Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs
Highland Springs, Virginia
Overview
The ACE Center at Highland Springs High School was developed as part of Henrico County Public Schools' initiative to expand advanced career and technical education opportunities throughout the region. The project included significant renovations and additions that transformed the existing campus into a modern workforce development center, providing students with hands-on learning environments designed to support high-demand career pathways and industry-focused training programs. Thompson Consulting Engineers provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering services for the project. Building systems were designed to support specialized instructional spaces, advanced technology integration, and evolving educational programming while improving energy efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term reliability. The completed facility enhanced Henrico County's ability to prepare students for careers in skilled trades, healthcare, public safety, and technical professions through modern, flexible learning environments.
Challenges
- Designing MEP and fire protection systems capable of supporting specialized career and technical education programs with diverse infrastructure, ventilation, and power requirements.
- Integrating new building systems within existing facilities while coordinating extensive renovation and expansion work on an active educational campus.
- Providing flexible infrastructure capable of adapting to changing workforce development programs, instructional technologies, and future equipment needs.
Goals
- Deliver reliable mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems that support modern career and technical education environments.
- Create efficient, comfortable, and technology-rich learning spaces that enhance hands-on instruction and student engagement.
- Provide adaptable infrastructure that supports future educational growth and evolving workforce training opportunities.
Project Team
- Owner: Henrico County Public Schools
- Architect: Quinn Evans
- Structural Engineer: Dunbar, PLLC
- Civil Engineer: Timmons Group
- Contractor: Kenbridge Construction Company, Inc.
- Radio Equipment Engineering Consultant: Cavell, Mertz & Associates
Results
- Successfully delivered a modernized career and technical education facility equipped with building systems tailored to specialized instructional and workforce development programs.
- Enhanced educational opportunities through improved infrastructure supporting advanced training equipment, technology integration, and hands-on learning environments.
- Provided Henrico County Public Schools with a flexible and durable facility designed to support workforce readiness and student success for years to come.
