Ferris High School Modernization Project

BWA landscape architects teamed with NAC-Architecture and Garco Construction to provide site design and landscaping for the $97.7 million comprehensive modernization and replacement of Joel E. Ferris High School. The project was the result of the 2009 construction bond and design kicked off shortly afterwards. Three major phases of construction allowed students to remain in class while the 50-year-old campus was transformed. Conservation and sustainability were important features of the landscape and irrigation design, including preservation of the large existing pine trees on campus located at the courtyards and main entrance to the building. Native basalt boulders and native/non-native adaptive plant species were used throughout the design to accentuate the native landscape theme and promote sustainability and ease of maintenance. The irrigation design incorporated a drip irrigation system for accent shrubs that is controlled by the School District’s Water Management System, Central Irrigation Control. The balance of the site design work included the parking lot layout, pedestrian and vehicular access and circulation, and decorative colored concrete flatwork. The sports field complex and tennis courts were the last phase of site design work to be constructed and included baseball, softball and soccer fields with all of the associated amenities, including backstops, batting cages, bullpens and bleacher areas. Additional sports field site design for the east side of the site included a new track and field, and replacement of the natural-turf football field.