Womack Project Executive Dale Phillips says the owner demolished the old school facilities which were originally constructed in the 60s. Four new buildings, totaling 190,000 square feet of combined space, will be constructed on the 25-acre site. It will consists of three three-story "academy buildings" to serve up to 1,200 students along with a large common-use facility featuring a gym, cafeteria and meeting spaces.

The school was designed by local GraceHebert Architects with a new architectural design concept for STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) schools that is more reminiscent of a small community college. Each building will feature moveable walls, large labs and open, multipurpose spaces in lieu of corridors.

There will also be an outdoor amphitheatre along with more greenery around the campus to create what Phillips says is a "park-like" atmosphere. The overall design aims to encourage collaboration amongst students.

Aside from the layout, most of the construction is typical.

"It will mainly consist of structural steel along with core metal panels, masonry, convention curtain walls and some integrated glazing," says Phillips.

Womack currently has 25 people on-site but is using the services of 40 sub-contractors in the project. It is expected to be completed in early-2016 and the new design is expected to serve as a model for new magnet school projects in the area.

"We're just glad to be a part of it, look forward to having a successful job and think this will be a neat campus for the East Baton Rouge School District," says Phillips.