CAREER & TECHNOLOGY CENTER oF LICKING COUNTY
Newark, Ohio
CHALLENGE
The Career and Technology Education Centers of Licking County sought to transform their dated campus exterior into an inspiring educational gateway that would reflect their innovative programs, instill pride in students and faculty, and signal to the surrounding Newark community their commitment to excellence in career-focused education.
SOLUTION
WSA reimagined the 250,000-square-foot campus façade through a comprehensive approach that balances bold identity with nuanced architectural interventions. The design concept treats the existing warehouse-like structures as canvases for expressing C-TEC's forward-thinking mission, using a layered approach that breaks down the buildings' imposing scale while creating a cohesive campus experience.
Strategic material replacements and thoughtful color transitions create visual rhythm across the expansive facades, transforming utilitarian structures into dynamic architectural statements. Redesigned entry canopies now serve as welcoming thresholds that guide visitors while providing sheltered gathering spaces for students. Throughout the campus, new exterior lighting enhances both safety and visual impact, extending the buildings' presence into evening hours.
Environmental graphics play a crucial role in the transformation, with subtle tone-on-tone applications of C-TEC's logos and mascots that instill school pride. These graphic elements work in concert with architectural interventions to create a layered experience that feels simultaneously professional and energetic, reflecting the institution's role in preparing students for meaningful careers.
IMPACT
The transformed campus exterior has fundamentally changed how C-TEC is perceived by students, staff, and the broader Newark community. What was once an austere, industrial complex is now a proud educational landmark that visually communicates the institution's commitment to innovative, career-focused learning. The renovation has also strengthened C-TEC's relationships with industry partners, who now see a physical environment that matches the quality of the institution's educational programs.
