SDS Architects: Commissioned to design additions at Somerset High School

SDS Architects, Inc. has been commissioned to design three much needed additions to the existing Somerset High School. Faced with increased enrollment throughout the district, the existing High School, designed by SDS Architects in 1994, was no longer meeting their growing demands. With a referendum question to address their growing needs, the School District of Somerset went to the community on April 2, 2013 and by a majority vote the referendum was passed.

The three additions to the High school will address needs in general education, music, and physical education spaces for a total addition of approximately 22,000 gross square feet. In the academic wing of the school, nine classrooms will be added onto the building, while three interior, existing classrooms will be transformed into restrooms, a computer lab, and a mechanical room. This net gain of six classrooms will allow the school’s capacity to grow an additional 145 students. In the music wing of the school, an addition of a band room, including instrument and uniform storage, will allow the existing combined band and choir room to be remodeled for Choir use only. An addition to the athletic wing of the school will allow the weight and wrestling rooms to be expanded and the locker rooms to double in size. Additional work throughout the remainder of the school includes a concession booth, which will also be created in the corner of the existing wrestling room, and modifications to the kitchen’s serving area, to make more efficient use of space.

With design underway, construction of these additions will begin immediately following the completion of the 2012-2013 academic year. The six month construction period will permit the school to move into their new spaces in December of 2013.

SDS Architects, Inc. is pleased to have a long-standing relationship with the school district. SDS was responsible for the design of the new Elementary School, the Early Childhood Center, the Administration building, and the High School, as well as additions to the Middle School, and the creation of the Districts Master Plan.

About SDS Architects Inc

Founded in 1953, SDS Architects specializes in design and planning of educational, industrial, commercial, recreational, religious, and government facilities. SDS is experienced in sustainable design solutions and the LEED® process. Recent SDS projects include an 83,000 S.F. cluster-style residence hall addition at UW-River Falls (Certified LEED® Gold), the new Bloomer Elementary School, and remodeling of Volume One Magazine World Headquarters and Local Store. For more information, go to http://www.sdsarch.com.

Media Contact: Laura Eysnogle, Project Coordinator / SDS Architects Inc / 715.852.2570 / leysnogle@sdsarch.com