Lee’s Summit High School Renovation – Lee’s Summit R-7 SD
Modernizing an aging school requires more than updated finishes. It demands thoughtful engineering that improves performance, supports evolving educational models, and preserves the identity of a long-standing campus. At Lee’s Summit High School, Henderson Engineers partnered with the design team to help transform the district’s oldest high school into a modern learning environment while respecting the character of the original 1953 building.
The project included a 65,000 SF addition and 295,000 SF of renovations to address aging classrooms, undersized spaces, and building systems that had served the campus for more than 70 years. The renovation introduced an innovation corridor to improve circulation and support collaborative learning while creating clearer pathways, increasing access to daylight, and enhancing safety and security throughout the campus.
Henderson provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety, telecommunications, and energy modeling services to support the school’s comprehensive transformation. A major focus centered on modernizing critical infrastructure to improve indoor environmental quality, operational efficiency, and long-term performance for an occupied K-12 campus.
Mechanical system upgrades included a new chilled water system and modular indoor air handling units to improve air conditioning and ventilation performance while aligning with contemporary educational standards. We also designed upgrades to fire systems, lighting, performing arts spaces, and maker environments to support flexible instruction and evolving student needs.
Careful phasing allowed the school to remain operational across seven construction phases over three years. Energy modeling played a key role throughout design. Engineers applied an integrated modeling process from early planning through final documentation to help inform system decisions, evaluate performance, and support long-term energy goals. Beginning the modeling process early allowed the project team to better understand heating and cooling demands, reduce loads, and identify strategies that balanced performance, cost, and occupant comfort. Improvements included clearer circulation paths, increased access to daylight, dedicated spaces for small group collaboration, and upgraded safety and security features. Behind the scenes, building system upgrades implemented to reduce energy costs. When existing as-built documents proved unreliable, Henderson mobilized field teams to verify conditions ahead of construction. This proactive approach helped reduce delays and manage potential cost impacts.
The completed renovation reflects a thoughtful approach to modernizing a beloved community school while preparing it for future generations of students and educators. The project earned the AIA Kansas City 2025 Architecture Extra Large Honor Award in recognition of its transformative design and preservation of the school’s legacy.
The project included a 65,000 SF addition and 295,000 SF of renovations to address aging classrooms, undersized spaces, and building systems that had served the campus for more than 70 years. The renovation introduced an innovation corridor to improve circulation and support collaborative learning while creating clearer pathways, increasing access to daylight, and enhancing safety and security throughout the campus.
Henderson provided mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire and life safety, telecommunications, and energy modeling services to support the school’s comprehensive transformation. A major focus centered on modernizing critical infrastructure to improve indoor environmental quality, operational efficiency, and long-term performance for an occupied K-12 campus.
Mechanical system upgrades included a new chilled water system and modular indoor air handling units to improve air conditioning and ventilation performance while aligning with contemporary educational standards. We also designed upgrades to fire systems, lighting, performing arts spaces, and maker environments to support flexible instruction and evolving student needs.
Careful phasing allowed the school to remain operational across seven construction phases over three years. Energy modeling played a key role throughout design. Engineers applied an integrated modeling process from early planning through final documentation to help inform system decisions, evaluate performance, and support long-term energy goals. Beginning the modeling process early allowed the project team to better understand heating and cooling demands, reduce loads, and identify strategies that balanced performance, cost, and occupant comfort. Improvements included clearer circulation paths, increased access to daylight, dedicated spaces for small group collaboration, and upgraded safety and security features. Behind the scenes, building system upgrades implemented to reduce energy costs. When existing as-built documents proved unreliable, Henderson mobilized field teams to verify conditions ahead of construction. This proactive approach helped reduce delays and manage potential cost impacts.
The completed renovation reflects a thoughtful approach to modernizing a beloved community school while preparing it for future generations of students and educators. The project earned the AIA Kansas City 2025 Architecture Extra Large Honor Award in recognition of its transformative design and preservation of the school’s legacy.
Location
Lee's Summit, MissouriProject Size
360,000 sq ftServices
