In late summer of 2007, an EF4 tornado struck Northwood, North Dakota causing total destruction of the town’s existing K-12 school. ICON responded immediately with team members to assess damage and begin strategic planning with the school district. ICON worked with the school district to analyze new school options and worked to develop a masterplan to rebuild a new K-12 school. Because ICON understood the importance of having an operational school building as soon as possible, and coordinated multiple bid packages while collaborating with FEMA to develop damage assessment reports to maximize the school district’s insurance claims.

• Divided into two wings for K-8 and high school
• Designed with future expansion in mind
• Site planning to work with future park/school needs
• 95,000 s.f.
• Designed with LEED principles in mind
o Sustainable design principles include geothermal heating
• Capable of increasing enrollment by 100% without expansion
• Two gymnasiums
o Practice gym
o Game/event gym

Due to a rising enrollment, Northwood Public School needed additional classroom space to accommodate the increasing number of students and staff. Along with classroom space, the school board agreed the addition of an auditorium, that would be used by both the school and the community, was necessary to adapt to a growing population. As the architect of the existing school that was built in 2009 following a devastating tornado, ICON was called upon again to provide architectural services to Northwood Public School. In fall of 2018 and with ICON’s leadership and guidance, the community approved the bond referendum by 75% to move forward with the project. The design features additional classroom space in the elementary wing to include space for Title I, Special Education, Music Instruction, and general classrooms. The auditorium space includes seating for 380 occupants, theatre production support space, audio and lighting control rooms, a welcoming entry lobby, and dedicated men’s and women’s restrooms. The project also offered renovation work in the existing music room to provide additional storage space.

• Addition of a 380-seat auditorium with Theatre Control Rooms, Entry Lobby, and Restrooms
• Addition of 5 classrooms