Johnston High School

Johnston High School is the second largest high school in the State of Iowa and serves up to 1,800 students. The Future Ready school is sustainable, flexible, technologically advanced, light-filled and has well-appointed collaborative spaces. The facility is organized around a central circulation spine that connects three general education communities to the athletic, arts, and administration wings. Included in this connecting circulation path is an advanced-design media center, the cafeteria, and three student-centered courtyards. The competition gym holds 2,500 spectators and a fully equipped auditorium has 1,200 seats and an auxiliary black box theater.

Turning Setbacks into Success

Unexpected weather conditions deferred their initial route for delivery trucks due to the frost appearing in January that year. After thoughtful discussion and weighing the options, it was decided to invest in creating a temporary road that ensured access to a large portion of the site. This decision prevented project delays and long-term costs associated with dealing with dewatering and mud management. It also provided the city with a base for a future permanent road. This approach ensured timely completion and long-term cost savings, aligning with project goals for efficiency and sustainability.