Great Oaks Live Oaks Campus

As Great Oaks Career Centers expanded and refined its career education programs, the Live Oaks Campus needed to evolve alongside them. The vision extended beyond renovating an existing building. The district wanted to create flexible learning environments that reflected hands-on education, respected each student’s journey, and provided a welcoming sense of place for future generations.

Motz Engineering partnered with Great Oaks Career Centers to provide mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering services for the extensive renovation of approximately 200,000 square feet of educational space, along with a new 7,500-square-foot entrance addition. The project modernized classrooms, student services, offices, collaborative spaces, and specialized hands-on learning environments.

A major focus of the project was replacing aging building infrastructure without disrupting daily operations. Mechanical improvements included new rooftop air handling units, energy recovery systems, variable air volume (VAV) systems, hot water boilers, exhaust fans, kitchen make-up air units, and integration with the existing building automation system. On the electrical side, Motz designed the replacement of original 1972 switchgear and coordinated a phased transition to new power distribution equipment, improving reliability while supporting the renovation schedule.

Throughout construction, Motz Engineering coordinated the pre-purchasing of 20 rooftop units and worked closely with the commissioning agent, construction manager, owner’s representatives, Duke Energy, and campus personnel to maintain schedule and minimize disruptions within the continuously occupied facility.

For schools and career training centers planning major renovations, the most successful projects balance educational goals with long-term infrastructure investments. Early equipment procurement, phased construction planning, and close coordination between engineering, construction, and facility staff help owners modernize aging systems while maintaining safe, functional learning environments throughout construction.

The completed project demonstrates how collaborative engineering can help educational institutions modernize existing campuses, improve energy efficiency, and create spaces that better support today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.