundraising efforts,” he added.

Phase 2 construction documents are currently being completed for bidding in August