Neenah High School is a stunning new 455,600-square-foot facility located on an expansive, 225-acre property that stands as a beacon of community educational growth, achievement, and opportunity.
In 2016 the Neenah Joint School District began assessing the condition of its facilities and their associated needs, recognizing that many of the district’s 13 school buildings were aging and in need of upgrades. After completion of a district-wide facilities study by Bray Architects, collecting important feedback from the community, and the passing of a substantial referendum in 2020, a groundbreaking for the new high school facility was held on June 10, 2021. The referendum supported the design and construction of a new high school on newly acquired land and the renovation of the existing high school into a middle school to accommodate the local 5-8-grade student population. Along with this plan was a determination to also address safety, security, and ADA shortcomings at all district facilities.
Bray Architects was chosen to lead architectural design for the new high school and asked MSA to provide all mechanical/HVAC, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) design for the project — with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, smart technology, and state-of-the-art performance.
A few highlights of MSA’s design include LED lighting throughout the school’s interior, which incorporates occupancy sensors for energy efficient use. The exterior also incorporates LED lighting that is controlled through the building’s automation system and an engaging color-changing lighting system to enhance a gathering space near the school auditorium. Integral to MSA’s design is a new geothermal heating and cooling system, comprised of a network of 374 wells dug 406 feet below the parking lot with a looping pipe system to deliver cool or warm air into the school as seasonally necessary.
MSA also contributed MEP design for accompanying school athletics areas including new football field and grandstands, four baseball fields, soccer field, tennis courts, and maintenance building.
After nearly seven years of planning, community input, and great anticipation, the school celebrated the grand opening of Neenah High School in August of 2023 in time to welcome students for the 2023-2024 school year.