With more and more of its students looking for hands-on career opportunities, WSU Tech needed a state-of-the-art facility to support the education of future automotive and transportation professionals. After receiving partial funding from the State of Kansas and the Kansas Board of Regents, WSU Tech updated its automotive and truck labs to accommodate more learning opportunities.

As a part of the project, PEC provided engineering design services for the renovation of the existing ‘C’ Building located on the former Wichita Area Technical College (WATC) Campus at East High School. This included updating the existing garage space, paint booth area, and classroom space. Expanded classroom areas provide space for students to learn about trucks, semis, and alternative fuel vehicles, and additional space was allotted for a dedicated equipment maintenance area. With sustainability now at the forefront of this industry, WSU Tech students will be well-versed in the function and maintenance of electric vehicles, compressed natural gas, hybrids, and more. PEC designed new lighting and HVAC for air tempering of the renovated spaces.  Additionally larger restroom facilities were designed for faculty and students. Structural design provided infill for removed overhead door openings and the addition of exterior glazing to improve natural lighting.

The WSU Tech Walser Automative Lab and Kentworth Heavy Truck Lab are one of the many avenues that WSU Tech is launching its students into exciting futures. Now, WSU Tech students have a state-of-the-art facility to learn traditional automotive technology as well as new sustainable practices that are the future of the transportation industry.

SERVICES
Electrical
Mechanical
Structural

PROJECT SIZE
12,000 SF

COMPLETION DATE
2024