Project Description
One of Corvallis School District’s oldest school buildings has been renovated thanks to a $200 million bond measure approved by voters in 2018.
College Hill High School, an alternative education program, now resides in the former Harding Elementary School building. While the brick façade facing Harrison Street retains its traditional look, the building and especially the classroom wings have been beautifully updated to add color, function and accessibility.
Visitors now enter a secure vestibule at the front entrance before being admitted into the main office. Down each hallway are modernized classrooms for general education as well as science and construction classes.
The Commons is a showpiece of the renovation with attractive glulam columns, dramatic lighting, eye-catching acoustical ceiling baffles, and polished concrete floors. The space includes a servery, window seating and movable tables and chairs. New windows and doors lead to the existing gym.
Other new features include a covered outdoor classroom for construction and automotive programs, covered bike parking, and a new weight training room. Upgraded mechanical, electrical, plumbing, heating and boiler systems throughout the building make it more comfortable and conducive to learning.
Additional improvements include:
- ADA accessibility
- Renovated locker rooms
- New cabinetry in classrooms
- New roof and gutter systems
- Improved emergency lighting
- Seismic strengthening
- Access control system
- New emergency communications system
- New fire monitoring system
- New roof
Todd Construction won the job by submitting the lowest, responsible bid among general contractors in the spring of 2022.
Programs in the building were relocated during the construction period, except the school’s urban farm. Students continued to care for chickens and their garden while attending classes in a modular building in the schoolyard. Construction concluded in the summer of 2023, and students returned to school in the newly renovated building in the fall.
Wenaha Group was the owner’s rep on the project. Todd previously worked with Wenaha Group on the North Marion High School Addition and Renovation.
