Westview High School was constructed by general contractor Douglas E. Barnhart Inc. Located in the burgeoning Rancho Penasquitos area of San Diego County, the sprawling school encompasses 211,000 sq. ft. in 18 buildings on a 71-acre lot. Construction of the campus took just 22 months and cost $57 million.

In addition to the massive size and scope of the project, the majority of construction took place while the surrounding neighborhoods were underdeveloped and lacking all city utilities, necessitating the use of diesel generators and water trucks. Communication systems were challenged due to the lack of e-mail and traditional phone systems. Wireless satellite systems were set up to ensure communication flow. Utilities were not made available to the site until seven weeks before the school actually opened. Access roads into the site were few and far between; Barnhart had to build a small tributary to bring large equipment to the site.

In addition to the logistical challenges and large scope of the project, the innovative design by NTD Architects is a testament to the modern nature of the school. The 45 classrooms and 12 science labs are outfitted with the latest in DVD, cable and Internet cabling. Placement of the classrooms in each of the buildings, which is surrounded by a central core, allows for independent study time. Collapsible walls can be opened between classrooms, allowing teachers to combine classes as needed. Even the 10,000-sq.-ft. library features such conveniences as ATM machines and a proposed bank branch.

Quotable:

“Westview was in the middle of nowhere. It was amazing that Barnhart was able to do it.”

Don Phillips,
Poway Unified School District superintendent