Something New

KMA Architects, Westland Construction Deliver Engaging New Rebuild at Duchesne High School.
By Doug Fox

The recently completed Duchesne High School (DHS) renovation is a textbook case of the old wedding adage: “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” Fittingly, the project resulted in an elegant marriage of design, construction, and community spirit.

The old and new are carefully blended, with brand-new buildings and modernized spaces standing alongside preserved sections of renovations past. And to tie it all together? The commons area, a brand-new roof, and other key highlights are bathed in Duchesne’s signature blue color.

Naturally, like any good marriage, this $62.9 million rebuild required commitment, collaboration, and a little bit of patience. Architects, builders, and school district officials worked hand in hand to ensure that the old and new came together in harmony—honoring the school’s legacy while preparing it for the future.

“We strived to make a space that brings pride to the students, staff, and the community,” said Wes Christensen, Principal Architect at KMA Architects, the Spanish Fork firm that designed the rebuild. “Our approach and design philosophy were heavily influenced by the desire to create a cohesive and efficient addition that would seamlessly blend with the existing portions to remain. We feel that we were able to accomplish this successfully, working together as a design team, including our consulting engineers, the school district, school administration, and Westland Construction.”

Save the Date

The Duchesne High School rebuild has been on the drawing board for nearly seven years and in the construction phase for 33 months. KMA started the design process in 2018, but the project was put on hold by the Duchesne County School District due to COVID and faced additional delays because of supply chain issues and long lead times for equipment.

Westland Construction of Orem eventually earned the CM/GC bid and broke ground in June 2022. The high school remained open during the course of construction, creating the need for innovative and meticulous planning to ensure safety while working around normal school activity.

“The new addition at the school was built where there was a field, parking lot, old basketball gym, and shop classrooms,” said Aaron Kirkham, Project Manager at Westland Construction. “The remodel and construction in the existing school areas were done during the school summer breaks.”

When school was in session, temporary construction fencing and gates around active working areas served to keep students safe, Kirkham said. Construction delineation kept workers and equipment separated from students and staff.

According to Michael Weldon, Building and Grounds Supervisor with the Duchesne County School District (DCSD), the detached gym and locker rooms were built in 1965, the auditorium and shops built in 1974, and a newer building added to campus in 2005.

“The parts of the school that were demolished did not meet current building codes,” Weldon said. “The original auditorium was extremely small and the shops were also small. You had to go outside and through a parking lot to get to the second gym. The new build project incorporated the shops, an auditorium, and gym attached to the 2005 building so that they feel and look like they were built at the same time.”

Bridging the old and new construction is always a unique factor that is different for any remodel and addition project, Christensen said. “These previous additions were designed by another architect, so that also creates a challenge to overcome in blending styles and design choices.”

One of the most significant hurdles revolved around the central placement of the auditorium within the new school structure. While beneficial in creating a focal point for the building, the new auditorium posed myriad logistical challenges during construction.

According to Kirkham, a 28,000-pound steel beam needed to be placed to support the structure’s masonry walls, which were 35 feet tall. The beam placement required a 550-ton crane, which had to be strategically positioned where the future gym would be constructed.

“As a result, we had to delay the construction of the masonry walls in the new gymnasium until the beam was in place,” Kirkham said. “This sequencing created a very compressed and demanding schedule to ensure the new basketball gym was completed in time for the start of the school year in August 2024.”

Despite those constraints, Kirkham said, construction on the gym’s masonry walls and concrete slab began in January of 2024 and was completed within seven months.

Head of the Class

At the heart of the school stands the striking two-story, 1,200-seat auditorium, a true showpiece designed for both performance and community engagement. Featuring a balcony, this space is built to impress, whether hosting theatrical productions, assemblies, or special community events.

When it comes to features in the auditorium that will enhance visitors’ experience, Kirkham pointed to several specific details.

“It is equipped with advanced lighting, a high-quality sound system, and professional grade curtains, rigging, and seating. The space also features custom blue and gray sound-absorbing panels, which not only enhance acoustics but also add a visually cohesive aesthetic to the room,” he said. “The wood trim around the stage brings a polished look that ties the space together. These details reflect the quality and care put into the entire project.”

Just beyond the auditorium, the expansive commons area serves as a dynamic social and learning hub. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows flood the space with natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Designed for versatility, the commons area transitions seamlessly between a bustling lunchroom, an event space for dances and gatherings, and an informal area for collaboration and study. Its open layout encourages connection and interaction, reinforcing the sense of community that defines the school.

