HED and Corgan collaborated on the Thomas Jefferson High School renovation and update for students in Dallas, Texas.

HED served as Architect of Record, in collaboration with Corgan Architects, for the landmark renovation and addition to Thomas Jefferson High School necessitated by severe tornado damage to the school sustained in October 2019. Dallas Independent School District decided at that time to improve the campus to meet the requirements for a 2,200-student high school campus. HED performed a complete renovation of the existing 172,000 SF building and added 152,000 SF to meet the current academic needs and requirements of athletics, career and technical education (CTE) programs, and performing and visual arts.

The renovated high school offers a variety of student-centered spaces for academics, arts, and athletics. Academics are supported by robotics, computer, STEAM labs, culinary arts, and ROTC classrooms; as well as a library. For the arts, there is a modern band room and seven additional practice rooms, dance studios, a black box theatre, and an upgraded auditorium. Athletics feature trainer and hydrotherapy rooms; a weight room; locker rooms; and a competition gym which also serves as the storm shelter. Additionally, family/youth counseling services are provided within the facility.

The 40-acre site is also home to Walnut Hill Learning Academy which features athletic fields, including a new football field with artificial turf; resurfaced running track; new long jump and triple jump tracks, shotput and discus throwing circles; a band practice field; soccer, baseball and softball fields, and batting cage; and tennis courts. Plus parking and an underground stormwater retention system.

Design: HED and Corgan
Photography: Tom Harris