News Release
February 7, 2007
DPS Board Of Education Approves The Selection Of Design Teams To Create Future High Schools In Fast-Growing Northeast Denver
DPS is happy to announce that the Board of Education approved the Green Valley Ranch and Stapleton Design Competition Advisory Committee recommendations for the selection of the DRL Group (Green Valley Ranch) and Luis O. Acosta Architects (Stapleton) to design the next generation of new high school facilities for DPS. The selection of these two firms is the culmination of a six month design competition that began with nine architectural firms, a series of evolving design reviews by both the advisory committees and the public of the architects' work, and a best in class tour to the Federal Way School District located just outside of Seattle, Washington.
"There is a great deal of excitement about these future facilities and the important role they will play in bringing DPS into the 21st century, and helping to support the ever-evolving nature of teaching and meeting the educational needs of today's high schools," noted DPS Superintendent Michael Bennet.
DLR Group - Their body of work exhibits award-wining design and innovation. They are considered the 2nd largest school design firm in the world with a focus on the delivery of adaptable and solutions-based learning environments. The project will be managed by the firm's Colorado Springs office, which was established in 1989.
Luis O. Acosta Architects - This Colorado-based firm, founded in 1985, has an extensive list of experience in the creation of high-quality and innovative learning facilities. Some of their other Colorado clients include: Aurora Public Schools, Jefferson County Public Schools, Colorado State University, and the University of Colorado - Boulder.
DPS joined forces with the Foundation for Educational Excellence and the Stapleton Foundation in July 2006 to explore the latest in 21st century high school design in preparation for the two future high schools that will be needed for Green Valley Ranch and the Stapleton communities. The Foundation for Educational Excellence and the Stapleton Foundation are locally based nonprofits that have a long standing relationship with DPS, providing ongoing leadership and support to Denver Public Schools and its reform efforts. The design is being funded by the Capital Reserve Funds as approved by the Board of Education, and construction funds will be provided by a future General Obligation Bond.
For more information about the design competition, please contact:
Richard Cosgrove, Denver Public Schools Facility Management, 720-423-4011
Kelly Leid, Foundation for Educational Excellence, 303-486-8568
Brian Weber, Stapleton Foundation, 303-468-3224