Pebblebrook High School
Mableton, GA
Completion Date: 2024
Developer: Cobb County School District
Architect: Cooper Carry, Inc.
General Contractor: Bowen & Watson Construction
Pebblebrook High School, located in Mableton, GA, serves grades 9-12 as part of the Cobb County School District. As the home of the renowned Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts (CCCEPA), Pebblebrook provides students with an opportunity to develop their artistic passions. With specialized training in musical and technical theatre, drama, vocal music, and dance, CCCEPA students showcase their talent through multiple stage productions and musicals each year. Many CCCEPA graduates have gone on to perform in Broadway productions and make their mark in the performing arts world.
The Pebblebrook High School, SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funded project, involved a major expansion aimed at enhancing both academic and extracurricular facilities. The project included the addition of 44 classrooms, among them specialized science labs—as well as a theater and a gymnasium. Several buildings were demolished before new construction began, requiring a carefully phased approach to maintain safety and minimize disruptions while the high school remained operational throughout the process.
Jordan & Skala Engineers (JSE) provided Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and Fire Protection services, playing a key role in the project’s successful execution. A standout feature was the construction of a new 3,000-seat gymnasium and a 750-seat, high-performance theater, which required collaboration with specialists in lighting, acoustics, and stage rigging. The theater’s intricate design required advanced engineering and seamless coordination across multiple teams. Additionally, site work included revisions to the parking lot and stormwater systems to accommodate the expanded facilities.
The project navigated challenges successfully, including adapting to delays from the COVID-19 pandemic. Construction schedules had to be adjusted to align with equipment procurement timelines and the school’s academic calendar and events. Maintaining a safe environment while balancing active demolition, ongoing construction, and daily school operations was a unique challenge. Despite these obstacles, the project continued and was a testament to the flexibility and adaptability of the entire design and construction team. To ensure an energy-efficient and comfortable learning environment, our designers used water-source heat pumps in classrooms for heating and cooling, while VAV (variable air volume) rooftop units were implemented for the theater and competition gym. Though these systems are standard for school facilities, their integration within a complex, phased construction site required careful planning.
The entire campus was primary metered, utilizing 480/277V and 208/120V electrical systems. Specialized theater lighting and stage rigging required meticulous design and integration to optimize performance. Our electrical designers incorporated two generators to provide reliable power, and new standard 2×4 LED light fixtures enhanced energy efficiency throughout the campus. The plumbing system featured a centralized domestic hot water system. Science lab classrooms were equipped with compressed air and natural gas to support various experiments, while an acid waste system ensured the safe disposal of laboratory waste.
Despite the complexities of phased construction, an operational school environment, and the COVID-19 pandemic, our designers worked collaboratively by demonstrating effective teamwork.
Copyright Photography by: Katie Bricker Photography