California High School Converts Former Armory into Arts & Athletics Center

The Hillbrook School in San José, Calif., recently announced that one of its two adaptive reuse projects on campus is complete, according to a news release. The school partnered with Anderson Brulé Architects and Swenson Development & Construction to convert an armory—built in 1934 and used by the National Guard during World War II—into a new academic space, the Arts & Athletics Center. The new facility includes modern amenities like classrooms, art studios, and a gymnasium.

The reuse of historic buildings is part of the school’s “City as a Classroom” vision, the news release reports. The other adaptive reuse project in progress is the renovation of the Moir Building, built in 1894, into a space for robotics, digital fabrication, and woodshop labs. The facilities will complete the school’s Upper Campus and serve to revitalize the larger St. James Park neighborhood.

“The renovation of the Armory Building is a significant step forward on the path toward fully immersing ourselves in downtown San José,” said Hillbrook Head of School Mark Silver. “This beautifully reimagined space will inspire generations of Hillbrook students and the broader community, and it provides a new launching pad for our school's vision to reach beyond and make a difference in the world.”

The process involved assessing the Armory’s physical condition, a feasibility study for the conversion, and planning and programming the academic space. Work included retrofitting the building and upgrading mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, as well as outfitting it with the technology and future-facing flexible spaces to support the school’s pedagogy. The facility provides a deliberate view of downtown San José to create a connection with local nonprofits, universities, businesses, and museums, according to the news release.

“It’s a true pleasure to be able to deliver a project that achieves so many beneficial goals, from furthering the school’s educational vision to contributing to our San José community by giving new life to a landmark in the city’s architectural heritage,” said Lee Salin, FAIA, managing partner at ABA. “Renovations are also vital to environmental sustainability by reusing existing buildings rather than demolishing and rebuilding.”

About the Author

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

Featured

  • dormitory with green roofs, solar panels, balconies, and labeled architectural annotations

    2025 Residence Hall Design Trends Focus on Sustainability, Flexibility, Community, Technology, and Well-Being

    With the most technically advanced Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) at the helm, residence hall design trends for 2025 look to focus on flexible spaces, health and wellness, sustainability, community, and digital technology.

  • ClassVR Wins Tech & Learning Best of Show at ISTELive 25

    Avantis Education recently announced that its flagship product, ClassVR, won the Tech & Learning Best of Show Award at ISTELive 25 in San Antonio, Texas, according to a news release. The program is designed to celebrate products that are “transforming education in schools around the world and that show the greatest promise for the industry,” and this is the fourth consecutive year that Avantis has claimed the award.

  • Beeville ISD Starts Construction on New Elementary School

    The Beeville Independent School District near Corpus Christi, Texas, recently began a construction project that will consolidate two existing, aging schools into a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district is partnering with Pfluger Architects and Spawglass General Contractors for the design and construction, respectively, of the new facility.

  • ECM Technologies Wins ‘Most Innovative Business of the Year’ Award

    HVAC preventative maintenance and efficiency solutions provider ECM Technologies was recently named the “Most Innovative Business of the Year” at the 2025 Champions of Change Awards, according to a news release. The program recognizes Arizona business leaders and organizations taking steps to make a positive impact on the state through innovative thinking and philanthropy.

Digital Edition