Hempstead High School: Dubuque, IA

After completing a facility assessment, the Dubuque Community School District knew Hempstead High School was in need of some upgrades. The district hired FEH Design to work on additions to Hempstead High School, including both athletics and performance areas.

The $30 million renovation and addition included a new 700+ seat auditorium, gymnasium, locker and weight rooms, classrooms, art and music rooms, food prep/dining areas, and offices.

Structural insulated precast wall panels provided high R-values and the use of custom form liners, different reveal patterns, multiple colors and finishes provide a dramatic and unique design.

”Our auditorium is used for high school orchestra, band, and vocal music concerts,” said Brian Kuhle, Activities Director and Assistant Principal. “It is also used for theater productions, the school musical, our talent show, booster club dance contests, and awards ceremonies.”

The renovations and addition have allowed the school to put on state-of-the-art productions like Mary Poppins, for which the students were able to use rigging and have Mary actually fly away at the end. The booster club has also enjoyed hosting fundraising events, like the popular “Dancing with the Mustangs” event in the auditorium.

”The facility has been a huge asset to our school and our community,” Kuhle said. “It is used constantly. Our theater and music programs have grown for sure. Outside groups always want to use it. However, it is booked for district events year-round. Our students feel a great deal of pride in any event that takes place in the auditorium.”

Auditorium interior panels were produced with a stock form liner and stained to achieve the desired aesthetic. Exterior panels feature a green colored mix with reveals and light acid-etched finish. Panels on the educational wing use a buff colored mix with acid-etched finish. Panels measure 12x20x10”, 8’x53’x13”, and 8’x38’x12”.

Precast hollow core was used for a portion of the gymnasium floor over the locker rooms, ceilings over the tunnels for the auditorium, and a mezzanine in the education wing. The 8” plank allowed for spans of up to 18’. The 12” plank allowed for spans of us to 36’.

Precast:
13,221 square feet of Hollow Core
251 Wall Panels (59,617 square feet)
Multiple finishes and two custom form liners

Project Partners:
GC: Conlon Construction
Architect: FEH Design
EOR: FEH Design