When Holy Family School in Huntsville, Alabama, needed more room for students to learn and a safe place to shelter during severe weather, the leadership team knew this project was about more than extra square footage. They wanted a functional, welcoming expansion and a shelter families could trust on the hardest days.
Lee Company completed a 16 month, 20,732 square foot expansion at Holy Family, adding 12 new classrooms, multiple restroom facilities, and a 4,100 square foot FEMA rated storm shelter built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. As the first shelter of its kind in Alabama, it was designed as a fully self-sustaining space with independent HVAC, plumbing, and ventilation systems.
A Growing School With High Expectations
Holy Family serves a vibrant, growing community. Classrooms were at capacity, common areas were stretched, and families wanted confidence that students would be protected during severe storms.
- From the start, the project needed to:
- Create additional instructional space
- Add modern restrooms and plumbing infrastructure
- Provide a hardened storm shelter that meets strict FEMA and ICC 500 requirements
- Keep school operations running smoothly throughout construction
All of this had to happen while school remained in session, around daily drop off and pick up, holiday breaks, and even recess on the playground.
Building a Shelter Families Can Trust
At the heart of the project is the 4,100 square foot FEMA rated storm shelter. The Category 5 hurricane rating is really about giving Holy Family a very high level of protection against any extreme wind event, including tornado level winds that are more common in North Alabama.
To support that mission, our team:
- Installed 13 Trane cooling and gas heat rooftop units
- Added three equipment room mini splits and three wall heaters
- Installed nine exhaust systems and two emergency circulation and exhaust systems
- Implemented a full remote building controls system for better visibility and control
The shelter’s independent HVAC, plumbing, and ventilation systems allow it to operate even if the rest of campus loses power or utilities, providing critical protection for students and staff.
Smart Systems and Careful Coordination
Because the shelter and school must be able to function independently, the plumbing and site utilities required careful planning. The team:
- Installed two separate water mains and sewer lines to properly separate the shelter and school
- Added three water heaters with circulation pumps for consistent hot water
- Installed piping for natural gas, roof drains, and hot, cold, and recirculating water
- Added 24 toilets and 28 sinks, including a sink in each of the 12 new classrooms
Construction happened around the school day, not the other way around. Lee Company navigated complex FEMA and ICC 500 specifications, tight timelines, and coordination around school hours, holidays, and daily recess. The result: zero disruptions, zero safety incidents, and a major step forward in campus infrastructure and community trust.
A Long Term Investment in Students and Community
More than a construction project, the Holy Family School expansion represents a commitment to students, educators, and families. The new classrooms, restrooms, and storm shelter give the school room to grow and provide peace of mind when the weather turns severe.
Completed on time, on budget, and built the LeeWay, this project delivers what matters most: a safe, functional, and inspiring place for students to learn and grow.
