- 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
Apr 10
Snacks, swivel chairs and sketching // Calypso Elementary School`s Curious Cougars program brings third graders on field trips to local businesses for hands-on learning. We drank apple juice, ate snacks and talked about design before hitting the Vault to create and present sketches. Thank you for the visit, Cougars, we`ll see you in the neighborhood. •
•
•
•
• #5gang #fieldtrip #thirdgrade #architecture #architects #designers #officelife #snacks #swivelchairs #sketches #littlediggers #eachoneteachone #communityconnection #didyoucutthatapplejuice #bethlehempa #lehighvalleypa #westsidebestside ...
alloy_5
Mar 9
Heart of the Valley // Our friends at @allentowncitypa asked us to create a collectible for their @saquon celebration. We cooked up these limited edition trading cards featuring an iconic image from @sfdigitals. The event benefited @masbfoundation Saquon’s nonprofit dedicated to empowering underserved youth. Congrats to the Super Bowl champ on an incredible season and thanks for celebrating with us in @lehighvalleypa. #5gang #graphicdesign #designers #tradingcards #cardcollector #gemmint10 #philadelphiaeagles #gobirds #superbowllix #weare #keytothecity #allentownpa #lehighvalleypa ...
alloy_5
Jan 20
Can you DIG it? // Design Integration Group sessions bring architects and designers together to sketch, discuss and plan. Today`s topic is Easton Area High School. #5gang #architects #designers #architecture #archilife #officelife #design #sketching #redrovers #lehighvalleypa #snowday #inthevault ...
alloy_5
Dec 23
“For it is plain as anyone can see, we’re simply meant to be.” // We carried the spirit of Halloween Town straight into Christmas this year and celebrated our offices in Bethlehem and Allentown. Happy holidays from your friends at Alloy5 💚
#5gang #bethlehempa #christmascityusa #happyholidays #nightmarebeforechristmas #goodbyelila ...
alloy_5
Dec 20
We might see a white Christmas this year, but it`s always green and bright for the Gang. Happy holidays from all of us to all of you 💚 #5gang #bethlehempa #christmascityusa #happyholidays #snowday #mostlikelyto #bowlingchampions #darkmarkera #goodbyelila #timetobuystockinsportsillustrated ...