Historic Alameda High School
Historic Rehabilitation & Modernization
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the 100,000 square-foot 1924 Alameda High School (AHS) has long been recognized by the Alameda community as a tremendous civic and historical resource. The iconic multi-story neoclassical group of buildings fills an entire block of Central Avenue, adjoining the city’s historic central business district. However, in the 1970s the buildings were deemed unsafe as they did not meet new seismic standards, resulting in most of the original school largely standing empty ever since.
State funding and a 2014 bond measure enabled QKA to take on one of California’s largest historic school renovation projects, focusing the design on restoration and seismic retrofitting, while providing 21st century learning environments, an infusion of technology and accessibility for this historic school. This massive modernization resulted in 37 state-of-the-art classrooms, 11 new science labs, designated outdoor learning spaces, and updating the structural, mechanical and electrical systems – all with minimal visual impact. Attention to detail was integral to the design – the exterior columns and terrazzo entry stairs, 350 wood windows, and the main lobbies were meticulously restored and brought back to their original grandeur.
Ultimately, the buildings have been successfully revitalized to meet the needs of AHS’s modern learning environments while preserving its historic prominence.
