A Historic School Reborn Through Adaptive Reuse

Restoration, energy upgrades and smart systems bring new life to a 1906 landmark.

The Old Dallas High School, known historically as Crozier Tech, has been restored and transformed into a modern Class A office building while preserving its early 1900s character. Originally built in 1906 with an 18-inch brick envelope that provided natural mass insulation, the project team at Merriman Anderson Architects enhanced the building’s performance by adding R35 roof insulation and upgrading single-pane windows to insulated glass. These improvements boosted energy efficiency by about 18 percent and helped the project achieve LEED Gold certification.

Inside, much of the historic fabric was carefully renewed. Plaster was redone, decorative ornaments were recreated and original flooring was restored and reused. To protect the building’s historic walls, electrical systems were routed underfloor, maintaining the visual integrity of interior spaces.

New mechanical systems were placed in an adjacent yard and routed underground through existing chases to minimize interior disruption. Systems were compartmentalized and side-walled to remain accessible yet unobtrusive, supporting flexible tenant layouts and streamlined future maintenance. A thoughtful “kit of parts” approach ensures the building can adapt to future needs while preserving its unique character.

By Jeff Wardon, Jr., Assistant Editor

Jeff Wardon, Jr., is the assistant editor of the facilities market.

 

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