Marengo Community High School

Marengo, Illinois

Firm

Bradley & Bradley

Client

Marengo Community High School District #154

Area

200,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$26,500,000

Completion Date

03/2005

The lively exterior of Marengo Community High School is matched by the bold design of the interior finishes. A cohesive color palette ties the entire school together and emphasizes key features with vibrant paint colors. Classic, quality and durable materials define the mainstay of the color scheme—ground-face block, structural clay facing tile and thin-set epoxy terrazzo. Custom banners, wayfinding, signage and railing details add spirited touches throughout.
On every level, the architecture of Marengo Community High School embraces programmatic needs. The main entrance greets guests prominently with bold, angled, ironspot masonry walls that transition into the voluminous atrium tower. The burgundy metal-roofed tower is adjacent to the generously daylighted gabled atrium, which connects to the student entrance. This crafted, uplifting two-story space serves as a social hub for the school as it connects to major functions such as the guidance office, library, art rooms, main office and superintendent’s office. Double-loaded corridors on either side of the atrium define the academic wings succinctly.
The activities entrance leads into a two-story atrium that connects the academic wing visually to the spacious commons/cafeteria area. The commons and commons atrium serve both the gym and auditorium efficiently, and are daylighted with pyramidal skylights.