The Hoonah School Building is a 54,000 square foot two-story wood framed structure constructed in a series of designs and additions from the 1950s through 1990’s. NorthWind was selected as a competitive proposer in the summer of 2011 to complete a conditions assessment, work with an AHFC energy auditor to develop an energy conservation strategy, and then develop a phased building renovation allowing for the continued operations of the school through the school year.

Coupled with energy savings strategies critical to a small school district’s annual budget, decisions made were largely practical in nature – using simple, attractive, and highly durable interior and exterior finishes, redirecting pedestrian and vehicular circulation to alleviate some safety risks, and generally cleaning up the site and building to elevate the community perception of this central facility.

The 2011 renovation project bid approximately 10% below the established budget, and was awarded for construction in the spring of 2012. The Hoonah School was carefully planned as a phased renovation that would allow the School District to operate the school during the school year. The project was completed in the spring of 2014 after two summers of construction.