University Academy Charter High School – STEAM Suite Expansion
photo courtesy of Edward Caruso Architecture and Landscape Photography
Wick Fisher White provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection design services for the expansion of educational space at University Academy Charter High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. The project involved the renovation of approximately 10,000 sf of vacant second-floor tenant space within a shared building to support the expansion of the school’s STEAM program. The space was formerly utilized as a business incubator and required evaluation and modification of existing building systems to accommodate a change in occupancy from business to educational use.
The renovated area includes new biology, chemistry, physics, and technology laboratories; multimedia and music classrooms; a dedicated recording room; a large maker space; and associated support spaces. Specialty systems included laboratory fume hoods, emergency safety showers, dedicated exhaust systems for laser cutting equipment, and retractable power cord reels for flexible use of tools and small appliances. HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, and fire alarm systems were reconfigured and extended as necessary to meet code requirements and support the specialized needs of STEAM instruction.
Project Features
10,000 SF adaptive reuse for STEAM program expansion
Conversion from business to educational occupancy
Science and technology laboratories
Multimedia, music, and recording spaces
Flexible maker space for hands-on learning
Laboratory fume hoods and safety showers
Laser cutter exhaust systems
Upgraded HVAC, electrical, and life safety systems