National Magazine Honors Wa-Hi Renovation

Walla Walla High School honored by national magazine for successful renovation project

Walla Walla High School received an Education Architectural Award from Learning by Design for its schoolwide renovation project made possible by a successful bond in November 2018. Learning by Design is the premier source for education design and innovation excellence.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by this prestigious magazine which recognizes the nation’s preeminent architectural firms by publishing outstanding pre-K to 12 and college/university projects,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “We delivered on every promise made to our community and are so thankful for the support of this project and all the others connected to the 2018 bond measure.”

The Commons features a brand-new kitchen and serving lines. It also includes an addition housing the student store, more seating space and new energy efficient fan-fold windows for the north-facing wall seen from Abbott Road. The original science and academic buildings were stripped to the studs and rebuilt to today’s construction and learning standards. All buildings have new roofs, ADA provisions and energy-efficient air conditioning. A new science wing was added and the original music building was renovated to support the award-winning drama and music programs.

Parking lots have been expanded and improved to enhance safety and traffic flow. The new main entrance at the corner of Abbott Road and Fern Avenue is easier for visitors to access and provides a welcoming feel to the campus. Safety and security have been improved through campus-wide access control systems, better cameras and window treatments in all buildings. Also, all portables have been removed and replaced with permanent spaces.

“Thanks to Architects West, Jackson Contractor and the Wenaha Group for being great partners throughout this project,” said Superintendent Smith. ‘This award represents a collective effort from everyone involved to create a 21st Century learning space to support local students for generations to come.”