Ameresco completes $7.8M HVAC upgrade for Tacoma Public Schools
Ameresco Inc. (NYSE: AMRC) completed a $7.8 million HVAC system modernization project at McKinley Swing School for Tacoma Public Schools, the company announced.
The project, which achieved substantial completion on December 31, 2025, replaced aging heating and cooling infrastructure at the historic school facility. The upgrade required coordination with historical registry requirements to preserve the building's historic character while portions of the facility remained occupied during construction.
Ameresco used a Progressive Design-Build approach for the project, which allows scope and cost to be defined collaboratively during development rather than fixing pricing at procurement. The method is designed for infrastructure replacement projects where existing systems have reached end of life.
"By replacing the aged boiler system with a modern HVAC system, we're creating a more comfortable and reliable learning environment so students and staff can focus on what matters most," said Greg Stidham, Project Manager at Tacoma Public Schools.
The project supported Pierce County's utilization goals, including 30 percent engagement of local contractors and participation by small and minority/women-owned business enterprises.
Lou Maltezos, Co-President of Ameresco, said the Progressive Design-Build model allowed the company to work collaboratively with the school district to manage costs and deliver infrastructure suited for the historic facility.
Framingham, Massachusetts-based Ameresco provides energy infrastructure solutions to government, educational, healthcare, and commercial customers. The company has more than 1,500 employees in North America and Europe.
