Colonial High School

Orlando, Florida

Firm

BRPH

Client

Orange County Public Schools

Area

370,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$36,500,000

Completion Date

01/2003

Colonial High School, a cornerstone of the Orlando, Fla., community since 1959, counts distinguished professionals, school superintendents, politicians and a national Medal of Honor winner among its alumni. After nearly a half-century, the original facility had begun to show its age and was in need of replacement, but community sentiment favored retaining its location and preserving the campus.
The architect conducted an in-depth conditions assessment of buildings and environmental analysis. A new master plan, incorporating both existing and new structures, was developed.
Some of the buildings were retained and updated to match the look of the new buildings, including a relatively new auditorium, which saved the district more than $4 million.
Among the challenges the design team faced were a serious absence of functionality in the vehicular circulation pattern of the campus, and ensuring that 3,000 students could maintain a regular class and extracurricular schedule safely while construction progressed. Multiphased construction was completed in January 2003.
The “new” campus now functions efficiently and securely, and has become a model for school renovation in this district.