The Van Dyke Career and Technical Education Center represents a $5.6 million investment in career-focused education as part of a broader $62.5 Million bond initiative that PARTNERS led from needs assessment through implementation. When plans to reconstruct Lincoln High School's main entrance and gymnasium necessitated demolishing the existing career and technical facility, PARTNERS seized the opportunity to create a purpose-built, 27,000-square-foot center that elevates technical education.
The new facility houses sophisticated programs including dental assisting, culinary arts, automotive technology, CAD, 3D modeling, advanced manufacturing, and welding in spaces that mirror professional environments. Sustainability and efficiency drive the building's design, featuring extensive natural daylighting complemented by an innovative displacement ventilation system with chilled beams for heating and cooling.
This professional-grade environment transcends typical high school aesthetics while maintaining practical considerations through low-maintenance materials and adaptable spaces. The facility demonstrates the district's commitment to providing alternative career pathways alongside traditional college preparation. As the final piece of the Lincoln High School campus transformation, the Center creates a striking gateway that signals the importance of career and technical education.
The project's success lies in its ability to balance sophisticated technical training spaces with sustainable design practices, creating an inspiring environment that prepares students for immediate career entry while remaining flexible for future program evolution.
