William J. Brennan High School - Northside ISD

San Antonio, Texas
467,000SF

Marmon Mok designed this comprehensive high school to serve northwest San Antonio’s growing student population. The new school has more than 70 classrooms, 16 science labs, 15 computer labs, auto and building trade shops, cafeteria with outdoor dining, library, two gymnasiums and locker rooms, band, choral and orchestra rehearsal spaces, and a state-of-the-art theater and black box theater.

The primary organizing element of the building’s plan is the two-level east/west circulation corridor that links all of the major program areas: administration, fine arts, theater, gyms, locker rooms, cafeteria, and classroom wings. “Public” areas including the theatre, gyms, and administration are concentrated at the front of the school.

With 1,200 seats, the Brennan HS Theatre is a flagship feature of the school campus and the community. It is the first in the area to have a fly loft, which will allow NISD students to do massive scene changes. The theater has 30-40 rigging line sets, a 1,300 SF orchestra pit, a separate black box theater, a costume shop and incorporates many state-of-the-art theater technology elements. The orchestra pit underneath the stage is an electronically powered lift floor which can be raised and lowered during the performance.

“Our staff enjoyed the process during planning to discuss our dreams, validate the program and determine what we needed both now and as the district grows. You listened to our concerns and ideas and demonstrated tactful ways to propose more efficient construction components where applicable. Your team was easy to work with, forthright and honest in all respects during the project. You were there to ultimately please us, the client, and organized the resources to make that happen.”

JAMES MICULKA
NISD Director of Fine Arts, Northside ISD