CHARLOTTE & RALEIGH, N.C. – As the new academic year begins, thousands of students in North Carolina are returning to updated and modernized classrooms thanks to several newly completed projects by Balfour Beatty. The company, working in close partnership with multiple school districts, has delivered innovative K-12 learning environments designed to foster safety, creativity, and community connection.
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In Johnston County, the $40 million Swift Creek Elementary School project is now complete, bringing a new two-story facility to Smithfield. The school, which serves nearly 900 students, replaces outdated mobile classrooms with permanent, modern spaces. The building includes dedicated classroom wings for grades pre-K through 5, a cafeteria with stage, a gymnasium, and a media center. The project, delivered under budget, also enhances safety while reducing class sizes—a key priority for district leaders.
In Wake County, Balfour Beatty partnered with the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) to deliver the 133,000-square-foot Rex Road Elementary School in Holly Springs. This new campus serves 800 students and features flexible classroom space, a learning commons, a cafeteria, a gymnasium, and a media center. Site improvements included greenway trails, playfields, parking lots, and new infrastructure such as a waterline extension and pump station to support the community.
Meanwhile, in Mecklenburg County, Balfour Beatty is transforming the Northwest School of the Arts through a two-phase modernization project. Phase one included major site infrastructure upgrades such as underground stormwater systems, utility connections, and a reconstructed parking lot. Phase two, currently underway, will add a 7,400-square-foot arts and academic building featuring a student services center, science classrooms, art studios, and general education spaces. Additional improvements include auditorium acoustics, cafeteria renovations with an Adobe classroom, gymnasium modifications for new health classrooms, and CTE-focused upgrades. Completion is scheduled for 2027.
“As the back-to-school season kicks off, our teammates are proud to provide the facilities that support learning, creativity and community,” said Jeff Sandeen, Balfour Beatty president in the Carolinas. “These projects reflect Balfour Beatty’s commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for students, educators and families across the Carolinas. We are honored to support our local school systems in transforming the academic experiences for so many individuals and committed to continuing our essential work in providing modernized learning spaces for future generations in the area.”
Beyond these major projects, Balfour Beatty continues to expand its footprint in North Carolina education construction. Ongoing work includes improvements at Durham Public Schools’ School of the Arts, WCPSS’ Athens Drive Magnet High School, Wake Early College of Information and Biotechnologies High School, and Ligon Road Middle School. The company was also recently selected to lead the Ashley Elementary School project for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.
By delivering safe, efficient, and inspiring environments, Balfour Beatty is ensuring that North Carolina students return each year to schools designed to prepare them for success in an evolving world.
Originally reported by Balfour Beatty.
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