APS Career Center

Location: Arlington, Va.

Project type: technology high school and community college education

Client: Arlington Public Schools and Northern Virginia Community College

Program:

  • administration offices
  • advertising, TV and public media
  • aeronautics
  • animal husbandry
  • automotive repair
  • carpentry
  • child and infant care
  • cosmetology
  • culinary arts
  • emergency medical training
  • finance retail business
  • graphic arts
  • hospitality
  • HVAC repair and systems
  • library
  • media center
  • student dining and food service
  • photography
  • physical therapy

Designed to meet the green building certification system USGBC LEED Silver standards, the master plan and feasibility study for this high school career center supports a progressive vision for a 400,000-square-foot S.T.E.M. program (science, technology, engineering and math). It provides a synergy based on shared space for Northern Virginia Community College programs, a public library and the career center programs.

Located near the revitalization zone of Columbia Pike, this Smart Growth Initiative for technology and education was envisioned to replace the current career center. The building layout and massing is designed to respect the form-based code established for the revitalization area and add public amenities of parks, green space, public meeting and recreation facilities, a new public library, underground parking and expansion capability for Arlington County space needs.

Short-term projects have focused on renovations of the existing facilities including windows, mechanical and electrical systems, life-safety and lighting. This initial phase of work will improve the functionality and energy performance of the building. The key phasing issues were successfully developed to address the continued use of the building during the renovation.