Featured Project: Xavier High School

Phoenix, AZ - March 29, 2003

The recently completed multi-million dollar expansion of Xavier College Prepratory Academy in Phoenix is replete with low voltage electronic technologies designed and installed by Safeguard Security & Communications of Scottsdale, Arizona.

As a friend of the school Safeguard worked with school officals, the architects at HDA in Gilbert and D.L. Withers Construction to develop technology designs and ensure system integration with the existing campus. Safeguard's commercial construction and design teams developed schematic designs, detailed drawings and budgets to upgrade the technologies throughout the existing campus and integrate them with the new two story classroom buildings, new gymnasium and new performing arts theater.

Prior to construction of the new complex, Safeguard renovated the campus technologies which included:
• A New Fire Alarm System
• A New Security Alarm System
• A New School Intercom System
• A New School PBX Telephone and Voice Mail System

For the new performing arts complex and classrooms, Safeguard designed and installed expansions to all of the schools renovated technologies. Safeguard also expanded the campus data network and renovated and relocated the campus security surveillance camera system during construction of the new facilities.

According to Safeguard President Mike Bradley, the crowning jewel of the new expansion is the 1200-seat performing arts theater. A unique attribute of the theater are two 350 seat pods located at the back of the theater that rotate 110 degrees creating an intimate theater and lecture hall. Safeguard teamed with professional designers from Bose Professional Products to provide the theater sound reinforcement systems and a Bose Sound System for the new Gymnasium adjacent to the performing arts theater.

Bose designers created a computer generated model of the theater and inserted a virtual sound system design that allowed the designers to predict the exact performance of the sound system. The virtual design was then electronically transported into a Bose Auditioner system that allowed the owners and architect to listen to the predicted performance of the Bose Sound System long before the new theater and gymnasium were constructed. According to Bradley, the final installation of the sound system not only matched the design predictions but allows the operators to digitally reconfigure the theater to include the pods in an open or closed configuration.

An unusual enhancement to the theater sound system was added during construction. The system was expanded to include a digitally controlled surround sound system that covers the main floor of the theater. Surround speakers and two Bose Acoustic Wave Bass Cannons were added along with digital effects processing that accurately reproduces Dolby and DTS digital theater effects and surround sound.

Safeguard's professional education design and construction team works with school districts throughout Arizona to design and install technologies that enhance the educational environment. For more information contact Safeguard Vice President Michael Cain at 480-609-6272.

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