Modernization for Continued Use of McKinley High School
"A project which maintains a time where the importance of public buildings was reflected through their architecture." The Jury, AIA Honolulu, 1998 | February 1, 2002THE MAKING OF PATRIOTS
In the midst of metropolitan Honolulu, McKinley High School stands a pillar in the community. The colors floating high on the front campus remind all that education is a foundation of the American way of life.
Building A is a two-story T-shaped wood and steel-framed structure with concrete exterior walls designed in 1922. It housed the school administration servicing 2,000 students, classrooms, and a 1,114 seat auditorium.
McKinley High School`s declaration of patriotism began with World War I. McKinleyites marched in the "Aloha" parade to honor the boys going to war, girls did Red Cross work, Victory Boys and Victory Girls joined the national movement and "Black and Gold" dedicated a page in the annual to the boys who had left school to fight. Then, the war ended, spurring enthusiasm and dedication to make McKinley High School a leader in Hawaii public education.
On December 7, 1941, planes dove over Pearl Harbor and McKinley High School responded once again. School was suspended until spring. Young men went to war, faculty and students started a savings bond drive, air raid drills replaced fire drills, students carried gas masks, the school raised funds to purchase a liberator bomber, students volunteered for first-aid courses, they presented leis and hosted service men, and the able-bodied worked in the pineapple fields to keep up the production level. The patriotic spirit thrived.
In 1945, the war was won. The rebuilding began. One hundred and flue McKinley boys returned to finish their education.
Building A continued to be the nucleus of a proud tradition. The auditorium was the largest and best in Hawaii, serving both the school and the community for lectures and performing arts.
In 1993, the auditorium and the upper floors were shored and barricaded. The building was declared unsafe.
THE STRENGTH OF A COMMUNITY
The Renovation of Building A was initiated in 1989. The final change order was completed in 1999. Over the ten-year period, hundreds of people contributed to overcoming the special challenges presented by the restoration of this National Historic Landmark.
The project called for rebuilding and restoring Building A, including demolition of the existing 1,114-seat Auditorium and 68,450 square feet Administration and Educational Facilities. Specifically, the project:
- Demolished existing structure except concrete exterior/shear walls and steel trusses, while preserving the character and details of original historic exterior.
- Removed all non-compatible additions, including back stage structure and steel exterior exit stairways. Rebuilt enlarged upgraded back stage facility to match original exterior design.
- Redesigned structure to meet current Building, Life Safety and Fire Codes, Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards and State Registered Historic Building Requirements.
- Redesigned Auditorium to provide state-of-the-art sound reinforcing, performance lighting, stage rigging and non-asbestos fire curtain systems.
- Designed interior spaces with high ceiling, oak railings, mouldings, cabinets, panelized doors and counter fronts, details, finishes and color appropriate to the historic architectural style.
- Salvaged and documented all historic architectural components for reinstallation.
- Replaced all exterior wood mouldings, exposed rafter and soffit panels with glass fiber-reinforced plastic duplicates to reduce cost and eliminate future termite damage.
- Met the Educational Needs of the school by -
- rebuilding the basement to house the ROTC, Custodial Services, Student Activities and needed storage;
- rebuilding the entire ground floor to house Administration Services, Adult School and Community Services;
- rebuilding the Auditorium to provide multiple use by the School and Community;
- rebuilding the second floor to house the Math Department and a Faculty Lounge;
- rebuilding to provide accessibility to the disabled.
A SCHOOL THRIVES
McKinley High School students gave their lives, their time, their hearts and commitment in service to their country and community.
In 1986, the school`s Hall of Honor was dedicated. Thirty-eight distinguished alumni were recognized for their contributions to the community. Their photographs and those of future inductees hang prominently on the walls of Building A.
McKinleyites continue their tradition of service. They teach at feeder elementary schools, collect money for the Aloha United Way and the March of Dimes, help promote Meals on Wheels for the homebound elderly, contribute to Food Drives, participate in the Great Aloha Run and Make A Difference Day.
