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Commission hears plan to hire Tinkermaw LLC to design Gateway CTE renovation; school programming to guide design
Summary
Hamilton County Schools recommended Tinkermaw LLC to design a roughly 40,000–50,000-square-foot renovation of the Gateway Career Technical Education facility. Commissioners discussed programmatic details, next steps and possible site visits to model facilities; the contract will return for formal approval after negotiation.
Hamilton County Commissioners reviewed Resolution 4 25-18, recommending the selection of Tinkermaw LLC to design renovations to the lower floor of the Gateway Career Technical Education (CTE) Center.
Justin Witt, director of facilities for Hamilton County Schools, told commissioners the project would renovate approximately 40,000 to 50,000 square feet for CTE programming and would include necessary fire‑line and fire‑code updates. "This is an effort to fill that void in the downtown area," Witt said, and said the architect selection process is complete and the next step is to negotiate a contract to return to the commission.
Commissioners asked about how programming decisions will be made. Witt said programming—deciding which CTE pathways will occupy the space—typically comes during schematic and design development and will involve school district educators because program needs affect infrastructure and utilities. Commissioner Sharp urged involvement from the education side early in the design process.
Commissioner Graham, who served on the architect selection team, suggested a field trip to the Pye Center in Cleveland and other recently built CTE centers, including a Williamson County site, so commissioners and school staff can view models and flexibly designed spaces. Mayor remarks noted districtwide activity around CTE planning and encouraged flexible designs that can accommodate changing workforce needs.
Witt told the commission that, if the selection is approved, staff will return next week with a negotiated contract for formal action.
