DISD Woodrow Wilson High School
Woodrow Wilson High School opened its doors in September of 1928 and stands today as a proud example of the era’s architectural style. Substantial additions made in 1953 and 1979 paid little regard to the architectural character of the Dallas Landmark. In 2010, BRW’s long history of designing award-winning schools for Dallas ISD led to a significant, multi-phased renovation and addition project.
Phase I called for a 40,000 square foot addition with the goal to remain sensitive to the original historical structure, blending seamlessly to the new modern counterpart. The addition includes fine arts elements such as a Black Box Theater with a scene shop, costume shop, and dressing rooms. A new dance studio and choral hall with individual practice rooms were included in the scope as well. BRW’s efforts further supported Dallas ISD’s robust STEAM curriculum by adding multiple science labs and eight-core classrooms.
Phase II began in 2016. BRW eliminated portions of the two stylistically incompatible one-story additions, optimizing useable space on the limited site for DISD to achieve their desired program. Our solution consists of a three-story addition that saves campus area and solves egress issues associated with the original building. BRW’s addition remains sensitive to the school’s historic architectural significance, taking cues from the original structure and blending them with the 2012 wing to create a sympathetic counterpoint. Added classroom space includes engineering and science labs, ceramics and art studios, new band and orchestra suites as well as space to support the school’s growing robotics program. The 80,000 SF addition also includes a new competition gymnasium with a seating capacity of 1,500 and supporting amenities. The new gym allows Woodrow Wilson teams to finally host home basketball games, as the existing facilities did not meet size requirements for varsity games. The new gym also serves as a storm shelter. The first of its kind for Dallas ISD, the gym provides shelter for the entire population of both the high school and adjacent middle school.
Preservation Texas, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the historic resources of Texas, presented Woodrow Wilson High School with a Preservation Achievement Award in 2013 and a Historic Restoration Award in 2015.
*2020 TASA/TASB STARS OF DISTINCTION PLANNING AWARD
*2020 TASA/TASB STARS OF DISTINCTION COMMUNITY AWARD
*2020 TASA/TASB STARS OF DISTINCTION SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION AWARD
*2014 PRESERVATION TEXAS HONOR AWARD, HISTORIC RESTORATION AWARD
*2013 PRESERVATION DALLAS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
