The Lanier Charter Career Academy at The Oaks (The Oaks @ LCCA) is an educational facility that trains high school students in all aspect of the hospitality industry, including cooking, serving, promoting, managing, and financing.
The Oaks @ LCCA differentiates itself from the norm by offering its students several hospitality- and service-related businesses that operate for profit; real-world, resume-building experience in the operation of those businesses; and the experience of learning within the latest integrated audio, video, and lighting technologies.
The building, its technologies, and the connection it creates between the local community and its young people have earned The Oaks @ LCCA a prestigious national award (out of hundreds of nominated projects) from the Building of America Network for innovations in education, design, and technologies. H. Lloyd Hill Architects of Gainesville designed the building.
Atlanta-based dB Audio & Video both designed and installed its audio, video, control/automation, digital signage, and lighting technologies.
At the heart of its educational innovation is “The Oaks,” a constellation of five student-run, for-profit businesses. The Corner Café serves coffees and teas along with baked goods, and boasts a state-of-the-art drive-thru for commuter convenience.
Get Gifted offers cards and specially gifts for purchase, and Design 360 delivers customized tee-shirts, coffee cups, and other goods for targeted marketing. Bistro at the Oaks serves lunchtime patrons refined fare with fine dining ambience.
Lastly, Meetings and Events provide a cutting-edge conference facility for up to 175 guests, with accommodations for breakout sessions and comprehensive food service.
Far from being a one-way portal for announcements to the students, the audio, video, and lighting technology at The Oaks @ LCCA is a tool for education that is wielded not just by the faculty, but by the students as well.
“Our school is focused on careers in the hospitality industry,” stated Cindy Blakley, Ed.D, director of secondary education for Hall County Schools. “To prepare students for the latest technology they will utilize in this industry, it’s critical that we provide experience with these technologies.”
“After meeting with local industry leaders, we targeted the latest technology that was critical to our instructional program, including digital signage capability, zoned audio system for the entire school, and video-conferencing capability.”
“The Oaks @ LCCA is at the cusp; very few schools have yet to draw on this kind of technology,” added Neil Philpott, systems advisor with dB Audio & Video. “The Oaks @ LCCA features Crestron push-button and wireless touch-panel control throughout.”