Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

California High School Converts Former Armory into Arts & Athletics Center

  • By Matt Jones
  • 10/15/24

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

  • Year-Round Schools Require Year-Round Indoor Air Quality Planning

    While many schools are out for the summer, year-round schools follow a more “balanced” schedule with shorter, more frequent breaks spaced throughout the school year. Even though this offers educational benefits, these facilities have less downtime for building maintenance. This can become an issue when facilities managers overlook the importance of routine HVAC maintenance and air duct cleaning services.

  • Lawrence Group Announces Three New Hires

    Integrated planning and design firm Lawrence Group, based in St. Louis, Mo., recently welcomed three new staff members, according to a news release.

  • Spaces4Learning Announces 2026 Product Award Winners

    Spaces4Learning has just announced the winners of the 2026 Product Awards! The award program spotlights outstanding product development achievements of manufacturers and suppliers whose products or services are considered to be particularly noteworthy in their ability to enhance K–12 and higher-education learning environments.

  • Amazon Expands Lockers to More Than 500 College, University Campuses

    Amazon recently announced that its Locker Network now totals more than 750 locations at more than 500 college and university campuses around the United States, according to a company news release.