Building Music and Performance Friendly Facilities for Students: Part 2

Hempstead High School: Dubuque, IA

After completing a facility assessment, the Dubuque Community School District knew Hempstead High School was in need of some upgrades. The district hired FEH Design to work on additions to Hempstead High School, including both athletics and performance areas.

The $30 million renovation and addition included a new 700+ seat auditorium, gymnasium, locker and weight rooms, classrooms, art and music rooms, food prep/dining areas, and offices.

Structural insulated precast wall panels provided high R-values and the use of custom form liners, different reveal patterns, multiple colors and finishes provide a dramatic and unique design.

”Our auditorium is used for high school orchestra, band, and vocal music concerts,” said Brian Kuhle, Activities Director and Assistant Principal. “It is also used for theater productions, the school musical, our talent show, booster club dance contests, and awards ceremonies.”

The renovations and addition have allowed the school to put on state-of-the-art productions like Mary Poppins, for which the students were able to use rigging and have Mary actually fly away at the end. The booster club has also enjoyed hosting fundraising events, like the popular “Dancing with the Mustangs” event in the auditorium.

”The facility has been a huge asset to our school and our community,” Kuhle said. “It is used constantly. Our theater and music programs have grown for sure. Outside groups always want to use it. However, it is booked for district events year-round. Our students feel a great deal of pride in any event that takes place in the auditorium.”

Auditorium interior panels were produced with a stock form liner and stained to achieve the desired aesthetic. Exterior panels feature a green colored mix with reveals and light acid-etched finish. Panels on the educational wing use a buff colored mix with acid-etched finish. Panels measure 12’x20’x10”, 8’x53’x13”, and 8’x38’x12”.

Precast hollow core was used for a portion of the gymnasium floor over the locker rooms, ceilings over the tunnels for the auditorium, and a mezzanine in the education wing. The 8” plank allowed for spans of up to 18’. The 12” plank allowed for spans of us to 36’.

Precast:
13,200 square feet of Hollow Core
251 Wall Panels (59,600 square feet)
Multiple finishes and two custom form liners

Project Partners:
GC: Conlon Construction
Architect: FEH Design
EOR: FEH Design

With gratitude this Thanksgiving

“Each day I am thankful for nights that turned into mornings, friends that turned into family, dreams that turned into reality and likes that turned into love. Most importantly though, I am thankful for you today and everyday.”

— Anonymous

Thanksgiving is the perfect time of year to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.

And every Thanksgiving since 2018, I am, above all else, grateful for my sweet little boy. Just a few months shy of four-years-old, he is the heart that beats outside of my body. I am forever grateful to be his mommy and watch as he lives, learns, loves, and grows in this world. He is a constant reminder of all the good things in life.

I am grateful for the health and happiness of my family - my 91-year-old grandpa who still mows his own lawn; my mother and father, who are the best Boda and Papa a little boy could ask for; my three brothers, their better halves, and my three nephews and one niece; an aunt who is a second mother and friend to me. And although we lost my sweetest grandma earlier this year, I am grateful for all the years we had with her and all that we learned from her. She remains in my heart, guiding me through life.

I’m grateful for my SQUAD - the best girlfriends a girl could ask for, as well as their significant others and kiddos, that make my life richer. These are friends who have been around for 15, 20, even 25 years, and are truly like family. Although life keeps us busy, whenever we spend time together, it’s like no time has passed. Get yourself a group of friends like this.

With 5+ years at Mid-States Concrete under my belt, I’m also endlessly grateful to work for a company that encourages the development and success of its team members. And, I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my gratitude for the customers that trust Mid-States to serve as partners on their projects. Every day, we get to be part of amazing projects that make a difference in the communities where people live, work, learn, and play. It’s a blessing our team does not take lightly. So, a BIG THANK YOU to all of our customers - past, present, and future. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next!