A transformative upgrade and expansion of the 120-year-old school building was aimed at boosting enrollment and enhancing services to students. The 40,000-sq-ft modernization of an existing classroom building included seismic upgrades, a new exterior and mechanical/electrical systems, and an updated layout to accommodate science labs and specialized instructional programs.

The project’s 45,000 sq ft of new construction encompasses a pre-fabricated classroom building, gymnasium, football field and 2,500-sq-ft wellness center that provides a separate access for community use. Limited space to configure the new athletic facilities frequently challenged the team with a variety of unforeseen issues. Routing storm drains through narrow spaces, for example, triggered nine in-progress design iterations.

The project also improved energy efficiency across the campus. An outdated central plan system was replaced with high-efficiency heat pumps. Coupled with high-performing building envelopes and LED lighting, the resulting energy consumption of the campus is 10% below already stringent code requirements. Translucent panels on three sides of the gymnasium allows for lights to be kept off during normal school hours while avoiding glare that can affect use of the space for sporting events.

Completed on time and on budget the project achieved its goals for local and small business participation, as well as for apprentice involvement, underscoring the importance of cross-education. The team mentored trade partners on increasing or even creating their own safety programs to promote the overall health of the jobsite and community.