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

  • Minnesota District Converts Middle School into Community Hub

    White Bear Lake Area Schools in White Bear Lake, Minn., recently announced the end of a major renovation project that converted a former middle school into a new centralized district and community hub, according to a news release.

  • KWK Architects Announces Full Transition to Lawrence Group Branding

    KWK Architects recently announced that it will complete its transition to the Lawrence Group brand effective July 1, according to a news release. The merger marks the end of a three-year strategic integration process that began in March 2023 to unite the firms.

  • TCU Marks Campus Expansion Milestone

    Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a topping-out ceremony to mark progress on a major campus expansion effort including four new residential facilities and a five-story parking garage, according to a news release.

  • 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.