Grosse Ile High School

Grosse Ile, Michigan

Firm

French Associates

Client

Grosse Ile Township School District

Area

119,100 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,500,000

Completion Date

08/2008

Originally constructed in the 1950s, Grosse Ile High School was completely remodeled and enlarged during the 2007-2008 school year. The existing cafeteria and media center had been undersized and outdated. Consequently, a new cafeteria and media center were constructed. The additions were designed with curved exterior walls featuring large spans of glass and allowing maximum natural light into these spaces. In contrast to the former building’s rectangular form and limited windows, the addition curves to form a fluid edge similar to the nearby shorelines.

The cafeteria addition was placed carefully to enable the existing kitchen space to serve the existing cafeteria and then switch over to serve the new cafeteria. The existing cafeteria was converted to specialty classroom space. The existing media center became the new central office, situated strategically to monitor and control the building’s new main entrance. Additional remodeling projects included a completely remade gymnasium, new science labs, technology updates in every classroom and new furnishings throughout the school.