San Mateo High School, San Mateo

The 17-month reconstruction of historic San Mateo High School included the demolition of the existing high school campus and reconstruction of new buildings designed to meet current seismic and ADA standards. Project components include science and computer labs, home economics, art studio, kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining, administration and an amphitheater.

Built in 1927, the original Tudor-style school was determined in May 2001 to have serious structural deficiencies rendering it seismically unsafe for students and staff. The school was closed that month with staff and students moving into modular facilities on site.

After considering several design options, the school district's governing board, supported by the school community, approved the design by Bunton Clifford Associates Architects, that demolished the existing structure in its entirety and replaced it with a new 140,000-sq.-ft., state-of-the-art, steel frame structure with the exact replication of the Delaware Avenue façade incorporated into the new school. The new school structure replaces approximately 94,000 sq. ft. of space with three interconnected buildings totaling 140,000 sq. ft.

The community and school district's high expectation of preserving the architectural character of the existing building elevations was extremely challenging. To meet that challenge, focus was given to the design and fabrication of pre-cast building panels.

As the general contractor, Thompson Pacific Construction coordinated the activities of taking molds of the existing building façade, developing mock-up panels for match selection and working closely with the local state agency to design and fabricate panels needed to fit the pre-determined structural building frame.

Implementation of the innovative design and fabrication methods contributed towards preserving the historical memory of the original campus and created an efficient interior building space.

Equally as challenging was execution of the work during some of the rainiest months recorded in some time. Many resources were utilized to protect exposed portions of construction so that interior improvements could continue progressing.

Judges' Comments

"The builders and architect did a yeoman's job in preserving the architectural style with modern elements."

Project Team:

Owner: San Mateo Union High School District
Architect: Bunton Clifford Associates
Construction manager: Kitchell CEM
Program manager: Steinberg Architects
General contractor: Thompson Pacific Construction
Engineering team:
Dasse Design Inc. (structural)
MCT Engineers (mechanical)
Driggs & Wood Inc. (fire protection consultant)
Key subcontractors:
A & B Painting Inc. Bacon Plumbing
Braun Construction Services (science casework and equipment subcontractor),
Control Air North Inc. (HVAC)
Dreier Fire Protection Inc. (fire sprinklers)
Dura Art Stone (precast concrete)
Fremont Millwork Co. (custom cabinets)
Landavazo Brothers Inc. (site concrete)
North State Specialty Contracting Inc. (window and storefront)
Olson & Co. Steel
Roberts Tile Inc.
Smith & Sons Electrical Contractors Inc.
Stockham Construction (metal studs, drywall, acoustical ceilings)
Westech Roofing Inc.

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