"Throughout the design process, the stories we heard from alumni and lifelong residents were powerful," recalls Ryan Bertucci, Manning’s project architect. "There's a huge sense of pride in this school." That pride is shared by Bertucci, who feels honored to have helped return this beloved institution to the community.

Baker High School (BHS), a cornerstone of its community since the 1950s at the current location, faced devastation in 2016 when floodwaters swept across its 27-acre campus. Aging infrastructure and years of deferred maintenance only worsened the damage. Manning was called in to assess the situation and, after careful evaluation, recommended the demolition of nine structures that had been added over the years without a cohesive site plan. Clearing areas on the site allowed the new campus space to "breathe," with clear sightlines for wayfinding and usable exterior space for gatherings, including a new multi-functional courtyard.

60,000 square feet were ultimately demolished and replaced with 30,000 square feet of modern new construction. Combined with 50,000 square feet of renovated existing buildings, this created an efficient and functional facility equipped to serve the needs of today's students.

One iconic structure remained intact – the fan-shaped Performing Arts Theater, built in 1949 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its architectural significance. It is thought to have been designed by notable architect A. Hays Town. Its raised elevation shielded it from the flood's worst effects. Town also designed the other primary buildings on campus in the 1950s; however, a 1972 addition obscured the Town design. Manning's design approach respected the historical essence of the school, restoring the clean, geometric lines of the original Hays Town buildings and using similar materials like brick and cast concrete to blend the old with the new seamlessly.

The road to reopening, however, was neither straight nor easy. While FEMA disaster funding covered flood repairs, it didn't extend to replacing aging, obsolete structures. The school district experienced multiple setbacks in securing adequate funding for the project. Manning had the project design and bidding documents ready on a fast-track schedule but pivoted to a support role as the School Board navigated complex funding challenges. The design team adapted its documents to accommodate multiple budget requests before construction could finally proceed.

The Manning team brought the School Board's vision of a cohesive, connected campus to life. A central focus of the new design is a spacious courtyard that interacts with indoor spaces like the cafeteria, which features high ceilings and expansive windows overlooking the courtyard and practice field. Classrooms, too, benefit from tall ceilings and large windows that flood the space with natural light, creating an open and airy environment for learning.

Manning developed a sustainable site, ensuring the campus is now better prepared for future flooding. Additionally, the project exceeds accessibility requirements, making the entire site and its buildings more inclusive and welcoming to all students.

After eight long years of waiting, there's plenty to be proud of at BHS, including the resiliency of the Baker community – from the tireless efforts of the School Board in securing funds to the patience of students and families, and the deep-rooted history of the school and its enduring mark in the community.

"We hope this new chapter brings students the same pride their parents and grandparents felt at Baker High School," says Bertucci. "The journey to reopening was long, but the result is something special."

Candance A. Russell, Ph.D., principal of BHS, echoes that sentiment: "Our new and improved facilities offer an array of advantages for our students. Our buildings are state-of-the-art and classrooms and other learning spaces have been enhanced to support the continued growth and success of our students."

For Manning, this project was more than just a rebuild. It was a testament to standing by a community through uncertainty, changes in administration, and a challenging timeline. Today, as students walk through the halls of their revitalized school, Manning shares in their pride.

Go Buffs.