DALLAS, TX — Cadence McShane Construction (CMC) has completed the construction of Lake Highlands High School Addition/Renovation and MAC in Dallas, Texas, on behalf of repeat client, Richardson Independent School District (ISD). The project included the construction of a 76,000-square-foot Multi-Purpose Activity Center, a 144,000-square-foot addition to connect the ninth grade center to the rest of the high school, and a two-story storm shelter addition, as well as additional renovations and upgrades to the existing building.

Designed by long-time partner HKS, the project includes a multi-story renovation and addition to the existing high school. The project kicked off with the construction of the Multipurpose Activity Center (MAC), which included a 78,000-square-foot indoor practice facility — including an 80-yard practice field — and a 24,000-square-foot Class A structure including office suites, locker rooms, and sport support areas.

The project also included a 144,000-square-foot HUB addition that connects the ninth grade center with the existing high school facility, while also providing an expanded cafeteria and kitchen, commons spaces, a learning stair, and a new library.

Unique to this project, the HUB now also houses the new library, kitchen, and cafeteria for the entire school. The cafeteria and main corridor in the HUB have a clear span of over 25 feet from floor to ceiling. The ceilings were composed of wood and insulated metal slats, which contributed to the balanced acoustics of the space. The HUB also included an open wood collaboration/presentation stairs with A/V systems. The existing school library, kitchen, and cafeteria remained in operation during the addition and renovation work. Once the new center was finished, they took on a new life as new classrooms and labs.

The remaining project scope included a new, two-level ICF storm shelter addition serving as a new wrestling room, lockers, and a weight room. Repurposed cafeterias and library areas were remodeled into new general classrooms, science classrooms, ART Labs, and SPED classrooms, including restrooms and collaborative areas. Cadence McShane also renovated the CTE classrooms, CAD Lab, Materials Shop/Lab, and computer labs.

“Having the opportunity to renovate Lake Highlands High School and be able to give them the facilities that they need to grow was exciting,” said Will Hodges, President of Cadence McShane Construction. “We are proud to have had the opportunity to foster our relationship further with RISD and HKS on this project, after successful completions of the MAC at J.J. Pearce High School, the MAC at L.V. Berkner High School, and the MAC at Richardson High School together.”

Cadence McShane is a long-time partner with RISD, having consistently worked with the district for 20 years on 19 different projects. Lake Highlands High School received substantial completion and is currently supporting full services for students and staff.