Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

Scope Of Work

Two years ago, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors completed the renovations of Plano Academy High School. This North Texas school is on the cutting edge of up-and-coming learning trends that cross the lines of traditional.

Several years before this project came to fruition, a “visioning” committee of forty individuals, including the architects of Stantec came up with the idea of repurposing an existing building to house the school. Originally a call center, this three-story, 107,000 square foot structure was mainly open office space where cubicles once sat. Plano ISD decided to keep much of this open space to compliment the unique, progressive learning style which consists of project-based learning, collaboration and prototyping – in short, a STEAM Academy (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics).

Constructed in the 1990’s, much of the aesthetic quality of the building’s interior was somewhat outdated. In addition to some paint, carpet and lighting updates, much of the interior was retained, including the two-story atrium and the exposed cable tray system in the ceiling. No drastic changes were required for the exterior. We updated the windows with new gasketing (to prevent future leaks), reworked the roof area to serve as an outdoor learning environment and built a roadway to serve as a bus lane and drop-off/pick-up zone.

One of the stand-out features is the front entry plaza. This two-story atrium now features an open stairway and open walls, creating the opportunity to view the cafeteria and teacher work spaces. During this remodel, we removed as much as we added.

By repurposing an existing building, we not only created an awesome learning environment, but we saved the Plano ISD millions of dollars had they taken the “build from the ground up” route. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors is proud to have been a part of this exclusive opportunity of producing an innovative, one-of-a-kind educational facility while saving Plano ISD money that can now be used for other endeavors. Way to go, North Texas!

Delivery Method: Construction Manager-at-Risk