Wilmington Middle/High School

Wilmington, Ohio

Firm

Fanning Howey

Client

Wilmington City Schools

Area

103,488 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,379,316

Completion Date

09/2000

Wilmington Middle/High School successfully addressed several complex challenges in updating the aging facility’s program spaces and systems. The highlight is a 16,539-square-foot auditeria addition positioned between the high school gymnasium and the middle-school cafeteria and gymnasium.
The infill location of the 7,444-square-foot auditeria enables both schools to share a new main food-service space, converted from an existing locker room. The tiered space seats 566 for performances and 252 for dining. It features carpet, portable round tables, and a full-fly stage with a scene shop and dressing rooms.
The modernization also included more than 86,000 square feet of renovated space. The existing high school kitchen and cafeteria were converted into labs, classrooms and a large-group instruction space.
The installation of an advanced, energy-efficient HVAC system included a direct-digital-control electronic building-automation system, variable-volume pumping and two new water chillers. A warm brick blend on the exterior helped to unify the new and existing structures, while creating a bold new focal point along the front elevation.