Building Trust, Building Spaces: The Hunting Hills High School Modernization

Renovating an active high school is a formidable undertaking. At Hunting Hills High School, EllisDon not only delivered a complex modernization project, they became an integral part of the school community.

From the outset, EllisDon collaborated closely with school leadership to navigate a multifaceted transformation.

“The project demanded innovative design solutions, structural adaptability, and seamless execution within a live learning environment,” said Sean Kangas, Construction Manager, EllisDon. “The outcome is a revitalized space that reflects not just technical excellence, but the kind of connection that made wrapping up the project genuinely bittersweet—for both the school and the EllisDon team.”

A Community-Centered Approach

EllisDon’s presence at Hunting Hills extended beyond construction. The project team was welcomed into the school’s daily rhythm, engaging informally with staff and students and participating in school events. This consistent, respectful engagement fostered a sense of partnership and mutual trust.

The collaborative spirit proved invaluable. Challenges inherent to renovating an operational school were met with understanding and flexibility on both sides. When the project concluded, the departure of the EllisDon team was met with genuine appreciation and a sense of loss, underscoring the depth of the connection built over time.

This project exemplifies EllisDon’s commitment to community as a guiding principle in how we work. By treating the school as a true partner, the team helped create more than a modernized facility; they helped shape a shared experience that will be remembered long after the final walkthrough.

Construction in Motion

The modernization of Hunting Hills High School was executed while the school remained fully operational. EllisDon’s scope included a 10,710 sq. ft. addition comprising eight new classrooms, breakout rooms, and a gathering space, alongside extensive upgrades to the existing facility. Maintaining safety and continuity required meticulous coordination. Classrooms adjacent to active construction zones were temporarily relocated to the Learning Commons, ensuring uninterrupted learning and safety for students and staff.

One of the most technically demanding aspects was the roof replacement. The original design called for the removal of outdated, leaking skylights and the installation of clerestory windows. Early in the process, EllisDon identified that the proposed design posed significant feasibility and cost concerns. In response, the team engaged experts from EllisDon’s Building Material Sciences group and collaborated with the client and design team to develop a revised solution. The result was a buildable design that preserved the intent of bringing natural light into the space while remaining practical and cost-effective.

Shaping Spaces, Shaping Futures

The Hunting Hills High School Modernization Project demonstrates how EllisDon approaches construction in active environments—with precision, adaptability, and a deep respect for the communities we serve. By prioritizing collaboration and maintaining open lines of communication, the team delivered a technically complex project while fostering a sense of partnership that extended beyond the build. It reflects EllisDon’s ability to deliver not just modernized infrastructure, but meaningful experiences for the people who rely on it every day.