The Arlington School Board has voted to move forward with construction of the Wakefield High School replacement project, designed by Bowie Gridley Architects. The construction contract was awarded to Forrester Construction Company with a base budget bid of approximately $88.3 million — just below the architect’s estimate of $90 million.

Wakefield High School, located at 4901 South Chesterfield Road in Arlington, Virginia is one of three public comprehensive high schools in Arlington County. The design reflects current standards for a school population of 1,600 students and features a large student commons — a symbolic “heart” of the new school.  When completed in 2013, the school will provide over 400,000 square feet of new space, including a variety of spaces for student-faculty interaction and collaborative learning.

Paul R. Lund, AIA, Principal, noted — “The Arlington Wakefield High School project is a great example of many groups working together with the architecture team to create a new facility for the Arlington community.”

The design incorporates many sustainable design features intended to meet the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) guidelines for LEED Silver certification, including: minimizing the impact of the building on its site with an eye to land use compatibility, reducing the need for potable and waste water infrastructure, design for optimum building energy efficiency, use of recyclable materials and building materials that demonstrate responsible forest management, promoting indoor air quality, and through the introduction of natural light and views into occupied areas of the building.

Groundbreaking celebration for the Wakefield project were held Thursday, June 9th.
Founded in 1981, Bowie Gridley Architects specializes in work for institutions of community significance – schools, performing arts centers, libraries, athletic and recreational facilities, and museums.  The architecture, planning and interior design firm is based in historic Georgetown and works with clients nationally.