Historic Junior/Senior High School Re-Opens After Major Renovation

Manzanola Junior/Senior High School in Manzanola, Colo., recently debuted a new campus addition and significant renovations to its original building, which was built in 1925. The 95-year-old structure was facing multiple issues related to the building’s age, including deferred maintenance issues, limited heating capabilities and housed asbestos, according to a news release.

 The addition’s design centers around a two-story media center near the west façade of the original structure. Learning spaces are organized into two wings that mirror the original design, creating a learning courtyard and extension of the media center. The addition also features new fifth-grade classrooms, new lab spaces, a gymnasium, locker rooms, administrative space and a reception area.

“We have such a bright and deserving student population and couldn’t be more excited for them to experience the new community campus,” said Superintendent Nancy Westfall of Manzanola School District 3J. “These reimagined spaces provide a collaborative learning environment and a safe, secure facility that honors our rural community’s long, rich history.”

Manzanola School District 3J partnered on the project with Wold Architects and Engineers, Nunn Construction and Vanir Construction Management. Wold helped the district land a Building Excellent Schools Today (BEST) grant to help fund the project, which consolidates all district students into a single, secure facility.

“As a local firm, we are honored to work with the Manzanola School District to revitalize its new community campus and honor the original structure designed by [Temple] Buell,” said Josh Grenier, principal at Wold Architects and Engineers. “This campus supports a diverse student population that deserves a safe, enriching learning environment, and we are proud to play a role in bringing this important facility to life.”

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Missouri K–12 District Cuts Ribbons on Two New Middle Schools

    Springfield Public Schools in Springfield, Mo., recently celebrated the completion of two new middle school facilities with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, according to a district news release. The district officially opened the new Pipkin Middle School and Reed Academy on Sept. 3, both of which were funded through the $220-million Proposition S bond program approved by voters in 2023.

  • University of Mary Washington Selects Builder for New Theater, Dance Facility

    The University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Va., recently announced that it has selected construction and development firm Skanska to lead a series of renovations and upgrades to fine arts facilities, according to a news release.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • Sam Houston State University Completes Athletic Stadium Renovations

    Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, recently announced the reopening of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium after an extensive renovation project, according to a news release. The university partnered with Stantec and DLR Group for the project’s design.