Forming Lasting Relationships
For more than a decade, Carroll Daniel has partnered with Junior Achievement of Georgia, an organization that fosters the entrepreneurial spirit through middle and high school programs teaching financial literacy and career readiness. Junior Achievement (JA) operates in seven cities and partners with schools and local businesses to prepare students for the workplace, building the workforce of the future. Carroll Daniel has partnered with JA beyond bringing their facilities to life, participating in various fundraising events with and for the organization. Proceeds from the 2023 Carroll Daniel Golf Classic were donated to Junior Achievement of Georgia.
Junior Achievement Discovery Center at North Georgia
The Mike and Lynn Cottrell Junior Achievement Discovery Center at North Georgia is a state-of-the-art learning facility that allows students to apply concepts they learn in the classroom in a 360-degree authentic and immersive experience. Built in an existing shell space on an active high school campus, this facility was a unique and challenging project that involved the coordination of numerous project stakeholders and the creative use of materials and finishes to meet a tight schedule and budget. The facility serves 16,000 students, with the participation of eight school districts.
Creative Construction
As a unique project with a tight budget, this JA Discovery Center was an opportunity to implement creative use of cost-effective materials to produce high-end finishes. The interior is meant to feel like a “village” with a “lake” at the center representing nearby Lake Lanier. The lake was accomplished with high-polished concrete for durability and cost effectiveness. The team also stretched the limits of what is possible with EFIS and stucco (two extremely cost-effective materials) that were utilized to simulate metal, brick and wood. The project also utilized intricate millwork throughout, including a tree element in the entrance with “leaves” made of acoustical baffles. The final product is an indoor environment that feels like a welcoming small town, and makes best use of every available dollar.
Down to Business: 18 Distinct Clients in One Project
The corporate vendors inhabiting the storefronts inside the JA each had different needs, materials, color specifications, and technical requirements that needed to be met. The project team went above and beyond, giving each vendor the same level of award-winning service that we provide to our clients. Ultimately, eighteen storefronts were constructed to be occupied by real companies, including: Delta, Zaxby’s, Race-Trac, Georgia Power and Publix.
Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Dalton, Georgia
Carroll Daniel built the Junior Achievement Discovery Center at Dalton – the first JA Discovery Center not located in a major metropolitan area and located on site with Hammond Creek Middle School. The space features 17 mock storefronts that represent local businesses and public sponsors. The Carroll Daniel team worked collaboratively with each vendor to meet their specifications — including the businesses’ finishes, colors and infrastructure were in sync with their corporate standards and that the space met their needs — all within a tight budget and schedule.
Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Carroll Daniel Construction was selected to build out the Junior Achievement Discovery Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in the existing Discovery High School. This Discovery Center was a two-story 45,000-square-foot interior project and the first facility of its kind to be located in a school setting. The space features mock storefronts that closely resemble downtown Lawrenceville – with 36 corporate sponsors. The Carroll Daniel team worked extensively to meet the tight budget and complete the build-out in just seven months.
Overcoming Budget Challenges
To keep with the tight budget without losing quality, the Carroll Daniel team proposed changing certain materials used in the design, which would reduce costs significantly with minimal impact on the design intent of the space. Working with subcontractor partners, new materials and alternate light fixtures were chosen, achieving the same overall appearance but reducing costs by 50%.
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