With an exterior reminiscent of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall, Grosse Pointe South High School, built in 1928, has long been a symbol and cultural anchor of this lakefront community. Constructing a large athletic building immediately adjacent to the stately neo-Georgian main building presented a daunting challenge.
The addition includes a 12-lane pool with diving well, a full-size gymnasium, a large multipurpose room and a spectator balcony with seating for 400 people. A 6,000-square-foot fitness center, an equipment storage room and athletic offices complete the program.
Extensive and sensitive use of matching brick and limestone panels and accents creates an architectural dialog across three generations of building design. Important design cues from the adjacent 1928 building were adapted to today’s technology and efficient construction techniques. Inside, a striking and attractive color palette — used in the ceramic-tiled pool tank, pool deck and locker room floors and walls — adds a warm, inviting ambiance to the high energy level of an active competition-pool environment.
The entire site was extremely constrained, but the resulting structure fits comfortably into the campus setting.
Cassie Campbell Community Centre
