Killeen ISD—Killeen High School
Architects: PBK
“PBK provided multi-phased renovation and modernization services for Killeen ISD on Killeen High School, a 53-year-old facility. PBK provided all architectural and engineering services for the comprehensive renovations. The project scope included site improvements, ADA improvements, asbestos abatement, foundation repairs, mechanical/electrical/plumbing improvements, and improvements to the existing exterior and interior spaces. The site improvements included a re-designed layout of the front parking lots, additional student parking, and revised accessible routes, site lighting, irrigation, and Landscaping.
- Phase 1 consisted of a two-story 66-classroom addition, which included teacher workrooms, lounges, collaboration spaces, and small breakout rooms. Three classroom wings were demolished to provide space to construct a full commercial kitchen and cafeteria on the north side of the campus and an auxiliary gym and locker rooms on the east side. New Fine Arts additions and an athletic field house were also included.
- Additional Phase 1 interior renovated areas included the Media Center, Arts Labs, and Administration spaces.
- Phase 2 was renovating CTE and SPED classrooms, computer labs, basketball locker rooms, ROTC spaces, and the Band Hall.”
Design
The transformation of the High School, a project that spanned over four years, has completely revitalized the 58-year-old, 400,000-square-foot building. This ambitious undertaking was designed to honor the school’s rich traditions and history while creating new spaces for future traditions to flourish. The comprehensive renovations and additions have touched every corner of the sprawling campus, ensuring that the school can meet the educational and extracurricular needs of its students for years to come.
Value
Value was derived from the reuse of the existing site and existing building areas as much as possible to reduce costs and construction. The administration area, science labs, library, auditorium, and main gym were reused and renovated while other areas of the school that were in disrepair where demolished to make room for new additions. The multi-phased approach allowed all programs to remain operational during construction, without displacing students or staff over a four-year period, reducing costs and disruption to the campus.
Wellness
The new school connects students to nature through a series of outdoor spaces that promote movement, social interaction, increase daylight, and support productivity and wellness for students and staff. The design incorporates areas of diverse scales featuring flexible Furniture and technology, allowing students to connect, study, and gather in an environment that embraces the individual learner and supports multi-modal learning.
Community
With a history dating back to 1884, the new design provides a fresh sense of identity that pays tribute to the school’s history and heritage. The design process for the school transformation was a deep dive with alumni, stakeholders, and district leadership. The team listened to their stories, and this process ensured that the new design honored their pride, legacy, and history. Branding and graphics create a strong sense of place and ‘Roo’ pride throughout the school.
Planning
The comprehensive planning approach involved layers of the community and multiple stakeholder input. Priorities were established to honor the culture and history of the school and establishing parity between this school and the districts 6th high school that was being constructed at the same time. Inclusive phasing allowed the existing high school to remain operational throughout the entire transformation of the school. Despite the site constraints, the nearly 400,000 square foot high school creates a next-gen learning environment that fosters connectivity through new program spaces and spatial connectivity.
School Transformation
The transformation of the 58-year-old high school extends beyond the building itself and into the community. The new flexible spaces make it possible to adapt educational opportunities to today’s learners. The school has been completely transformed and the new school entry celebrates decades of history and school pride. The outdoor spaces throughout the campus invite students to meet, learn, and spend a part of their day outdoors. The spirit and traditions of the school that have passed from class to class and generation to generations influenced the transformation of the new school The reimagined school is something the community can be proud of, and it is that foundation of one-hundred and four years of traditions which continues today. The district’s original high school is brand new again.
Star of Distinction Category Winner