McMahon, a full-service, professional engineering, architectural and consulting firm, is actively collaborating with the Appleton Area School District on several transformative projects launched following the successful 2022 referendum. This referendum, which received strong community support, secured essential funding to improve and expand educational facilities across the district. The aim is to create enhanced learning environments that support the diverse needs of students and staff alike, fostering academic growth.
Currently, three major projects are underway, and McMahon is proud to play a pivotal role in bringing these projects to fruition. Its involvement includes detailed planning, design and coordination with staff and construction managers to align the project with the goals of the district. Key contributions also come from The Boldt Company and Miron Construction, both serving as general contractors who have provided crucial construction management and cost-effective solutions for project success.
Appleton West High School
Appleton West High School’s new stand-alone turf facility began construction in September with The Boldt Company serving as the general contractor. This 32,000 square-foot facility will serve as a physical education classroom, athletics practice facility and provide space for other school and community functions. Along with the turf space, the new building features batting cages, a dedicated classroom, health room, changing spaces, golf simulators and lobby space.
McMahon’s expertise is exemplified in the site design of the turf facility, skillfully addressing the site’s unique constraints within a residential neighborhood, with limited land and limited parking space. The new building design seamlessly fits the location while preserving existing parking and respecting the residential scale of the neighborhood. A significant component of the project is the comprehensive stormwater management plan, developed in partnership with the City of Appleton.
Additionally, the project includes the construction of a new pavilion and concessions building, slated to begin in the spring of 2025. Both projects are expected to be complete in the summer 2025.
Classical Charter School
McMahon’s architectural design team has played a pivotal role in expanding Classical Charter School’s capacity to meet the needs of its growing community. This project focuses on creating additional classroom space, dedicated collaboration areas and a new kindergarten classroom.
A substantial aspect of the design is relocating all classrooms from the lower level to the first floor. Students will enjoy more natural light and be on the same level as other classrooms, enhancing access to collaboration spaces, restrooms and other classrooms creating an efficient building layout. Additionally, relocating classrooms to the first floor opens valuable space on the lower level, allowing the opportunity for the art, STEM and band areas to expand.
Construction began in August of 2024, with completion anticipated by the summer of 2025; The Boldt Company is the general contractor.
Appleton East High School
A significant expansion project began at Appleton East High School to address its crowded facility, necessitating twelve additional classrooms and expanded fitness facilities. This initiative will continue the school’s current unique circulation arrangement, keeping wayfinding clear as the additions flow seamlessly with the current building.
The two-story classroom addition includes general classrooms, conference rooms, a dedicated hydroponic room and a Family and Consumer Education (F.A.C.E.) classroom.
The new fitness addition more than doubles its current facilities and includes a training room, state-of-the-art equipment and a new turf space. The once-segmented fitness rooms will become one large open and usable space.
Construction began in August with Miron Construction as the general contractor.
As McMahon celebrates its 115th anniversary in 2024, these projects highlight McMahon’s adaptability and dedication to serving the needs of the communities it serves.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Appleton Area School District is a testament to McMahon’s dedication to excellence in educational design and our commitment to serving the community,” said Paul Benedict, president of McMahon. “We are proud to leverage our expertise to enhance educational infrastructure, creating environments that foster learning and growth for generations to come.
For more information about McMahon and the services it provides, visit mcmgrp.com.
Rendering of new Appleton West High School turf facility. Rendering courtesy of McMahon.
Rendering of Classical Charter School classroom addition. Rendering courtesy of McMahon.
Rendering of Appleton East High School classroom addition. Rendering courtesy of McMahon.
McMahon has provided professional engineering and architectural services to our valued customers for more than a century. Our team of over 150 professionals serves our clients from our corporate headquarters in Neenah, Wisconsin along with our Illinois and Indiana regional offices. We share the common goal of delivering our services ‘The McMahon Way’, meaning we strive to build long-term client relationships by combining strong core values with a culture for success. To learn more, visit mcmgrp.com.
