Frank J. Gargiulo Campus, Hudson County Schools of Technology – Students, Science & Secaucus

On Jul 1, 2019

It has been referred to as “the gem of Hudson County,” “an environmental masterpiece,” and “the gold standard for technical high schools across the country.” To those who benefit from it most – the students – it’s the Frank J. Gargiulo Campus of the Hudson County Schools of Technology. The campus currently serves more than 1,200 students in grades 9-12 with a career-prep curriculum.

The technologically advanced facility includes 70 leading-edge classrooms and progressive features such as a hydroponic garden, a broadcasting studio and control room, and a flexible, 120-seat theater, plus green roofs, wind turbines and geothermal heating. Building “wings” incorporate four academies of vocational education: culinary arts, design and fabrication, applied and environmental science, and visual/tech and performing arts.

Architecturally, the building’s design doubles as a teaching tool by creating spaces to learn from, as well as walls to learn in. For example, architectural and engineering students learn about building systems through openings in certain walls. Culinary program students grow food in the hydroponic garden. The theater includes a control room and catwalk. Television and podcast production students coordinate the broadcasting of all school news and events.

The $154-million campus construction was completed in just 27 months with an average daily workforce of some 250 skilled tradespeople. Maximizing employment, apprentice and business opportunities for Hudson County residents, businesses and subcontractors was a project requirement. The facility employs 241 full-time and 115 part-time staff members. For the future, the hope is that HCST graduates will help address local, skilled workforce needs.

The 350,000-square-foot HCST campus is set on 20 acres that also includes High Tech High School, KAS (Knowledge & Advanced Skills) Prep and Hudson Technical, a post-secondary certification program for adult learners. The complex has rejuvenated the community, as students, faculty, staff and visitors frequent nearby retail establishments and enjoy such campus amenities as biking, walking paths and outdoor exercise equipment.

OWNER

Hudson County Schools of Technology, Secaucus

ARCHITECTS

RSC Architects, Hackensack

DMR Architects, Hasbrouck Heights

BUILDER

MAST Construction Services, Inc.Little Falls

Terminal Construction Corporation, Wood-Ridge

FINANCE ENTITY

Hudson County Improvement Authority, Jersey City

NOMINATOR

Norman M. Guerra, CEO
Hudson County Improvement Authority, Jersey City