Polaris Career Center

Architectural Vision Group (AVG) was commissioned by Polaris Career Center to lead an extensive master planning and redesign effort for its 243,043-square-foot, three-story facility. The project aimed to modernize the building and align it with the evolving educational and vocational programs offered by Polaris in the 21st century. Originally constructed in 1971, the facility was designed to meet the needs of that era’s vocational programs, which have since undergone significant changes in both scope and technology. As a result, the building required a thoughtful transformation to support contemporary learning environments, emerging technologies, and future trends in career and technical education.

The first phase of the project involved a detailed space analysis, during which AVG meticulously examined how the existing spaces were being utilized and identified areas where improvements could enhance functionality. This analysis also involved engaging with various stakeholders, including staff, students, and administrators, to understand their needs and aspirations for the new facility. From this engagement, AVG developed a comprehensive Program of Requirements (POR) that would serve as the foundation for the redesign. The POR outlined the spatial, technological, and programmatic needs of the center, ensuring that the new design would not only meet current requirements but also provide flexibility for future growth.

Alongside the space analysis, AVG conducted an in-depth assessment of the physical building and site. This involved evaluating the structure’s integrity, identifying areas that required modernization or expansion, and assessing site-related elements like parking, traffic flow, and outdoor learning opportunities. The master plan that emerged from this process reflected a strategic vision for Polaris Career Center’s future, addressing the needs of modern educational programs while respecting the center’s history and existing infrastructure.

The next step was to translate this master plan into a comprehensive redesign that considered both present and future needs. The redesigned facility focused on improving functionality, enhancing the student and staff experience, and incorporating modern architectural elements that aligned with Polaris’s mission as a forward-thinking educational institution. The redesign introduced several key features:

• New Entrances: The creation of more prominent, user-friendly entrances provided an updated look and improved accessibility, making the facility more welcoming for students, staff, and visitors. These entrances were strategically placed to improve circulation and better connect interior spaces to the exterior environment.
• Mezzanines and Lobby Additions: The addition of mezzanines and expanded lobbies created more open and dynamic spaces within the building, providing areas for informal gatherings, student collaboration, and community events. These spaces were designed to foster interaction and promote a sense of community within the center.
• Exterior Façade Improvements: Significant upgrades were made to the building’s exterior to modernize its appearance and improve energy efficiency. These façade improvements not only refreshed the visual identity of the center but also incorporated sustainable materials and design elements that contributed to a more energy-efficient facility.
• Site Enhancements: AVG also focused on improving the surrounding site, which included upgrades to parking areas, improved pedestrian pathways, and outdoor spaces designed for both learning and leisure. These enhancements aimed to create a more cohesive and welcoming environment for students and visitors.
• Special Education/HVAC Adult Lab Addition: A key component of the redesign was the construction of a new lab facility dedicated to special education and adult HVAC training programs. This addition reflects Polaris’s commitment to offering diverse educational opportunities, catering to students with varying needs, and providing up-to-date technical training in high-demand fields.

One of the most critical aspects of the project was ensuring that operations at the career center could continue uninterrupted during construction. AVG meticulously planned the construction phases to minimize disruption to students and staff, implementing temporary solutions and clear communication strategies to maintain the flow of daily activities while the facility underwent its transformation.

In summary, the master planning and redesign of Polaris Career Center, led by Architectural Vision Group, represents a significant investment in the future of career and technical education. By aligning the facility with 21st-century learning trends and anticipating future programmatic needs, AVG created a dynamic, flexible, and modernized space that will serve Polaris’s students and the broader community for decades to come.

This project was featured in Properties Magazine’s June 2020 issue – If you want to read more, check out the full article here.