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School Design

Oak Creek School District Performing Arts Center, in Oak Creek Wisconsin
Location:
Oak Creek, WI
Scope:
Provided a facility study, referendum assistance, and architectural design services for a new Performing Arts & Education Center (PAEC) and new dedicated space for career and technical education
External Team:

Oak Creek High School-Performing Arts & Education Center

Oak Creek, WI

The Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District sought to update aging high school facilities and to provide a dedicated performing arts center for student and community use, providing new opportunities for students interested in the performing arts. PRA, in partnership with Nexus Solutions, assisted in a district wide study and successful referendum. The resulting projects include the construction of a new Performing Arts & Education Center (PAEC) and new dedicated space for career and technical education addition (CTE - Auto’s, Manufacturing, Wood and Construction), and miscellaneous interior renovations.

The new Performing Arts & Education Center replaces the existing theater, which was located within the gym. The new theater is a state-of-the-art 1,000 seat theater providing cutting edge spaces to increase opportunities for students in the performing arts. This venue is one of the largest high school theaters in the state. Choir room, band room, and supporting spaces are renovated in support of the enhanced program.

The building is designed to showcase the curriculum and support complementary career paths: The scene shop is located near the construction lab enabling collaboration across classes. The green room is uniquely designed in uni-sex fashion to increase functional space and reduce inefficiencies. Nearby classrooms support pre / post function for entertainers using the stage.

The automotive technology program now includes five bays, arranged in a new motor court.