Dunbar Senior High School

Replacing an outdated 1970’s facility, the new Dunbar High School is designed to provide a sense of clarity and purpose that honors the school’s original traditions. The two-story open hall, known as the “Armory,” is located in the heart of the school, as was included in the original 1917 structure.

Accommodating 1,100 students, the new facility includes a four-story academic wing with flexible learning spaces for four different “academies,” a two-story library and administrative area, and a two-story multi-purpose athletic wing housing the gymnasium above the natatorium and an auditorium. The eight-lane natatorium is integrated in the athletic and multi-purpose wing of the project and incorporates tiered spectator seating, team rooms, and support spaces.

This LEED for Schools Platinum certified project includes over 300 geothermal wells, a 500,000 kW solar panel array, two 20,000 gallon cisterns for reusing rainwater, enhanced acoustics, and low VOC materials. The project was developed under the DC Department of General Services’ (DC DGS) modified design-build program on a fast-track schedule.