BBT recently completed renovations to the Bend La Pine School District’s Education Center, once known as Bend High School. The building, constructed in 1924, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and houses the Bend La Pine School District’s administration staff, as well as the Technology Support Center and more. In 2006, a $119 million construction bond was passed by voters to improve the school district, and in an effort that had been delayed for almost 10 years by BLPSD administration so as to maximize funds for the schools, the district offices finally got a little makeover.
Most of the $119 million went to more than 170 school expansions, renovations and maintenance projects, including adding space to the most overcrowded facilities – Pine Ridge and Westside Village Magnet at Kingston Elementary Schools. Sunriver’s Three Rivers Elementary was also renovated into both an elementary and middle school, with the capacity to hold 600 students each. The funds that were left were allocated to the Education Center, which was long overdue for a remodel.
The old Bend High School is three stories and 63,500 square feet, with numerous offices and meeting spaces. The building has been remodeled many times over the years, but the three most visible rooms – the board room, conference room and staff work room/lounge – had exposed electrical fixtures, well-worn flooring and cabinetry, and original radiators that needed a facelift . Using photos from a 1939 Bend High yearbook, BBT was able to retain a similar look with the trim, cabinetry and lighting fixtures.
Prior to the remodel of the rooms, BBT replaced all the original, single-pane windows in the building with energy efficient models. The look is the same, but they’ve eliminated the once notorious draft and dust issues, as well as saved on heating and cooling costs. With construction finally complete, administrators and teachers are now able to hold meetings comfortably in an upgraded board room and conference room using new AV equipment, as well as utilize a more efficient workspace in the work room/lounge, where the district also conducts job interviews.
Board Room - BEFORE
Board Room - AFTER
Staff Room - BEFORE
Staff Room - AFTER
