Whale Branch Early College High School, Beaufort County School District

Whale Branch Early College High School in Beaufort County School District added an athletic and performing arts additions to the existing campus. To keep students and staff safe during construction on an active campus during the academic year, our team worked with school officials to create a safety plan to keep work zones separate from active areas, redirect traffic, and ensure that students had safe exits points.

The existing campus offered an auxiliary gym, weight room, and training room; however, all facilities were smaller than necessary for a school of their size. The new weight room is designed with student safety in mind, accounting for equipment size and clear area. The training room is now large enough for the existing student capacity as well as visiting teams and includes dedicated spaces for ice baths and stretching. We took advantage of the existing, large locker rooms and office spaces by adding an addition. The biggest advantage of the new 27,000 SF addition is the 1,500-seat competition gym for athletic events.

The school hopes to increase interest for existing students and encourage incoming freshman to pursue the fine arts with a new 26,500 SF performing arts center. This addition includes a 500-seat theater complete with backstage areas for shop, scenery, costume storage, and dressing rooms. The center also includes dedicated spaces for band / orchestra and choir.

A new entry plaza between the Whale Branch Early College High School athletic and performing arts addition welcomes patrons attending shows or athletic events and encourages gathering and collaboration. Student artwork is displayed the lobby.