Frenship ISD board approves schematic design for Frenship High School renovation
Summary
Corgan Architects presented schematic designs and a scope that will touch most of the existing campus to modernize finishes, improve wayfinding and add interactive displays; trustees approved the schematic documents and staff said the architect will return for design development and construction documents in coming months.
Trustees approved schematic design documents for the Frenship High School renovation after an extended presentation by Corgan Architects. Theresa Wood introduced the design team and turned the presentation over to Arlene Leonard, who described the firm—s inventory and documentation work, design concepts and schedule.
Leonard said the team scanned more than 373 plans, completed a nine-day field survey of the building and used Matterport 3D scanning and a BIM model to document existing conditions. She said there were 12 historic additions across 22 locations and that the renovation will touch the majority of the campus; she described the work as affecting roughly 95% of the building in scope. The schematic proposals include refreshed exteriors with paint and canopy improvements, new interior finishes, LED lighting, remodeled corridors with "pop" color accents, upgraded restrooms and replacement of lockers in many areas. The design also calls for a front-entry interactive yearbook display and updated Tiger Pit finishes.
Leonard described the intent to align classroom finishes with those at Memorial High School where feasible so the two campuses have comparable instructional spaces. She said the team is still discussing cost-effective options for the school—s black-box theater and that newer areas such as the culinary spaces would see limited changes other than lighting. On schedule, Leonard said the architect will return to the board next month with design development documents, to return in December with construction documents, and staff hope to have a contractor on board soon; she noted the work will be coordinated with the school calendar.
Administration recommended approval of the schematic design documents; Trustee Jamie Phillips moved to approve and Trustee Kyle Rogers seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: The renovation represents a major capital project for the district with broad impact on student spaces, circulation, safety features and instructional equity between high schools. The adopted schematic documents move the project into the next design phases and procurement discussions.
Sources: Presentation by Corgan Architects (Theresa Wood, Arlene Leonard) and administration recommendation during the board meeting.
