VLK Architects joins Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD in the Topping Out of its Newest High School
(Fort Worth, Texas) – On Friday, May 5, VLK Architects joined Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD and Core Construction for the topping out ceremony of the new Eagle Mountain High School. Surrounded by district staff, students, and community members, the construction team raised the final structural steel beam on the district’s soon-to-be fourth high school.
The design embraces the surrounding landscape as the building accommodates the site’s challenging topography. The majority of spaces will feature natural light and panoramic views of the outdoors. The campus will include a sky bridge to provide easy access to the academic wing, outdoor dining area, fine arts spaces, and athletics. This bridge will also have views of the natural pond and a dry creek through the site. The design also features a double volume library with a variety of learning environments adjacent to the bistro for social gatherings. Art classrooms will feature a covered outdoor art patio that can be used year-round, and the pond will feature a dock to be used by the science program and for irrigation.
“Creating an environment in which young learners thrive in alignment with EMS ISD’s mission is one of the goals of Eagle Mountain High School’s design,” said Lauren Brown, VLK Principal. “The journey a student takes from a freshman to a graduating senior will help shape the future and define a path to success and achievement. The walls and halls are just a backdrop to the teaching and learning taking place; the design should not hinder but bolster the robust curriculum provided by EMS ISD. It is an honor to be a part of the team that transformed a site with over 630,000sf of building area into a new learning environment that will be here for decades.” EMS ISD Superintendent, Dr. Jim Chadwell added, “Eagle Mountain High School will be one that stands for generations."
The design process included collaboration with educators and staff members to create a vision of the new high school campus and associated facilities through VLK | CURATION®, to develop a deep understanding of the district’s educational goals, philosophy, pedagogical practices, and create a conceptual framework of next-generation learning environments in EMS ISD.
Eagle Mountain High School is expected to open its doors to students in the fall of 2024.