Whitefish Bay School District
Election Day: November 3, 2026
Facilities Referendum
Updated Plan: Rebuilding and Renovating the Middle School On Site
As part of the community outreach effort following the unsuccessful April 2026 referendum, feedback gathered through focus groups and other community engagement identified concerns regarding the proposed relocation of the War Memorial to accommodate construction of a new middle school at Armory Park, as well as the potential impacts associated with the currently proposed renovation on the existing site.
In response to this feedback and at the direction of the administration, the district's consultant team developed an alternative new construction and renovation option on the existing middle school site, intended to address many of the concerns raised throughout this process.
This alternative concept would create a functionally "like new" middle school on the existing site. This building would be 144,000 square feet total, including nearly 70% new construction.
The plan would preserve and renovate the oldest, original portion of the 108-year-old middle school, balancing modernization with preservation.
Utilizing the Existing Building Core with Substantial Additions
By remaining on its current site, the Middle School project uses a strategic, phased sequence of building and renovation—allowing students and classes to continue uninterrupted throughout the construction timeline.
The proposed scope includes approximately 98,000 square feet of new construction, 46,000 square feet of extensive renovation, and the demolition of approximately 81,000 square feet of the existing facility. Upon completion, the project would result in a modernized middle school totaling approximately 144,000 square feet.
Schedule Considerations
This phasing strategy generally follows the sequencing developed for the previous existing building renovation concept. Construction would begin with the new west classroom wing. Upon completion, students would relocate to the new classroom spaces, allowing demolition of the existing classroom wing to the east and construction of the new gymnasium and specials classroom addition.
Following completion of the gymnasium and specials addition, the project would proceed into Phase 3, which would consist of a significant renovation of the remaining portions of the existing facility. Based on the current space program, this phase would primarily include renovation of the old gym to become the new commons area and substantial renovation to all surrounding spaces to provide LMC specials, administration spaces, and support spaces. The final phase would involve demolishing the existing front portion of the building, constructing the new main entrance addition, and completing the site improvements.
Under this building configuration, no temporary classrooms are anticipated during Phases 1 or 2. Depending on the final building design and sequencing, temporary accommodations for certain specials programs, along with provisions for a temporary library/media center, may be necessary during Phase 3. At this time, full gymnasium functionality is anticipated to remain available throughout all phases of construction, minimizing disruption to student activities and programming.
Phase 1: Classroom Wing Addition
The first phase would include construction of an approximately 55,000 square-foot addition for the new classroom wing. Based on a revised schematic layout, temporary classrooms are not anticipated during this phase. The addition would significantly reduce exterior play areas and require additional outdoor play provisions at the high school site. This classroom transition is strategically planned to occur during winter break.
Anticipated schedule: December 2027 to December 2028
Phase 2: Gymnasium & Specials Addition
After Phase 1 is complete, Phase 2 includes construction of an approximately 43,000 square-foot addition for the new gymnasium and specials spaces. Before this phase begins, students would move out of the existing classroom wing and into the newly completed classroom addition on the west side of the property. This classroom transition is strategically planned to occur during winter break.
Based on the revised schematic layout, this phase does not anticipate temporary classrooms. Similar to Phase 1, this period would continue the reduced outdoor play areas and require additional provisions for outdoor play at the high school site.
Anticipated schedule: December 2028 to December 2029
Phase 3: Heavy Renovation – Common Areas and Central Core
After completing the Phase 1 and Phase 2 additions, the central core and common areas would undergo heavy renovation. Temporary classrooms and a temporary cafeteria would be required during this phase and would be located within the existing front administrative area, which is planned for future demolition. Based on the conceptual design, the functions currently located in this area are expected to relocate to either the Phase 2 or Phase 3 areas, allowing the administrative addition to serve as temporary space.
Anticipated schedule: December 2029 to August 2030
Phase 4: Existing Building Demolition, Sitework, and South Elevation Façade
After completing the major interior renovation work in Phase 3, the additional portions of the existing building identified for removal would be demolished. Following completion of demolition, the front addition and south elevation restoration would be constructed, establishing the new primary entrance to the building.
Phase 4 work would be completed in phases around school operations, with work sequenced to maintain safe and functional access to the building once school is back in session.
Anticipated schedule: March 2030 to January 2031
Exterior and interior photos of Whitefish Bay Middle School.