Design-build team previews FEES campus rebuild; district targets fall 2028 opening

Design-build partners and district leaders presented a concept update for the FEES campus rebuild, shared renderings and a governance structure intended to speed decision-making and maintain project flexibility.

Carlos Diaz of McCarthy Building Companies introduced the design-build approach and a preliminary schedule; SPS+ architects described the winning concept—branded internally as the "wind catcher"—which emphasizes daylight, natural airflow, a large commons, and clustered high-intensity labs to allow efficient infrastructure and future adaptability. Dr. Driscoll framed the academic goals: "Every class that our student takes will be tied to a job that will be available for them upon graduating high school or if they choose to go to college," underlining the project's workforce-aligned focus.

Presenters explained the project governance (a 'big room' integrated model and weekly executive leadership team), the plan for a utility spine to allow future technology and infrastructure upgrades, and HVAC choices intended to reduce operating costs (variable refrigerant flow systems and relief dampers to reuse conditioned air in courtyard spaces). The team said permitting conversations with the City of Tempe are underway and envisioned milestone-based pull-planning to meet the target opening in fall 2028. Board members asked about classroom distraction risk from visible learning, accessibility, the ability to rent performance spaces to the community, and long-term flexibility and expansion.