San Diego High School Completes Revamps

By Eric Althoff

LAKESIDE, Calif.—Several buildings on El Capitan High School’s campus in San Diego County were recently renovated to accommodate the school’s continually growing needs. The $7.2 million project took part within the Grossmont Union High School District.

Architect HED worked in concert with general contractor CW Driver on updating the 11,579-square-foot Student Services Building and the 6,000-square-foot Classroom Building at El Capitan High School. Renovations and upgrades at those buildings entailed a new and more efficient MEP system, new windows that feature more efficient glass, adding in LED light fixtures and insulating the “envelope” of the structures.

The classroom building also saw extra work that included upgraded carpets and paint as well as new tiling in some of the restrooms.

Additional work also entailed fashioning a new entrance to the administration building such that its design more seamlessly blends with the rest of the buildings on the campus. The new entry portal is meant to assist with wayfinding and also to give the community a greater sense that the school is part of the neighborhood.

The administration building also saw upgrades to its structure to make it Title 24-compliant and ready it for PV installation, which will make better use of the ample natural sunlight of its Southern California setting.

According to El Capitan’s website, other modernizations at the campus have included modernizing other classroom buildings as well as upgrading the gymnasium and air conditioning facilities. Newer buildings that will be added as part of the school’s overall upgrade plan include a PE complex, science building, event center and band instruction classrooms. Other upgrades are also in the works for the outdoor athletic facilities and updating campus security features.