TowerPinkster designed the new campus for Northview High School located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The High School expanded over the years from its original 1961 construction to include additions on both ends of the facility in 1971 and 1998. While newer portions were in fair condition, original portions were outdated and connected by long, narrow corridors.
TowerPinkster conducted a facility assessment and determined that the best solution for transformation, while staying within budget, begins with removing much of the older, poorly functioning areas in the center, and connecting the newer additions at either end of the building with an appropriately-scaled 2-story academic wing. This new addition opens onto a student commons featuring two clearly-defined entrances – one for visitors and students arriving by bus, and the other for staff and students arriving by car. Accordingly, bus, car and pedestrian circulation zones have been reorganized for safety and security.

Features of the new 2-story academic addition also include offices, a districtwide copy center, kitchen and cafeteria, locker commons, science and computer labs and new classrooms with shared learning space. A 600-foot-long, curved glass wall connects the two existing portions of the building, enclosing the interior student concourse.

The facility assessment also identified the need to replace the high school’s natatorium and make several improvements to athletic facilities. The existing pool was transformed into a new fitness center and a new 13-lane pool was designed with expanded bleacher seating, locker rooms and a wet classroom. Other athletic improvements include renovations to the existing gymnasiums, a new athletic director’s suite, locker rooms, an aerobics studio, batting cages, restroom facilities, an indoor track and a school spirit store.

Designer: TowerPinkster
Photography: Justin Maconochie