Penta Career Center delivers comprehensive high school and adult education programs across 16 member school districts in northwest Ohio. To expand its technical training capabilities, Penta has added a new, specialized facility designed to provide advanced instruction for students, skilled trades, and corporate partners, with a focus on electric equipment and emerging advanced electric technologies.

Hands-On Educational Laboratory Space

Penta selected Kleinfelder to lead four capital improvement projects aimed at upgrading and expanding its facilities. These projects were key to supporting Penta’s mission of delivering top-tier vocational training to its diverse student body.

The new 15,135-square-foot E-Mobility Laboratory features multiple labs and flexible classrooms, allowing Penta to address current and future technological advancements in micro-grids, drones, automated equipment, and other forms of electrification. The term “E‑Mobility” was selected to characterize the program’s comprehensive focus on electric‑drive technologies.

Special considerations and thoughtful details at the site included nearby and easily accessible utilities, flexible learning and collaboration spaces, thicker concrete slabs to accommodate heavy vehicles and lifting jacks, enhanced ventilation systems, and an outdoor drone testing pad. As a functioning educational facility, the project also included secure entry and access, three classrooms, restrooms, staff offices, and storage areas.

Comprehensive Services and Alternative Delivery

Kleinfelder provided a comprehensive range of services to support the E-Mobility Laboratory. Teams across Kleinfelder collaborated to provide programming, architecture, civil engineering and site design, structural engineering, and mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems services. Kleinfelder also provided permitting, bidding support, and construction administration services.

The E-Mobility Laboratory project was delivered using the Construction Management at Risk (CMAR or CMR) alternative delivery method, which allowed for greater collaboration between the design team, general contractor, and project owner.

Project Results

Kleinfelder’s work with Penta Career Center to upgrade and expand its facilities included thoughtful, sustainable design with modern touches. The
E-Mobility Laboratory was designed to help provide top-tier educational experiences to Penta’s current students, while remaining flexible so that it can be adapted to advances in the electrical industry.

Project Details

Location:
Perrysburg, OH
Owner:
Penta Career Center