Taking the Arts to the next Level

Article by: Bo Hampton - Project Foreman

Old meets New

 In recent years, the Clark County School District has been upgrading many of their existing campuses. One special case is that of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts, which has a detailed multiphase renovation plan for providing some much-needed upgrades while also maintaining the historic quality of the school’s most iconic buildings.

The first phase of this project was completed earlier this summer; its scope focused on the construction of a new parking garage and a state-of-the-art gymnasium. The parking garage is particularly unique as it is the first to be built for any CCSD school. The new and planned facilities come loaded with technology; for example, the first floor of the parking structure has over 60 cameras. All this technology feeds from a new modern campus equipment room, which will serve as the hub for the technological hardware of the upgraded campus.

The scope of the electrical work we oversaw was extensive, valued at over $8 million. We installed more than 105,000 linear feet of conduit and nearly 193,000 linear feet of cabling across a sprawling 244,465-square-foot segment of the campus. Power demands at the new facilities called for the installation of a 277/480V, 3-phase, 4-wire electrical service, which supplies reliable power to the Gym, Parking Garage, administrative offices, and specialized rooms, like the fully outfitted dance studios. These dance studios serve LVA’s performing arts students and are an integral part of the school's vibrant arts programs.

Peak Performance

Throughout the project, our team’s average crew size was around 14 electricians, peaking at 32 during critical phases. Even at times with more hands in the field, safety and craftsmanship remained our top priorities. Over the course of the 35,000 labor hours we spent on the installation, our team worked diligently to prevent OSHA recordables. Working in field leadership on a project like this can be complex, but it is much easier when the team is committed to working safely and efficiently.

This project was also a demonstration of the importance of collaboration among all trades involved in construction. From structural steel to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical, each team played a vital role in ensuring that the project moved forward smoothly. The coordination between teams was vital, especially given the complexity of integrating the electrical systems with structural and architectural elements. It was truly a team effort in every sense of the word, and the PENTA Building Group deserves credit for managing the project effectively.

Part of a lasting impression

Being part of the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts project was a true honor, especially given the school’s rich history and its significance to the downtown Las Vegas community. It’s rewarding to know that our work will support generations of students pursuing their passions in arts and education.

As we look forward to the future phases of renovation and expansion, we are filled with excitement to see the final version of this iconic school. The dedication and craftsmanship of our team have laid a solid foundation. We are confident that once completed, this will be a place where creativity, learning, and people come together—an inspiring environment for both students and Las Vegas community.