Thomas Jefferson High School Renovation

PROJECT IN PROGRESS

As part of San Antonio ISD’s Bond 2020 Program, Jefferson High School is undergoing a comprehensive restoration and modernization designed to preserve one of the city’s most significant historic campuses while preparing it to serve future generations of students.

Originally opened in 1932 as San Antonio’s third high school, Jefferson High School is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Texas Historic Landmark. The project balances historic preservation with modern functionality, restoring the character-defining features that have made Jefferson an icon in the community while upgrading the campus to meet today’s educational standards.

The work includes restoration of the building’s 275,000-square-foot masonry façade, replacement of all 500 windows, improvements to landscaping and parking areas, and extensive interior renovations. Some of the most intricate efforts are focused on the historic auditorium and library, where original plasterwork, wood detailing, lighting elements, and the auditorium’s ornately painted ceiling are being carefully preserved and restored with the support of historic preservation specialists.

To support the restoration process, Rogers-O’Brien’s Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) team conducted detailed point cloud scans throughout the facility, creating digital models that helped identify existing conditions, coordinate design solutions, and document historic features. These tools have been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the original architecture while integrating modern building systems.

Construction is taking place on an active campus serving nearly 2,000 students. Through careful phasing, frequent coordination with school leadership, and extensive safety measures, the team is advancing the work while minimizing disruptions to daily operations and maintaining a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff.