DESIGN APPROACH

Each pathway is paired with its own lab and adjacent classroom, and the programs are arranged so that neighboring trades sit side by side. Construction, electrical, and manufacturing rarely work in isolation in the real world, and the plan lets students and instructors cross paths, share ideas, and collaborate across disciplines the way industry professionals do.

The design team also had to make a historic building feel like it was always meant for this purpose. New finishes had to belong alongside the original architecture while staying mindful of budget, and every program had to work safely for students, industry professionals, and community members sharing the space year-round. Opening every pathway to students served by Student Support Services added another layer, shaping how the labs are supported, including one-on-one support from a student para and dedicated time for one-on-one instruction. 

Design Features and Innovation

Education is on display throughout Phase II. The main corridors act as the spine of the space, with views into the labs and support areas, and multilevel sight lines connect the floors. An upstairs lounge outside a conference room and a large multipurpose room overlooks the construction pathway, so the work below becomes part ofthe everyday experience above. The building’s openings tie the learning to the craft. Punched windows on the east side bring daylight deep into the interior. The south side features two garage doors: one allows vehicles to drive through the corridor into the auto bays, and the other opens directly into the construction lab, allowing for easy loading/unloading. Inside, each program is outfitted with state-of-the-art equipment and tools, including Snap-on tools in the auto pathway, so students train on the same professional-grade equipment they will encounter in industry. Natural stone, wood tones, and neutral finishes carry through the interior, grounding the new labs in the character of the original building.

Impact

Students from more than 15 high schools across Douglas County and beyond come to Legacy for immersive, experience-based courses. Every pathway is tied to an industry-standard certification that travels with the student, and partnerships with ACC/CSU and industry leaders like Toyota connect classroom learning to the workforce ahead. The space supports secondary students, post-secondary classes, continuing education for community professionals, and students served by Student Support Services. After hours, it opens up to adult training, events, and higher education partnerships, and electrical workers use the labs for their apprenticeship program.