At the Genesee Career Institute (GCI), a tuition-free education exposes high school students to new skill sets and technologies for entry into the workforce, certifications, and college credits. Barton Malow transformed a simple, single-story building into an innovative tech center where K12 students find inspiration and receive a technical education. Phase I of the project featured over 77,000 SF of renovations, providing students access to enormous workspaces that stress the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) via 3D printers, fume hoods, and more. Phase II created the Innovation Zone, an 8,700-SF addition. With connectivity—both technologically and on the human level—in mind, the expansion features new ways to interact while also connecting the south and north wings.
Positive Impacts with Limited Distractions
While planning the GCI renovation, our team ensured such a massive development didn’t negatively impact students. The team could rotate work to keep the school open and eliminate distractions by breaking up the project into four succinct phases. Overall, the renovations did not affect students’ day-to-day learning and interaction. Completing the upgrades and addition have allowed GCI to consolidate elements of programs and provide a comprehensive and innovative education.
Built by the Community
At our core, Barton Malow maximizes connections to the communities where we live, work, and play. At GCI, we engaged local Genesee County subcontractors, with three trade contractors within walking distance of the project and about eight to 12 GCI alums working on the project in the trades. “There is a greater sense of pride when people work in their very own community,” said Project Director Steven Rewers.
