South High Senior Living

This adaptive reuse project transformed a 1930s school building, on Knox Heritage's Fragile Fifteen list, into an assisted living and memory care facility — respecting the original, iconic architecture.

The original South High was designed by Barber McMurry, falling into disrepair after closing in 1980. The extensive renovation kept South High's grand scale, including high ceilings, expansive dining hall, and wide corridors. The former gymnasium is now an expansive dining hall and living room, utilizing the original steel trusses. Resident rooms were fit within the dimensions of original classrooms.

The adaptive reuse highlights sustainable design strategies, including low-flow and efficient bathroom fixtures, LED lighting, durable and reused materials and structures, native and drought-resistant plantings, and clerestory windows to bring in natural light.

A two-story addition, carefully matched to the existing architecture, contains memory care suites. A daylight garden brings additional natural light into the memory care corridor. Three restaurant-style dining centers, an outdoor courtyard, wellness center, salon, billiards room, and multiple lounges encourage social engagement and physical activity.