- Type Feasibility Study, Renovation / Addition
- Services Architecture, Interiors
- Size 128,000 SF
- Budget $16 Million

The Challenge
Built in 1968 to support workforce development throughout central Pennsylvania’s manufacturing hub, Columbia-Montour Area Vocational-Technical School is a comprehensive high school offering 17 different vocational training programs alongside traditional core academic curriculum. With the support of an active alumni group, the school is pursuing a full building renovation to upgrade infrastructure and vocational program needs, as well as relocating certain vocational programs to better align with collaboration adjacencies.



Our Approach
Starting with a feasibility study in 2018, Alloy5 evaluated the condition of the school as well as collaborated with vocational teachers to determine the best approach for enhancing the needs of both the students and the community. In the vocational labs, the original mezzanines and theory room spaces below caused ADA-complaint issues. Taking that usable space and applying it to the floor space of the lab was imperative to maintaining the vocational curriculums while also creating inclusive programs for all students, regardless of their program.

Design Solution
Durable lab spaces with modern educational spaces were key to creating a 21st-century vocational facility. With three additions to the building, more square footage will be dedicated to vocational programs that will be properly aligned with neighboring programs. Infrastructure and finish upgrades throughout the school will provide a refreshing environment. The new learning commons at the entrance of the building will be an innovative maker space for all students to connect and collaborate, while also housing community and administrative events – the essence of Columbia Montour Area Vocational Technical School’s mission.




alloy_5
Oct 28
Booth-building and beyond! 🏗️ Watch the gang set up shop at the 2024 PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference. From designing our awesome booth to recording the pilot of our new podcast, “Communication by Design,” live at the event - it was a whirlwind of creativity and connection. Our first time exhibiting, but definitely not our last! 🎙️🏫
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#5gang #PSBA2024 #SchoolLeadership #BoothDesign #PodcastLaunch #Architects #Designers #LVMadePossible #EducationInnovation #FirstTimers #BehindTheScenes ...
alloy_5
May 24
Schropp til you drop // Welcome to the Schropp Shoppe, a modern shopping experience designed to celebrate the original use of a historic building. Back in the 19th century, Moravians purchased their dry goods at the Schropp family`s store. Today`s visitors can buy many of the same items, like candles, housewares and kitchen accessories, at the same location •
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• #5gang #history #historicrenovation #smallbusiness #mainstreet #visioning #interiordesign #architecture #shopsmall #worldheritage #unescoworldheritage #lehighvalleypa #bethlehempa #igbethlehem #visitbethlehem ...
alloy_5
Feb 9
"You`re building our school??" // The gang got to participate in @basdfountainhill 2nd annual Career Day for third, fourth and fifth grade students. We talked architecture, checked out some models and answered lots of questions about their new school (opening summer 27 when these students will be in eighth grade). Thanks for having us, Tigers 💚🐅🏫 •
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• #5gang #careerday #architects #designers #elementaryschool #lvmadepossible #lehighvalley #fountainhill #basdproud #itsathrilltolearnonthehill @bethlehemareasd ...
alloy_5
Dec 21
It`s the season of giving and we`re celebrating with a Barbie basket giveaway. Why Barbie? This year, we added four members to the gang, and they`re all women. Swipe to see the talented architects and designers who bring a better balance to our office. In addition to the giveaway, we`re donating the value of the basket to JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Want to win the basket? Like this post, make sure you`re following @alloy_5 and tag someone who balances you in the comments below. Winner will be randomly selected and must pick up locally. Happy Holidays from the 5gang 💚 •
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• #5gang #barbie #giveaway #boggbag #architects #designers #archilife #officelife #happyholidays #lvmadepossible #bethlehempa #christmascityusa ...
alloy_5
Dec 1
It’s Christmas time in the city 🎄We’ve got two trees at the office and a very special guest joining us for @bethlehemchamber @visithistoricbethlehem Live Advent Calendar at @historicbethlehem Goundie House 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Hope to see you there 💚
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#5gang #christmastree #designers #architects #officelife #lvmadepossible #christmascityusa #lanadelreydoeschristmasmusic #thisistaylorswiftmyfriend ...