As a high-traffic area, durable luxury vinyl tile was used in the commons for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Functionality and durability are huge factors driving K-12 school design, Christensen said, noting that school districts need a cost-effective, highly efficient solution that will stand the test of time and limit the need for further upgrades down the line.

“The commons area and auditorium of this project are a highlight of how this works,” he said. “We created large spaces that would serve the students of the school as well as community members that gather for events. We strived to make a space that brings pride to the students, staff, and the community.”

Enhanced Trade and Athletic Experiences

Duchesne High School’s renovation isn’t just about updating classrooms and common spaces — it’s also about investing in the future of its students and the local economy.

A standout feature of the rebuild is its strong emphasis on career and technical education, ensuring students have access to hands-on training in high-demand trades. While many new schools along the Wasatch Front have moved away from traditional shop facilities, Duchesne High School has taken a different approach, prioritizing the inclusion of dedicated wood and metal shops.

These state-of-the-art spaces are designed to equip students with real-world skills in construction and related trades, directly addressing the growing demand for a skilled workforce. By offering a hands-on learning environment, the school is not only enhancing the student experience but also fostering a new generation of professionals ready to step into careers that require technical expertise.

“The local workforce relies on these students who come out of high school ready to work in the trades, and these classes are always full,” said Christensen. “The design allows for the space and equipment needed to prepare these students and give them a fully hands-on experience while in high school.”

Ensuring that students graduate with practical skills helps sustain the local economy and provides valuable career pathways, Kirkham said.

“The inclusion of dedicated trade spaces like metal and wood shops is becoming increasingly rare in high schools today, as many districts have moved away from traditional trades programs,” Kirkham said. “Unfortunately, this shift has contributed to a shortage of skilled labor across Utah. In Duchesne County, a significant portion of the workforce is employed in the oil and industrial sectors, so maintaining access to trade education is especially important.”

By preserving and enhancing its technical education programs, Duchesne High School is reinforcing its community role—one that not only educates but also directly supports the industries that keep the region thriving.

Athletic facilities also benefited from major upgrades. These included a new turf football field with large stadium bleachers, upgraded baseball and softball fields—including a concessions building and parking lot—and a new basketball court and wrestling room.

“In our small town, the school events are often seen as an opportunity to unify all,” said Weldon, of DCSD. “We hope these extracurricular activities will be able to enrich the lives of students and their families. From drama to baseball to softball to football, the students of DHS will have great spaces to perform for decades to come.”

A Warm Reception

Weldon said the rebuild is already positively impacting the student experience and exceeding expectations from the school district.

“The peacefulness that exists in the hallways and throughout the school has been a great benefit so far,” he said. “The previous school was cramped and filled with so much foot traffic that peace and quiet were harder to come by. Now, there is a calm that has added to the studious place a school should feel like.”

“We love our students and want to do everything in our power to help them lead fulfilling lives,” he said. “This project provides a top-quality facility in which students can learn and prepare for an amazing future.”

With more space, modern amenities, and a sense of calm replacing the previous congestion, the new Duchesne High School is designed to support both academic success and personal growth.

“We are proud of the finished product we have provided for the students, staff, school district, and community members,” Christensen said. “The school’s location on Main Street at the gateway to the Uintah Basin allows the building to stand prominently as a focal point of the community.”

With a seamless blend of old and new, Duchesne High School’s transformation is more than just a marriage of convenience—it’s a lasting partnership between past and future. Built on a solid foundation, strengthened by teamwork, and designed to stand the test of time, the school is enjoying a warm reception from staff, students, and the community.

Duchesne High School

Address: 155 West Main Street, Duchesne, UT

Owner: Duchesne School District

Design Team

Architect: KMA Architects

Civil Engineer: Great Basin Engineering

Electrical Engineer: Royal Engineering

Mechanical Engineer: Olsen & Peterson Engineering

Structural Engineer: Dynamic Structures

Construction Team

General Contractor: Westland Construction

Plumbing: Western States Mechanical

HVAC: Central Utah Sheet Metal

Electrical: Taylor Electric

Concrete: Armour Construction

Steel Fabrication: W.O.I. Steel

Steel Erection: Iverson Welding

Masonry: Dartco. Masonry

Tile/Stone: Millcreek Tile & Stone

Glass/Curtain Wall: Jones Paint & Glass

Other Specialty Contractors: Brinkerhoff Drywall, Pulham Painting, Johnson Brothers, CP Build, Rodac, Guaranteed Waterproofing, Excavation Services, Brailsford Cast Stone, Great Western Landscape

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