Swinerton Builders (Swinerton), an industry-leading commercial general contractor with offices nationwide, announces the completion of a renovation project at Catawba Ridge High School that establishes a state-of-the-art cosmetology training facility for in-district high school students. The 3,345-square-foot multipurpose environment provides the opportunity for hands-on experiential learning. Started last spring, the renovation was complete in time for the 2025-26 scholastic year.
“There’s no work more important or fulfilling than educating the workforce of tomorrow,” says Kevin Smith, vice president, division manager, Carolinas division. “The opportunity to build spaces where learning occurs is always rewarding as well as challenging, and this one was no different. Catawba Ridge called for innovative solutions to transform a classic classroom footprint into a full-fledged cosmetology salon where curious and talented teens can learn a valuable trade.”
The cosmetology renovation converted four existing classrooms into a specialized training environment, complete with a retail salon space. The storefront features 10 dual-sided, haircutting stations, eight hair-drying areas, four shampoo stations, two facial tables, four pedicure chairs, four manicure tables, changing rooms and a dispensary for chemicals and products. A 20-desk classroom is connected to the salon space, fully equipped for instruction with a smart board and equipment storage.
Image Courtesy of: Swinerton
Swinerton served as general contractor and utilized its self-perform capabilities to install drywall and acoustic ceiling tiles. Representing the school system, LMG Construction and Project Management Services served as construction manager and West Columbia, SC-based Jumper Carter Sease Architects designed the training facility.
“Building for the education sector often calls for tight timelines in coordination with school calendars and onsite restrictions to keep students and faculty safe,” explains Smith. “In this case, when we began the project last spring, students were still attending classes.” Adjacencies to student drop-off and pick-up areas called for efficient scheduling of deliveries and construction activities to minimize disruption to normal school operations.
Image Courtesy of: Swinerton
Located at 1180 Fort Mill Parkway in Fort Mill, S.C, Catawba Ridge High School is part of the Fort Mill School District, the state’s fastest-growing school district. The two-year cosmetology program is offered to students from all three high schools within the district. The program provides hands-on cosmetology training in both hair and skincare disciplines from licensed industry professionals. The program’s goal is to prepare students to become licensed, career-ready cosmetologists.
In addition to the Catawba Ridge High School renovation, Swinerton’s Carolinas division recently completed the construction of Phoenix Montessori Academy’s new campus in Huntersville, NC. The company also has partnered with Melmark Carolinas and Highmark School Development on several education projects.
Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, the Carolinas Division has constructed nearly $550 million of commercial environments. The dedicated team of 70 construction leaders specializes in corporate interiors, office, healthcare, education, restaurants and hospitality, multifamily, civic and mass timber construction.
About Swinerton Builders
Swinerton Builders provides commercial construction, construction management, design-build, and self-perform services throughout the United States. Founded in 1888, Swinerton is 100% employee-owned and is the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market it serves—proudly leading with ownership, integrity, leadership, passion, and excellence. Swinerton has 24 nationwide offices in Spokane and Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Boise, ID; Sacramento, Fairfield, Fresno, Concord, San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Clara, Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and San Diego, CA; Honolulu and Maui, HI; Denver, CO; Dallas and Austin, TX; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte and Raleigh, NC; Summit, NJ; and New York, NY.
For more information, please visit swinerton.com.
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