As part of a district-wide master plan, the City of Buffalo Public Schools completed a comprehensive multi-phased restoration and reconstruction. Scale, materiality, and urban context were key factors in the development of two needed additions to this top ten-ranked U.S. high school. The existing school building underwent complete MEP and fire protection updates, as well as the incorporation of “smart classrooms”, laboratory facility modernization, district-wide technology improvements, and interior renovations to classroom, administration and auxiliary support spaces.

City Honors High School was designed by architects Esenwein and Johnson. The new additions house a natatorium, a gymnasium, and science classrooms. In collaboration with technical consultant Cousilman-Hunsaker (aquatics specialist), HHL Architects designed a competition pool that will serve as the district-wide pool. The design solution focuses its attention on the future of the school’s science program. One of two district historic school buildings that is listed on the National Register, the building is receiving the largest addition and most extensive renovation in the district.