Walled Lake Western High School, Academic Addition

Commerce Township, Michigan

Firm

TMP Architecture

Client

Walled Lake Consolidated School District

Area

26,650 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$12,600,000

Completion Date

08/2024

Christopher Lark Photography

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Walled Lake Western High School’s new academic wing opened in fall 2024, replacing the 1960s classroom corridors with flexible, future-ready learning studios and collaborative spaces. The transformation was guided by a need for a compact and efficient building that could be accommodated on the existing campus while keeping the school operational during construction.

The design draws inspiration from both higher education and the business world. The building is now reoriented around a central corridor, aptly named “Western Avenue.” This avenue leads to the heart of the new addition—the “Learning Stair”—a welcoming space for formal or informal gatherings that promotes social connections, collaboration and community engagement.

Thoughtful use of color, layout and spatial relationships enhances the sense of belonging and reflects the pride of the school community. Western Avenue also serves as a north-south thoroughfare connecting the academic wing to the existing school, bringing academics and activities together in meaningful ways for students, faculty and visitors to the Walled Lake Western campus.