Career Academy of Pella

Built as a part of the 2013 school bond issue and offering courses in partnership with local community colleges. The innovative facility allows students to prepare for successful careers. The versatile programs allow exploration of many fields, ranging from:

• agriculture to computer technology,
• construction technology to fashion,
• health occupations to welding technology
• Project Lead the Way (Engineering) and robotics

The 23,000 sqft facility includes the following space types in support of these programs: a few AV enabled classrooms, a woodshop, a metals shop, garages for agricultural and industrial technology, and a compressed air system. Neumann Monson was awarded an AIA Iowa Excellence in Design Award in 2015 for this facility.

MECHANICAL

Generally, heating and cooling is accomplished via an air-cooled VRF system with electric in-duct heating for support.  Shop spaces include specialty: welding exhaust (relocated), dust collection systems, and a paint booth (relocated). Outdoor Air is provided via single ERV and Makeup Air from appropriate areas.  Infrared heating was included in areas where garage doors may be left open for extended times. The garage spaces include trench drain systems and interceptors. 

ELECTRICAL

The facility power system supports substantial quantities of manufacturing and welding equipment.  Additionally, workspaces are served via cord reels, cord drops, and workspace outlets.  The classrooms include local AV functionality and advanced lighting controls, including motorized skylight shades.  Exterior lighting and select interior fixtures are LED, while some lighting remained fluorescent to make the project feasible.

TECHNOLOGY

Site fiber was routed to provide service to the building.  Classroom AV solution includes classroom amplification and a small AV switcher to a short-throw projector.