Fremont High School Debuts Modernized Facilities

• By Matt Jones
• 10/04/21

Fremont High School, part of the Oakland Unified School District in Oakland, Calif., recently debuted a series of new and modernized facilities to faculty, staff and students. The project was a collaboration between LCA Architects and Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) on the design side and between Cahill Contractors and Focon on the construction side. The campus now features upgraded amenities including science labs, Career Technical Education (CTE) classrooms, a new athletics complex and a Wellness Center, according to a news release.

“Fremont High School is blessed to finally have facilities that match the beauty and potential of its students,” said the school’s co-principal, Tom Skjervheim. “Our CTE labs for multimedia/broadcasting and architecture/construction have exceeded our dreams of what we imagined for our students and are truly authentic industry spaces that professionals would be jealous of. Our science labs, gymnasium, stadium, Wellness Center and remodeled classrooms are now state-of-the-art, and we are grateful to the entire project team for helping to make this a reality for our community.”

Photo credit: Tim Maloney

The project totals 45,000 square feet of new construction and 40,000 square feet of modernization. Features include a new, modular 12-classroom building as well as the total renovation of an existing classroom building and campus library. The new facilities feature a new exterior skin and building systems, an updated interior layout for classrooms, a new parking lot, an entry gate, and a new reception area that includes a conference room and workspace for staff. CTE classrooms include Digital Media and Architecture and Engineering, and there’s also an audio/video recording studio, a drafting lab and maker space.

Upgrades to athletics and wellness facilities include a new gymnasium, fitness center and the campus’ first regulation-size football stadium featuring sports lighting, bleachers, a press box and locker rooms. A Wellness Center will offer medical and dental services on campus.

“This project was an ambitious undertaking in that it touched so many facets of the campus, truly resulting in a completely new experience for students, staff and the community,” said Aaron Jobson, Principal and President of QKA. “Collaboration with our seasoned partners allowed the team to achieve OUSD’s desire for enhanced and specialized facilities to accommodate modern programs and its growing enrollment, with a focus on sustainability and career readiness.”

The project was funded by Bond Measure J and demonstrates sustainable initiatives like daylighting and natural ventilation. The project was deemed Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) Verified and Solar Ready.

“Community input was especially important to the planning and design of this project,” said LCA CEO Carl Campos. ‘Fremont High School is a local icon dating back to 1905, and it was critical to honor the community’s sentiments and the campus’ historical significance. Students played an important role, contributing design ideas and project support. Ultimately, it was through the combined dedication of the district and campus leadership, architects, engineers and contractors that the vision for Fremont High was realized.”