Westside High School, Renovation and IMC Addition

Omaha, Nebraska

Firm

Leo A Daly

Client

Westside Community Schools

Area

60,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$6,600,000

Completion Date

08/2000

Despite 17 major additions to the building over its 50-year history, Westside High School needed a facelift, a renewed sense of functionality and an identifiable entry. The architect met the special challenges of this project and created a building in which special features have become the cornerstones of continued excellence.
The most difficult challenge was understanding how students and teachers use independent learning time, or open mods, and the instruction materials centers (IMCs).
The IMCs are the heart of independent learning time where students, teachers and resources come together. English, foreign language, social studies, business, math and special-education teachers all must be able to meet with students at their teacher desks during open mods. All IMCs had to be connected to the central media where students could access all forms of material to complete class projects and homework assignments. The solution was a three-tiered, multilayered space housing all IMCs, providing the perfect space for teachers and students to work side by side during their open mods.