Silas High School

Silas High School Construction Updates

Tacoma Public Schools chooses Absher for Wilson construction project

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Silas High School, formerly named Wilson, opened in 1958 as a campus-style school that included 12 buildings spread out over 12 acres of land; the school grew with improvements from the 2001 capital bond.

Improvements supported by the 2013 bond were done in two phases.

Phase 1 improvements included:

Demolishing the old 400 and 600 halls and replacing them with a 30,000-square-foot, two-story academic building. This building features seven general learning spaces for students that include collaborative areas, small and large group presentation areas and an outdoor learning space. Special features include a state-of-the-art culinary arts program and broadcast studio.
Expanding the weight, wrestling and aerobics room.
Improving campus electrical, heating and ventilation systems.
Renovating locker rooms and other improvements to the gymnasium and pool buildings.
Other offsite improvements required by the City of Tacoma.

Phase 2 improvements included:

New two-story academic building
New music building
New athletic complex, including new track and artificial turf
Renovated gym and pool

Square footage: 30,000
Total projected cost: $60.7 million
Open date: September 2016 (for academic building); gym and pool reopened in early 2017; music building, track and field completed in summer 2017
Architect: NAC Architecture
Contractor: Absher Construction

The Silas update is funded by the $500 million school construction bond voters passed in 2013.