Arizona's First Net Zero School Celebrates Grand Opening

TEMPE, Ariz., Aug. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Construction Company, Arizona is pleased to announce that it has completed construction on the new Colonel Smith Middle School on Fort Huachuca, AZ.  The school will be dedicated tomorrow, Friday, August 3 at 10:00 am.  The public, replacement school is being built on the Army's leading intelligence training facility at 155 Carter Avenue, Fort Huachuca, Arizona 85670.  The new Colonel Smith Middle School will be the first Net Zero Energy school in Arizona and the 12^th Net Zero Energy building in the nation.  Generating more energy that it consumes on an annual basis, the school is pioneering sustainable design and a unique approach to learning that engages students in real-world problem-solving and experimentation in a collaborative environment. 

"This school incorporates a comprehensive opportunity for education through a quality planning, design, and construction process," states Tony Wall, Program Manager and President of 3W Management. "This is one of the great schools in America." 

With an instructional focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), planners of Colonel Smith Middle School complex re-thought the traditional design of educational buildings.  Facilities will support a project-based learning model with flexible common and collaboration spaces, and facilitate learning both indoors and outdoors.  The 88,693 square foot school will accommodate approximately 350 students in grades 6, 7, and 8, primarily children of military families.  The architect of record for Colonel Smith Middle School was Emc2 Group Architects Planners; the design architect was Fanning Howey; and the general contractor was Turner Construction Company.

Shawn Rosenberger, Vice President and General Manager of Turner Construction Company, Arizona, states, "Colonel Smith Middle School offers a truly unique environment to support student learning.  We are proud to be a part of the team that made this concept a reality."  

Turner Construction Company maintains a network of 45 offices in the U.S. including a fully-staffed office in Arizona.  The company offers clients the accessibility and support of a local firm with the strength, stability, and resources of a national corporation.  Turner Construction Company is a leader in all major market segments of the building construction field.  For more information, visit www.turnerconstruction.com/tempe.

Media Contact: Beth Binger
BCI
Mobile: (619) 987-6658
[email protected]

SOURCE Turner Construction Company