The new Helena High School project involves the construction of a modern 230,000 square foot facility designed to replace the existing school while maintaining a connection to the original gymnasium and athletic facilities. Strategically located on the current campus parking lot, the project requires a complex phased approach: the existing school will remain fully operational throughout construction and will be demolished only upon completion of the new building.
ACE’S design scope includes meticulous modeling and verification of existing building systems to ensure seamless integration with the new infrastructure, as well as design, bidding and construction administration for all MEP and fire protection systems. This modernized campus will provide state-of-the-art learning environments while significantly upgrading the district’s technological and safety infrastructure.
The new school will feature:
- Central Plant & HVAC: A central boiler plant with a modulating, distributed heating hot water system, direct expansion (DX) cooling systems, rotary heat exchangers for high-efficiency energy recovery, and variable speed air handling equipment. All equipment will be tied into a central digital control system to further maximize efficiency, ensuring ease of maintenance and long-term reliability.
- CTE Facilities: Specialized Career and Technical Education (CTE) infrastructure, including professional-grade dust collection for woodshops and welding fume extraction systems.
- Kitchen & Culinary: A warming kitchen featuring commercial Type-I and Type-II kitchen hoods and makeup air systems with demand control ventilation capabilities.
- Safety & Security: Comprehensive building-wide security including IP-based video surveillance, intrusion detection, advanced access controls, and a state-of-the-art fire alarm system.
- Modern Communications: High-speed Tel/com data infrastructure with wireless access points, alongside an integrated IP-based clock-bell, intercom, and phone system.
