Novi High School Wildcat Plaza

Novi, Michigan

Firm

TMP Architecture

Client

Novi Community School District

Area

138,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$13,833,058

Completion Date

09/2024

Christopher Lark Photography; Justin Maconochie

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Design team
John Castellana, FAIA, REFP; David W. Larson, AIA; Mark R. Stievater, AIA

To enhance the Novi High School fan experience, the design team focused on completely re-imagining the exterior athletic zone into a dynamic athletic gateway dubbed “Wildcat Plaza.”

After extensive programming sessions with users and community groups, several guiding principles for the project were established: reinforce the entry experience for spectators; provide diverse seating options that integrate with the gentle sloping site; and develop a central plaza with various food and sundry options.

A new entry point, directly accessible from improved parking, invites spectators under a broad triangular canopy that reflects the architect’s design at main student entry locations. Wildcat Plaza, oriented north-south, connects the entry, main seating and concession pavilions, offering a variety of non-bleacher seating along the slope. To improve the backdrop, the existing brick façade of the school was stained a dark tone to reduce visual complexity of the setting and serve as a better complement to athletic branding. Extensive hardscaping, complemented by glass-and-metal-clad pavilions, creates a cohesive environment that elevates the overall visitor experience.