PROJECT NARRARTIVE

Originally designed by a locally renowned architect Garland & Hiles in the late 1980’s, Montwood High School has been serving the Far East Side community of El Paso for over 30 years. With the passage of a district-wide bond in 2017, Socorro Independent School district selected MNK Architects to design the renovation of two existing buildings and develop two new building additions to accommodate the Fine Arts, and Career and Technology departments. Along with the new campus entry design, the scope of work also included conversion of existing labs into larger Science Labs and Classrooms, SPED Classrooms, a new Cafeteria and Kitchen, and upgrading the dining area into a 600 seat UIL Theater, and a Band Hall.

For Montwood High School, our team balanced the client’s vision with our design expertise by strategically maximizing their program needs while creating an overall design that is respectful of the original campus and that fits in context with the surrounding community. The implementation of 21st Century Learning principles included creating “Flex Learning Spaces” with movable furniture and walls that can be reconfigured depending on the type of activity or subject being taught and encouraging collaboration amongst students, especially in core learning spaces.