Trask Middle School
The renovation of Emma B. Trask Middle School demonstrates Barnhill Building Group’s expertise delivering complex Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) projects for occupied K–12 campuses throughout North Carolina. Working in partnership with New Hanover County Schools and Sawyer Sherwood & Associate Architecture, Barnhill transformed the existing 92,425-square-foot middle school into a modern educational environment while allowing the campus to remain operational throughout construction.
As one of the region’s established public school renovation projects, the work focused on modernizing learning environments, improving campus safety, enhancing building systems, and extending the facility’s long-term performance. The renovation touched nearly every major component of the school while carefully sequencing work to minimize disruption for students, teachers, and staff.
The project included complete renovations to the school’s administration area, highlighted by a new secure entry vestibule that improves visitor management and campus security. Interior renovations also modernized classrooms, the media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, locker rooms, restrooms, and outdoor courtyard areas, creating updated learning and gathering spaces that better support today’s educational needs.
Building improvements included new load-bearing CMU construction, light-gauge metal framing, metal panel exterior systems, curtain wall assemblies, acoustical ceilings, porcelain tile, luxury flooring systems, carpet, new casework, and upgraded finishes throughout the campus. A new clerestory was constructed to introduce additional natural daylight into classroom spaces while enhancing the architectural character of the building.
One of the project’s most significant improvements involved replacing the school’s roofing system with a new low-slope PVC roof complete with roof drains and scuppers. The project also incorporated selective demolition, hazardous material abatement, utilities, storm drainage improvements, grading, paving, landscaping, fencing, and site infrastructure upgrades.
Because Trask Middle School remained occupied during construction, Barnhill implemented a carefully planned phased construction strategy that prioritized student safety and uninterrupted educational operations. Construction activities were coordinated around the school calendar, allowing instructional spaces to remain functional while renovations progressed throughout the campus.
Barnhill’s experience with occupied educational facilities proved especially valuable during construction of the new clerestory addition. A portion of the existing roof was demolished while school remained in session, requiring extensive coordination among trade partners, school administrators, and facility staff. Through detailed planning and sequencing, Barnhill successfully completed the work, dried in the new roof system, and protected occupied areas without interrupting classroom instruction.
As Construction Manager at Risk, Barnhill provided comprehensive preconstruction planning, scheduling, cost management, constructability reviews, subcontractor coordination, quality control, and safety oversight throughout every phase of the project. Early collaboration with the owner and design team helped identify construction solutions that reduced risk, maintained budget control, and minimized impacts to daily campus activities.
Today, the renovated Trask Middle School provides New Hanover County Schools with modern educational spaces designed to support student success for decades to come. Updated classrooms, collaborative learning environments, improved campus security, enhanced building systems, and durable infrastructure provide lasting value for the school district while creating a safer and more welcoming environment for students, faculty, and visitors.
This project reflects Barnhill Building Group’s extensive experience delivering Construction Manager at Risk projects for K–12 schools across North Carolina. By combining thoughtful planning, phased construction expertise, and collaborative project management, Barnhill successfully modernized an occupied campus while allowing education to continue uninterrupted.
