Fuquay-Varina High School
Barnhill Building Group partnered with Wake County Public School System to transform Fuquay-Varina High School into a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment through an extensive campus redevelopment that combined 380,000 square feet of new construction with significant renovation of existing facilities. Delivered using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method, the project modernized one of Wake County’s growing high schools while creating flexible, collaborative spaces designed to support future generations of students.
Originally constructed in 1975, the campus had evolved through decades of additions and renovations that resulted in numerous undersized buildings and inefficient circulation. Barnhill worked with Wake County Public Schools and RATIO Architects to reimagine the campus into a cohesive educational environment that improves learning, safety, and campus connectivity while preserving select existing facilities.
The redevelopment centered on construction of a new four-story academic building featuring two instructional towers and 112 modern teaching spaces. The new facility dramatically expands classroom capacity while introducing open collaboration areas, abundant natural light, and flexible learning environments that encourage interaction between students and educators.
Specialized instructional spaces include advanced science laboratories, career and technical education classrooms, collaborative learning environments, and technology-rich instructional areas that support today’s educational curriculum. The project also introduced large gathering spaces and improved circulation throughout the campus, creating a more intuitive and welcoming experience for students, faculty, and visitors.
Athletics and student life received substantial improvements through renovated gymnasium facilities, new locker rooms, expanded weight training areas, upgraded athletic fields, improved parking, and enhanced vehicular circulation throughout the site. A new performing arts auditorium inspired by the classic design of Radio City Music Hall provides students with a premier venue for performances, assemblies, and community events.
Additional specialized facilities include modern drama classrooms, band rehearsal rooms, music education spaces, and a greenhouse that supports science and agricultural education programs. Every element of the campus was designed to create opportunities for academic excellence while supporting extracurricular activities that contribute to a well-rounded student experience.
Extensive site improvements accompanied the building construction, including upgraded athletic facilities, sidewalks, landscaping, parking, roadways, and traffic circulation designed to improve campus safety and accommodate daily student transportation more efficiently.
Barnhill’s Construction Manager at Risk delivery method allowed close collaboration with Wake County Public Schools throughout design and construction. Careful planning, phased construction, and proactive coordination minimized disruption while ensuring the project remained focused on quality, budget, and schedule objectives.
Today, Fuquay-Varina High School stands as one of Wake County’s premier educational campuses, providing students with innovative learning environments, modern technology, expanded academic resources, and exceptional athletic and performing arts facilities. The redevelopment reflects Barnhill Building Group’s extensive expertise in delivering complex K-12 schools, educational facilities, high school construction, and campus modernization projects throughout North Carolina.
DETAILS: 380,000-square-foot high school redevelopment featuring a new four-story academic building, renovated learning spaces, athletics, performing arts, science labs, and campus-wide site improvements.
SCOPE OF WORK: Construction Manager at Risk services for new academic buildings, classroom renovations, science labs, auditorium, gymnasium improvements, athletic facilities, parking, utilities, landscaping, circulation improvements, and campus infrastructure upgrades.
SOLUTION: Barnhill transformed an aging campus into a modern educational environment by combining new construction with strategic renovations, creating flexible learning spaces, upgraded athletic facilities, and improved campus circulation while preserving key existing buildings.
