Hillcrest High School has stood as a monument to the community for over half of a century. Originally constructed in 1960, it is reimagined with inspirational architecture and expression of Husky pride. A phased reconstruction spanning over 3 years shifts the school toward 900 East with an impressive four-story classroom wing. New amenities to the original program include an athletic field house with a banquet hall space overlooking the stadium, a black box theater, and a vibrant student commons with stunning mountain views.
The site design greatly improves access to the campus which is surrounded on two sides by a canal. Two additional access points were created off 900 East, increasing safety by separating bus, student and parent traffic. Parking on the site has been thoughtfully allocated to put distance between event parking. Creatively designed outdoor areas entice students to socialize outdoors.
The interiors speak to the school’s history in the preservation of beloved original elements from the gymnasium floor to the famed “senior bench.” This blend of old with the new welcome’s faculty and students with a fresh design while school pride has been incorporated in through the simplicity and sophistication of color. The motif of a static gradient is carried throughout the school creating a clean look that speaks to the digital age the students are a part of and will professionally be entering. The brighter, modern design complete with daylit touchdown and collaboration areas is a more conducive learning atmosphere for students as they work individually and as teams.
Programs of excellence at Hillcrest include an International Baccalaureate program and an award-winning Performing Arts department. An important part of the school story, special consideration and creative design solutions were employed to further enhance and support these programs and elevate their prominence within the school. The new design provides a place for everyone with Hillcrest’s diverse student body, telling them that they are an important part of the journey together.
Site Plan
The new site design dramatically improves access to the campus with two additional entry points to 900 East, increasing safety by separating bus, student, and parent traffic. A new traffic light at the intersection of South Union Avenue further increases safety with additional crosswalks.
Program Amenities
New amenities to the original program include a black box theater and vibrant student commons with stunning mountain views.
School Spirit
A fresh materials palette in sophisticated shades of green speaks to the history of the school. The gradient is carried throughout the school along with biophilic wood elements creating a warm look. A point of interest to Hillcrest Alumni is the old, wood gym flooring was repurposed for this hallway corner detailing.
Community Context
Tucked behind a hill mid-campus, the original building lacked a sense of presence and community pride. For the rebuild, Principal Leavitt envisioned a more prominent location visible from well-traveled 900 East. The resulting design solution is an impressive academic tower, performing arts center, and visible school pride featuring husky mascot art.
Collaboration
Break-out spaces adjacent to classrooms provide flexible areas for group work, team presentations, and projects.
Design Image
School pride involves a place of belonging and inclusion. Students are drawn to programs of excellence at Hillcrest including an International Baccalaureate program and an award-winning Performing Arts department. An important part of the school story, special consideration and creative design solutions were employed to further enhance and support these programs and elevate their prominence within the school.
Energy Efficiency
Fritted glass is utilized in key areas with expansive curtainwalls to reduce solar gain.
Proscenium
Indoor / Outdoor Student Commons
The new design provides an indoor/outdoor student commons area.
Client-centered
“We’ve walked everybody [in the District] through this new facility, this gym and field house and they just shake their heads; they’re just in awe. The functionality of it beyond the look is just amazing. It’s working great.”
-Principal Leavitt, Hillcrest High School
