Maplewood Richmond Heights High School, 2004 Bond Issue Referendum

St. Louis, Missouri

Firm

TR,i Architects, Inc.

Client

Maplewood Richmond Heights School District

Area

146,990 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,472,000

Completion Date

02/2007

Picture it: a traditional high school is approaching 100 years in age, serving 600 students. The layout is disjointed with multiple additions. Major renovations are past due. You have support to provide a school for the 21st century. There is no place to move students during construction. How do you proceed?
Begin with a nontraditional planning approach: “We’ll use an ‘organic process’” directed superintendent Linda Henke, “from the ground up, input will be gathered from students to teachers.” That is exactly what the architect did. Given unprecedented access ranging from students’ “wish list” to individual teacher interviews, the design team began to develop answers.
Living through construction is not comfortable. Neither is dealing with falling plaster, non-functioning plumbing and unsupported technology. A facility that was dark, aging and difficult to manage turned into a center that is bright, collaborative and safe.
Color, light and furniture exceeded qualities sought by students and staff. The technology labs’ modern design has a coffee lounge comfort. The humanities floor has restored historic handmade cabinets, ornate doors, a fireplace and wainscoting. Each floor has a distinct atmosphere.

“Nice use of color and lighting.
Furnishings facilitate collaboration.”–2007 jury