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Milby High School is one of four finalists vying for the highest honor offered by the 2018-19 Exhibit of School Architecture Competition.
Twenty-seven projects from school districts across the state were awarded 2018 Stars of Distinction in six categories — community, planning, transformation, design, value, and sustainability. Milby was awarded six out of six stars.
The annual architecture competition showcases new and renovated Texas schools and recognizes excellence in their planning and design. It is sponsored by the Texas Association of School Administrators and the Texas Association of School Boards.
“Milby is an outstanding project,” HISD Facilities Design General Manager Dan Bankhead said. “The architects did a fantastic job of preserving the historic elements while incorporating the modern 21st century features. They really captured our vision in a creative and innovative way.”
Designed by Kirksey Architecture, Milby is among 40 schools across the district selected to be renovated or rebuilt as part of the district’s voter-approved 2012 Bond Program.
The three-story, $79 million facility is a combination of new construction and renovation that preserved the historic 1926 front facade, while creating a modern learning environment for 2,000 students.
The original building was transformed into a bright, open, student-union-style space with a dining commons, flexible learning areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a large central courtyard.
Flanking the original building are modern academic wings that feature 21st century learning spaces for science and engineering labs, welding, cosmetology, printing, and culinary arts. Other features include a new main entrance, administrative offices, and auditorium with a black box theater, as well as a new gym, dance room and locker rooms.
Four projects — including Milby — received at least four stars, which qualified them as finalists in the competition to be named part of the Caudill Class, the highest level of recognition offered. The distinction is named after late Texas architect William Wayne Caudill, whose progressive concepts continue to influence school design.
“We’re very excited about this honor. Six stars is certainly a tribute to the hard work of the design team,” Kirksey Architecture Vice President Nicola Springer said. “It’s also a testament to HISD’s high standards for 21st century schools and the process established to engage the community and incorporate their feedback into the building.”
Projects will be on display during the Texas Association of School Administrators and Texas Association of School Boards convention, which is being held from Sept. 28 to 30 at the Austin Convention Center in Austin. Caudill Class winners will be announced at the Texas Association of School Administrators Midwinter Conference in January.
Follow @Build_HISD on Twitter for the latest construction updates on the 2012 Bond Program and school construction across the district.