Comprised of multiple wings constructed between 1906 and 1959, the buildings are an eclectic mix of concrete, timber, steel, and masonry (reinforced and unreinforced) construction, and each wing contains its own structural system. Extensive interior demolition and a full modernization and seismic upgrade brought the structures up to code and created a 21st century learning environment. Retaining elements such as the brick façade and interior stairwells allowed the school to remain true to its historic roots.
Converted the historic auditorium in the North Wing into a modern resource center that includes library, media, college and career, technology, and tutoring services. Several architectural elements discovered and restored during this stage added grandeur to the space: the original coffers and ornamental plaster beams, and the two-story tripartite windows. A 30-ft mural painted by one of the world’s leading authorities on North Coast Indian art – who is also a former student and teacher – hangs in a place of honor in the library.
Below the library, the former gymnasium with elevated running track was transformed into much-needed classroom, lab, breakout, and teacher planning spaces. The team incorporated existing columns and some bracing into the seismic upgrade and new programming for the classrooms, contributing to cost savings for the district.
Created a new heart of the school, relocating the commons to the central wing, and connecting it to the new secure courtyard with a roll-up glass door. One of the most complex pieces of the main building’s transformation, the team painstakingly demolished the former boiler buildings and other structures, carved out the two-story space, and added a steel header above the concrete beam above the roll-up door opening to create this flexible, highly interactive space.
The wide stairway was built into the space, providing opportunities for presentations and socializing, and connecting eating. During warmer weather, students can also participate in small performances on the sloped lawn, surrounded by rain gardens that promote the project’s sustainability contributions and learning opportunities.
Addressed accessibility concerns with the addition of a glass-enclosed primary entry between the North and Central wings. Located near the elevator bank, this entry delivers additional ease of access. It also provides safety measures: additional visibility as students transition between classes and a secure vestibule for visitors.
Worked collaboratively with the entire team to sensitively restore this historic school and create a contemporary learning environment within the footprint of the existing campus. As the former two-story study hall space in the South Wing was repurposed into makerspace, the structural team helped preserve historic finishes by restricting upgrades to those that could be constructed behind the walls.
Discrete strengthening was applied to the historic handrails in the stairwells, and preservation of interior and exterior brick used alternative seismic upgrade methods to retain historic views.
A contemporary high school requires robust MEP systems which are larger and more complex than those being replaced; the structural team worked closely with these team members to route components around structural infrastructure.
Photography © Benjamin Benschneider All Rights Reserved
