Morganton Regional Readiness Center
The Vision
The planning for the Morganton Regional Readiness Center began in earnest in 2016 when PFA Architects (now LS3P) was selected to lead the advanced planning effort. The site chosen for the center was previously home to the Western Youth Institution, a 16-story high-rise youth prison that had been vacant for many years. The decision was made to demolish the high-rise and use the land for the new Regional Readiness Center.
The demolition of the existing building was a dramatic event; it was the first and only high-rise prison implosion in the history of Burke County, North Carolina. The concrete and brick from the demolished building were crushed and used as fill for the new site, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.
CAMPUS RENDERING
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TIMMONS GROUP
MINUTEMAN STATUE
DRILL HALL
Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability was a key consideration in the design and construction of the Morganton Regional Readiness Center. The project followed the guidelines for LEED Silver certification, focusing on stringent stormwater management, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. The reuse of crushed concrete and brick from the demolished high-rise as fill material was a notable example of diversion of construction waste from the local landfill.
A full building automation system tracks energy and water use in real time and alerts the maintenance team to any problems and helps to optimize energy efficiency. Enhanced and envelope commissioning during construction and post-occupancy assures the proper installation and function of engineered systems as well as the building envelope. The center is also equipped with infrastructure for future photovoltaic arrays and electric vehicle charging stations (EV chargers are fully installed), reflecting a forward-thinking approach to energy use.
Interior environment quality was a priority for the NCNG. Low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints, stains, adhesives and sealants were specified for improved air quality. The interior design approach emphasizes the use of durable, long-lasting products to minimize the environmental impact associated with material replacement. By utilizing ground-face concrete blocks as both structural and finish materials, we eliminate the need for additional interior wall finishes. Additionally, the epoxy terrazzo floors are designed to endure for the entire lifespan of the building, ensuring sustainability and longevity. Daylight and views were provided for regularly occupied spaces wherever possible. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred during construction of the facility, the NCNG requested the addition of Bipolar Ionization System be added to the HVAC equipment throughout to improve the quality of air in the building.
Community Impact
The Morganton Regional Readiness Center has already had a significant impact in support of the Western North Carolina region. The center’s role in disaster response was highlighted during Hurricane Helene in September 2024, when it served as headquarters a staging area for National Guard rescue and recovery operations in the region.
The transformation of the site has also been a source of community pride. The demolition of the highrise prison was a symbolic event, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter. The community was invited to take bricks from the demolished building as mementos, creating a tangible connection to the site’s history.
DRILL HALL
Looking Ahead
The Morganton Regional Readiness Center is just the beginning of a broader initiative to modernize the National Guard’s infrastructure in North Carolina. The success of the Morganton project has paved the way for future regional readiness centers, with the next one already under construction in McLeansville, near Greensboro.
The Morganton Regional Readiness Center stands as a model of innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of adapting to meet the needs of the present and future.
Photography provided by Susan Holt Photography LLC and Timmons Group
