Carman-Ainsworth Community School District

PROJECT SNAPSHOT

Client: Carman‑Ainsworth Community Schools
Location: Flint Township / Flint, Michigan
District Size: Historically 12+ buildings; 11 current facilities
THA Role: Architect | District‑Wide Planning and Design
Services: Architecture, Engineering, Facility Planning, Renovations, Additions, Athletic & Site Design
Timeline: Continuous partnership since 1962

Overview

THA Architects Engineers has partnered with Carman‑Ainsworth Community Schools since 1962, when the firm—under the leadership of Jerry Harburn—designed Dye Elementary School, one of THA’s earliest K–12 educational projects. THA has served as the District’s Architect ever since, supporting facilities across elementary, middle, high school, alternative education, and shared‑district programs.

Over six decades, THA’s role has extended beyond individual projects to include long‑range facility planning, bond readiness, and bond implementation, helping the District adapt to changing enrollment, evolving educational models, and community partnerships—while maintaining a consistent focus on K–12 learning environments.

Foundations of a Community‑Focused K–12 District

Carman High School opened in 1967 as the second high school in the Carman School District, alongside Ainsworth High School, which opened in 1961. Carman High served students until 1986, when declining enrollment led to the consolidation of Carman and Ainsworth into Carman‑Ainsworth Community Schools.

During this formative period, the District benefited from a unique state‑approved tax structure that redirected corporate and property tax revenue from select City of Flint‑owned properties to support public education. Carman High School became known not only for academics and athletics, but also for exceptional fine arts programs, including nationally recognized music ensembles and theatre programs. THA’s early work occurred during this era, supporting facilities that reinforced education, creativity, and community identity.

District‑Wide Investment, Adaptation & Partnerships (1980s–2000s)

Beginning in the early 1980s, THA supported Carman‑Ainsworth Community Schools through extensive district‑wide maintenance, renovation, and energy conservation programs, providing planning and design services for six elementary schools, a junior high school, and a high school—representing more than $10 million in investment.

As enrollment patterns and educational delivery models continued to evolve, THA supported the District through school closures, re‑use of facilities, and new partnerships:

• In 2007, Carman Park Elementary closed, with fourth‑ and fifth‑grade students relocated to Rankin Elementary.
• That same year, the Carman Park–Baker Career Academy opened in the former Carman Park building as a career‑focused alternative high school, developed in partnership with Bendle Public Schools and Baker College.
• In 2012, Woodland Elementary closed, with students reassigned to Dillon and Rankin Elementary Schools. The Woodland building was later repurposed to house Atlantis Alternative High School, a Carman‑Ainsworth/Bendle Public Schools shared program.

These transitions reflect the District’s commitment to maintaining educational opportunities through adaptive reuse, collaboration, and strategic planning, areas in which THA has consistently supported decision‑making and facility adaptation.

2002 Bond Program | District‑Wide Transformation

In 2002, voters approved a $50 million bond program that funded major renovations across all schools in the District. As Architect, THA translated long‑range planning into coordinated improvements delivered while schools remained fully occupied.

At Carman‑Ainsworth High School, renovations included a redesigned main entrance with curving blue metal roof canopies, improved security and visitor control through relocated administrative offices, and the addition of a new science wing with modern laboratories and classrooms. Athletic upgrades included a new auxiliary gym, renovated locker rooms, a weight and fitness center, and an athletic hall of fame and concession area.

At Carman‑Ainsworth Middle School, formerly Ainsworth High School, THA led a comprehensive transformation to support a clustered sixth‑through‑eighth‑grade educational model, introducing a new sixth‑grade wing, media center, administrative offices, and redesigned circulation centered around landscaped courtyards.

Elementary, Early Childhood & Shared‑District Facilities

THA’s work at the elementary level includes major renovations and additions at Dillon Elementary School, where improvements addressed HVAC, lighting, technology, media center expansion, cafeteria renovations, accessibility upgrades, and site improvements.

THA also designed the Bendle/Carman‑Ainsworth Learning Community, an early childhood education center developed in collaboration with Bendle Public Schools. The facility is recognized as a national model for early childhood design, emphasizing child‑scale environments, supervision, safety, and a welcoming, neighborhood‑like atmosphere that supports young learners and families.

These shared facilities reflect THA’s experience supporting inter‑district partnerships while maintaining a consistent K–12 educational design approach.

Athletic Facilities

Athletic improvements include the design of Cavalier Stadium at the Carman‑Ainsworth Middle School site. The stadium includes seating for approximately 3,000 spectators, a two‑story press box, concessions and restroom facilities, team rooms, alumni plaza, a natural turf football field, and full track and field amenities—all designed to enhance student experience, school pride, and community engagement.

Facility Studies & Current Bond Implementation

Building on decades of hands‑on experience across all District facilities, THA completed comprehensive facility studies for every Carman‑Ainsworth building, including elementary, middle, high school, alternative education, administrative, and support facilities. The studies evaluated building systems, life‑cycle performance, and long‑term capital needs, providing prioritized recommendations and cost projections for board and community review.

These studies directly informed the District’s $65 million, two‑series bond program, which THA is currently implementing across multiple campuses. Work includes building renovations, mechanical system replacements, site improvements, athletic upgrades, safety enhancements, and technology improvements—delivered through phased construction to maintain occupied schools and uninterrupted instruction.

Legacy of Partnership

From the design of Dye Elementary School in 1962 to today’s district‑wide bond implementation and shared‑district educational facilities, THA’s partnership with Carman‑Ainsworth Community Schools reflects a rare level of continuity, adaptability, and trust. Serving as Architect for more than six decades, THA has helped the District navigate growth, consolidation, collaboration, and reinvestment—always with a focus on K–12 education and student success.