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Architect unveils Highland High rebuild concept; board debates alternates, soil and cost risks
Summary
Architect Mike Rigby presented a concept for the Highland High rebuild — auditorium (~800 seats), commons, gym and support spaces — and the board discussed optional classrooms, auxiliary gym space, canopy/exterior options and cost/soil uncertainties. Staff gave a preliminary range and warned alternates raise design fees and may affect insurance coverage.
Architect Michael (Mike) Rigby presented a conceptual plan for the Highland High School rebuild, describing a three‑unit addition (an auditorium seating just over 800, a commons/kitchen area and a two‑story gymnasium) plus music, band and support spaces. He said the plan responds to requests from a 25‑member design committee and that some colored areas on the plan are optional alternates that would be included only if budget allows.
Rigby walked trustees through the building layout, noting a collaborative stair in the commons for seating and informal gathering and seating targets that will yield about 1,800 spectator seats across main and upper bleachers. He flagged several alternates the committee asked to consider — additional classrooms (three or six), a suspended auxiliary gym/training area (~2,200 sq ft), and expanded storage mezzanines — and offered to provide quick exterior canopy options at the board’s request. “We came in probably only 300 square feet over the original estimate,” Rigby said, describing the design team’s work to balance program needs and budget constraints.
District construction staff and the project contractor detailed budget planning and risk factors. Staff estimated a broad budgetary range for the overall rebuild in prior analyses (discussed with the board) and cautioned that soil borings returned poor bearing capacity (below roughly 2,000 PSI), which can require more substantial footings, structural solutions or hauling and replacement of soils. Shay (construction representative) noted that alternates increase design and consultant costs because each alternate requires additional engineering drawings and coordination; he also outlined a design timetable that would include schematic and development phases over several months and a targeted January bidding window.
Trustees asked about ADA access, restroom layouts, sightlines, whether the sound/production booth was needed on the second level, and whether the commons plaza should open to circulation. Staff said code requirements and user needs will guide final restroom and circulation decisions and that they will present options showing canopy and restroom configurations ahead of a planned follow‑up meeting. The board set a near‑term schedule for committee review and planned votes on alternates and design direction.
Provenance: Presentation and discussion run from the architect introduction (SEG 1468) through cost/alternate discussion and scheduling (SEG 3352).
