Geneva Heights Elementary School turned a new page and stepped into the future while honoring its rich, and long-standing legacy.
Built in 1931, the school’s red-brick exterior and art deco design have been a symbol of pride in the historic neighborhood. When it came time to make upgrades and improvements, Dallas ISD made a clear choice; to preserve the history while reimagining what’s possible.
“Historic preservation is important in that it provides a forum for communities to identify and conserve historic buildings they deem to have value,” said Kathleen Lenihan, design director for Construction Services/Bond Office at Dallas ISD. “It allows the community to tell their story, who they are and where they have been.”
In collaboration with expert architects, engineers, and community members, the Construction Services/Bond Office embarked on a renovation project that blends historical charm with cutting-edge design. The result is a state-of-the-art campus that still feels like home.
This transformation was shaped by three BIG (Bold, Innovative, Generational) ideas voiced during community meetings:
- Grow without losing our close-knit community feel
- Stay a treasured gem in the neighborhood
- Celebrate and reflect our community’s diversity
Preserving the building’s iconic façade was just the beginning. A brand-new wing now extends the campus, designed to serve up to 750 students from pre-K to fifth grade. Light-filled collaboration spaces, outdoor gardens, and hands-on learning zones are also arranged around a central courtyard.
Beyond aesthetics, the $31 million project, funded by the 2020 Bond Program, delivered crucial upgrades, including modern HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Throughout the entire process, Dallas ISD made sure the community had a seat at the table.
“Continued use of historic buildings creates opportunities for a larger group of people to become a part of the community, share in its history and collaborate on the story moving forward,” Lenihan said. “For Dallas ISD continued use of historic buildings is the best way to support preservation efforts.”
The district’s commitment to balancing the old and the new hasn’t gone unnoticed. Preservation Dallas recently honored the project with its Preservation Achievement Award, recognizing the district’s innovative approach to blending historic preservation with 21st-century learning needs.
Geneva Heights now stands as a model of how smart investment, thoughtful design, and strong community partnerships can build not just schools, but also legacies.
“For Dallas ISD continued use of historic buildings is the best way to support preservation efforts,” Lenihan said. “The larger group must balance historic significance with continued use – how do we make that happen and what are the priorities we need to guarantee to support student achievement. The results are exciting, dynamic buildings merging historic building elements with contemporary student needs. Geneva Heights is a great example of this process.”
