HPISD unveils 'first-look' renderings of Bradfield, Hyer & University Park Elementary Schools

Bradfield Elementary (click the image above to view a larger version)

Hyer Elementary (click the image above to view a larger version)

UP Elementary (click the image above to view a larger version)

Highland Park Independent School District made public today early renderings of Bradfield, Hyer and University Park Elementary Schools. The three schools are slated to be rebuilt pending approval by voters in a bond election to be held Nov. 3.

HPISD Superintendent Dr. Tom Trigg said that the renderings are just the first step in the design process if the bond passes.

"It is important to note that these renderings are just the first look at what the new schools could look like, rather than what they will definitely look like," Dr. Trigg said. "Community input will greatly influence the final designs of the schools over the course of the next year or so, and these designs are just a starting point. The HPISD Board of Trustees has high expectations that the architecture for each redesigned elementary school incorporate historical elements of the original buildings, complement the surrounding neighborhood, and reflect the character and history of HPISD."

The designs were driven by input received from project design teams made up of teachers, parents and community members. The teams were facilitated by Jonathan Aldis, project manager for Stantec, the school architectural firm selected by the district from among 22 firms in 2012. Aldis said that the buildings are being designed with a nod to the past and an eye to the future.

"Our highest compliment will be if people say that these schools look like Highland Park and that they fit with the community," said Aldis. "We have spent a great deal of time and effort trying to get this right. We continue to be committed to redesigning these school facilities so that they can best serve students for the next 80-100 years in HPISD and continue to make this community proud."

A 21-member Facilities Advisory Committee, made up of community members who either have or have had children attend HPISD schools, recommended to the Board of Trustees that Bradfield, Hyer and University Park Elementary Schools be rebuilt as part of a bond proposal going before voters on Nov. 3. The proposal also calls for extensive renovations to Highland Park High School, McCulloch Intermediate/HP Middle School and Armstrong Elementary, as well as the construction of a new elementary school near Northway Christian Church near Northwest Highway. 

The facilities committee's recommendations are designed to alleviate current overcrowding in district schools, accommodate future growth and address facilities issues regarding technology, security and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Bradfield and University Park Elementary Schools were built in the 1920s and Hyer Elementary School was opened in 1949. All three schools are currently either at or above capacity.

HPISD