Built in the early 1950s, John Marshall Junior High was a typical middle school of its time, consisting of five main classroom buildings, a shop, gymnasium, and auditorium. Over nearly 70 years, the campus has remained largely unchanged, bearing the signs of age and wear. Recently rebranded as an Academy of the Arts, the school now faces the challenge of supporting a vibrant arts program within its aging infrastructure. To address this, the Long Beach Unified School District, backed by funding from two bond measures—Measure E and Measure Q—partnered with StudioWC to modernize and upgrade the campus.

Leading the design effort was a comprehensive campus-wide power upgrade, along with the replacement of outdated convector heating units and boiler systems with new energy-efficient electrical HVAC systems. The modernization also focused on integrating state-of-the-art technology, with enhanced audio-visual systems, new finishes—including roofing, paint, flooring, and ceilings—improved lighting and fire alarms, accessibility upgrades, and the addition of new outdoor classrooms. StudioWC also reevaluated the campus’s overall layout, leading to strategic reconfigurations and additional upgrades to better serve the evolving needs of the music, arts, and science programs.

A significant challenge was the installation and placement of the new HVAC system. The original 1950s architectural design, marked by low-sloped roofs and clerestory windows, created constraints for the new equipment. After considering various options and costs, the team opted to utilize existing roof wells, routing ducts through the clerestory windows, and installing dropped ceilings inside to conceal additional units and ductwork. This solution preserved the aesthetic integrity of the buildings while accommodating the new systems discreetly.

In partnership with Bernards, construction is set to begin in the summer of 2025. These upgrades are poised to not only revitalize the campus but also transform it into a modern, energy-efficient space that will better serve its students and foster creativity for the next generation.