O'Connor

Worcester, Massachusetts

Construction is completed for the new Worcester Vocational High School. The high school is the largest vocational high school in the United States with 400,000 square feet. This $68 million dollar, state of the art facility can house up to 1,500 students a day with a potential after hours population of 3,000. The school consists of 100 classrooms, 24 learning centers, multiple shops, a restaurant, child care center, cosmetology, bank, automotive repair and collision services areas, a health clinic, machine shop, parking garage for 160 cars, and meeting/tourism facilities.

The joint venture of Consigli-O'Connor was awarded the construction of the high school in May 2003 and was completed, ahead of schedule, in February 2006. Doors opened to students in September of 2006.

Lamoureux and Pagano, a Worcester based architectural firm, based the schools unique design with the requirements of the educators in mind. The design appears to be that of a university rather than a typical technical school. The media center is located to take advantage of the incredible eastern views; the main entrance is identified from miles away beneath a circular computer lab and conference room tower. The public is welcome to enjoy the student sponsored retail operations including restaurant, day care center, shops and conference center. Unlike the austere block and steel of past high schools, Lamoureux and Pagona's design reflects the inventiveness of the education style. In addition, the design required careful placement of building components to maximize the site potential while respecting the designated wetland area.