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West Seattle High School opens to students September 4 after a
$54 million historic renovation and addition.
Originally designed in 1917, the school is a two-story building
in the neo-Romanesque style. It is constructed of beige brick, with
terra cotta trim and a gabled clay tile roof. As part of the
renovation, the original structure and 1924 addition were restored,
and 123,000 square feet of space was added. The school now has a
total of nearly 225,000 square feet, and will open to approximately
1,025 students.
The addition provides a major entry point to the school from
California Avenue. A new gymnasium, theater, and commons surround
the entry courtyard, which can accommodate large assemblies.
The new classrooms have been designed with flexible
configurations to meet both current and future needs. In addition
to classroom space and project labs, the school contains rooms and
labs dedicated to science, business, technical programs, art and
music.
Bassetti Architects, a Seattle-based firm that has completed
many historic preservation projects in the region, designed the new
West Seattle High School. The renovation was funded by the $330
million Building Excellence I levy, which was approved by Seattle
voters in February 1995 and funded the construction of 19 schools
throughout the city.
West Seattle High School, located at 3000 California Avenue S.W.,
will celebrate the opening of its newly renovated building with
three events this fall.
· A fundraiser for West Seattle High School will be
hosted by the West Seattle High School Foundation on August 29,
from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The event will feature a sneak preview
of the school and the dedication of "Landing," "Barter," and
"Logging," three murals by Jacob Elshin that were funded by the
Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Tickets are $25 in
advance at the school or at ArtsWest (206-938-0339), or $35 at the
door.
· A ribbon-cutting ceremony, featuring Governor Gary Locke,
will be held at 9:30 a.m. on September 3, the day before school
starts.
· A community celebration, with food, festivities,
performances and activities for children, is scheduled for October
12 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., before the school's homecoming
game that evening.
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