Lamar Institute of Technology
Workforce and Allied Health Training Center
Owner: Lamar Institute of Technology
Architect: PBK Architects
Constructed by the SpawGlass-Golden Triangle team, the Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) Workforce and Allied Health Training Center in Beaumont was designed to best prepare students for becoming healthcare and workforce professionals – a growing need in Southeast Texas. The center serves LIT’s pharmacy technology program, nursing program, and workforce and continuing education department.
This three-level, 51,981-square-foot facility includes healthcare-centered educational spaces, including a nursing simulation lab with state-of-the-art responsive “Manikin” patients, a pharmacy lab complete with a simulated retail storefront and a secure testing center. The facility also offers technology and lab spaces, multi-purpose classrooms and a large, open industrial lab area with a roll-up bay door, suited for a variety of opportunities for hands-on learning. These flexible spaces can host instruction for other workforce fields such as mechanical, electrical and automotive courses. An industry partners lab was incorporated to encourage local businesses to collaborate with students and faculty on workforce training.
The center is a standout addition to the LIT campus. The structure’s sleek, contemporary design, high ceilings, natural light and unique architectural elements create an inviting atmosphere for both students and faculty. Study stations, seating areas and a third-level patio encourage student collaboration.
One of the project’s most complex aspects was integrating advanced building systems, including HVAC, electrical and IT infrastructure, to support the specialized equipment contained in the facility’s varied learning spaces. These intricately designed systems ensure the building meets the technical demands of the wide range of programs that utilize the new facility.
Building the new facility on an active, busy campus presented logistical challenges that demanded precise coordination of site excavation, deliveries and utility work to minimize disruption to students and faculty. When a change to the building’s structural design compressed the project’s timeline, our team worked with subcontractors to accelerate the schedule and increase work hours to maintain progress and uphold quality. Throughout the project, our team’s core values guided every decision. From managing last-minute changes, including the addition of a third level and shifting the building location due to unmapped utilities, the team remained resilient and solutions-focused.
“From the beginning, this building was about more than just square footage for LIT,” said Senior Project Manager Shawn Thurman. “The new facility is a showpiece for the campus that also meets the immediate need for dedicated healthcare and workforce training spaces. LIT has had great success with delivering what the community and local industry needs: well-educated students prepared to join the workforce. This facility is a big step forward in that endeavor, and our team is proud to be part of this progress.”
The Workforce and Allied Health Training Center represents LIT’s commitment to “providing world-class education and hands-on training that prepares students of all backgrounds for long-term rewarding careers in high-demand, high-growth fields.” For the SpawGlass team, it signifies the culmination of planning, innovation and a passion for building higher education spaces – where students are empowered to dream big and achieve their greatest ambitions.