Phoenix Union Begins Construction Transformation of Metro Tech High School

Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) recently began construction on the transformation of its Metro Tech High School campus, located at the northwest corner of Thomas Road and 19th Avenue, as part of its mission of “preparing every student for success in college, career and life” through advanced, state-of-the-art learning spaces and highly collaborative training opportunities.

This comprehensive, multi-phased project, designed by DLR Group and built by McCarthy Building Companies Inc. (McCarthy), will modernize and reimagine the campus to enhance its 20 Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs through renovation and new construction, redefining the standard for CTE education in Arizona with real-world practice and public-facing service opportunities.

Set for completion ahead of the 2027-2028 school year, the project will feature more than 150,000 square feet of renovations in addition to the construction of a new 22,500-square-foot competition gymnasium and new sports fields. Metro Tech was established on the West High School campus in the mid-1980s and as part of the campus renovation project, several original features from the historic West High School will be carefully preserved. 

“We are extremely excited for the future of Metro Tech High School,” said PXU Superintendent Thea Andrade. “With the overwhelming public support behind our bond funding this project, we will offer the next generation of PXU students the best possible educational experience.”

Metro Tech High School Principal Shawna Wright said, “This renovation shifts what’s possible for our students in real, tangible ways.  We’re not just updating walls and equipment, we’re building collaborative spaces that will give students the skills they need to exceed in jobs we have not even imagined yet.”

Among other space renovations, the project will modernize Metro Tech’s core CTE program facilities, including floral design, nursing assisting, cosmetology and childcare. These updates will allow each classroom to better meet each program’s needs and the technology required within. Students and visitors will also encounter a brand-new entrance to Metro Tech with new administrative spaces and room for future program expansion. 

“We have a great partnership with PXU. Metro Tech High School has been a cornerstone of the Phoenix community for years and we are excited to work with PXU and MT leaders to develop a design that will expand educational opportunities for students and show the community the amazing programs they provide,” stated David Schmidt, DLR Group Principal and Architect.

Additionally, DLR’s campus design emphasizes both functionality and student experience, enhancing student flow through new crosswalks and paved pathways for a more accessible and unified campus feel that stands out in the heart of Central Phoenix.             

Additional project features include: 

• Additional parking to the east and south of campus
• Additional bus stalls for more efficient student transportation
• New white box theater space for performances and community events
• New baseball, soccer and softball fields on the north and south ends of campus
• New cooling towers to upgrade the central utility plant
• A complete upgrade to the underground mechanical piping system

"This project is about more than construction – it's about building once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities for students on this campus,” said McCarthy Project Director Tyler Shupe. “We’re proud to create a campus that reflects the ambition and skill of Metro Tech’s students, bringing them alongside us through the process. Phoenix Union’s incredible commitment to training and developing the next generation of skilled trade workers, medical professionals and other vital careers is clear from the transformative vision of this project.”

Throughout each phase of construction, Metro Tech students will benefit from unique opportunities to learn as their campus transforms around them. McCarthy will involve students from across the district, including those in Metro Tech’s construction, electrical programs and its ACE Mentorship program, offering tours and first-hand educational experiences that align directly with career pathways in architecture, construction and engineering. 

About Phoenix Union High School District

Phoenix Union High School District (PXU) is one of the largest and most progressive high school districts in the United States. With 23 schools, over 26,000 students, and nearly 3,500 employees, PXU covers 220-square miles of Arizona's capital city. PXU is a portfolio district with 11 comprehensive high schools, five small specialty schools, three micro schools, three support schools, and a digital academy. At Phoenix Union, we provide schools of opportunity that welcome, love, and inspire all to go places and do things that matter. Visit www.PXU.org to learn more.

About McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is the oldest privately held national construction company in the country – with more than 160 years spent collaborating with partners to solve complex building challenges on behalf of its clients. With an unrelenting focus on safety and a comprehensive quality program that spans all phases of every project, McCarthy utilizes industry-leading design phase and construction techniques combined with value-add technology to maximize outcomes. Repeatedly honored as a Best Place to Work and Healthiest Employer, McCarthy is ranked the 19th largest domestic builder (Engineering News-Record, May 2024). With approximately 6,000 salaried employees and craft professionals, the firm has offices in St. Louis; Atlanta; Collinsville, Ill.; Kansas City, Kan.; Omaha, Neb.; Phoenix; Las Vegas; Denver; Austin, Channelview, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; and San Diego, Newport Beach, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose and Sacramento, Calif. McCarthy is 100% employee owned. More information about the company is available online at www.mccarthy.com or by following the company on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Media Contacts

Richard Franco, rfranco1 [at] phoenixunion.org (rfranco1[at]phoenixunion[dot]org) 

Patty Johnson, pattyjohnson [at] connections-marcom.com (pattyjohnson[at]connections-marcom[dot]com,) 602.402.2965 (McCarthy)