Cost Estimates for Reimagining Bryan Adams High School

Project Type: Cost estimates for education
Architect: BRW Architects
Project Name: Dallas ISD Bryan Adams High School Renovations & Additions
Location: 2101 Millmar Drive, Dallas, Texas 75228
Size: 155,011 SF
Year of Completion: 2019

Originally built in 1956, Bryan Adams High School has long served as a keystone of the East Dallas community. But in recent years, the need to modernize, expand and reimagine the campus grew more urgent. Through the Dallas ISD 2015 Bond Program, this project transformed Bryan Adams High School into a visionary campus. It preserved key site features, upgraded technology and safety systems, and renovated key spaces like the auditorium, athletic facilities and administration areas. The project focused on creating a forward-looking environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging and community engagement. The design emphasized modern learning spaces while honoring the school’s legacy, aiming to inspire students and support educational excellence. The result is a more efficient, future-ready campus aligned with district standards and community needs. Halford Busby used our experience with cost estimates for education to partner with BRW Architects on this phenomenal project.

A Campus Transformed
Size: ~27,256 square feet

The Bryan Adams project wasn’t just a single building renovation – it was a campus-wide metamorphosis. At the heart is a striking new two-story administration and classroom addition. Replacing a demolished one-story structure, the new facility introduced a secure entry vestibule to improve campus safety while simultaneously provided a prominent welcoming façade. The redesign not only improved flow and accessibility but also unlocked additional space by relocating special education and media center services to the new facility. This strategic move saved approximately $2 million by avoiding demolition of tennis courts and minimizing site reconfiguration, allowing those funds to be reallocated toward higher-impact spaces such as fine arts suite and competitive gym – where the return on investment in student experience would be even greater.

To The Center Stage: Fine Art Suite
Size: ~21,052 Square Feet

One of the most dramatic upgrades at Bryan Adams High was the addition and renovation of its Fine Arts Facility. The Fine Arts suite included purpose-built spaces for band, choir and theater, while practice rooms and storage areas were designed with acoustic performance in mind, ensuring students experience both high-quality sound and comfort.

A particularly notable improvement was found backstage at the auditorium, where dressing rooms and prop storage areas were reimagined to support more professional-level productions. These changes reflect Dallas ISD’s growing emphasis on comprehensive arts education as a vehicle for student engagement and creative growth.

The auditorium itself also received substantial renovations, including a new wood stage, extended proscenium walls, improved acoustic finishes and blackout window treatments. While existing seating was retained to align with budget constraints, new theatrical rigging, lighting and sound systems were added to bring performances into the 21^st century.

Athletic Excellence
Size: ~36,401 Square Feet

The new competitive gym is both a visual center piece and a practical investment in student health and safety. Designed not only to seat up to 2,000 spectators, but it also functions as an ICC 500-complinat storm shelter. Inside, student-athletes benefited from new locker rooms, upgraded weight room, and improved storage and office areas. Renovations to the existing athletic wing, including conversion of old spaces to storage and training functions, maximized the utility of every square foot.

Technology and Safety Systems
As part of a district-wide initiative to modernize learning environments, the Bryan Adams project included major upgrades to technology, life safety and environmental systems. Full fire alarm replacement, LED exterior lighting retrofits, expanded surveillance and new access control points were all included in the final design. AV and IT infrastructure were upgraded as well and retrofitted in existing classrooms. Halford Busby’s detailed take-offs and cost models covered these complex systems – often tracking owner-furnished vs. contractor-installed components, such as cabling, conduits and device installation. This distinction helped clarify contractor scope and avoided duplication costs, particularly in the low-voltage categories.

Cost Reliability Through Collaboration
Across every stage of the project – from early programming through 100% construction documents, Halford Busby remained focused on protecting the integrity of the budget. We provided:

• Detailed cost estimates at schematic, design development and CD phases
• Value engineering recommendations that preserved performance standards
• Cost comparisons for bid alternates and scope enhancements
• Budget alignment reports for owner decision-making

As project priorities shifted or new needs emerged, our team helped identify cost-neutral trade-offs that balanced new features (like the black box theater or visitor locker room) against infrastructure or finish adjustments elsewhere. This agile, data-driven approach was essential in helping Dallas ISD maximize every dollar invested.

The Bryan Adams High School renovation was more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. It was about helping Dallas ISD make the most of every dollar to create a space that truly serves its students and community. As construction cost consultants, our role was to keep the project grounded in financial reality, while supporting the team’s vision at every turn. We worked closely with the district and design team to find smart solutions, balance priorities and ensure the investment delivered long-term value. It’s incredibly rewarding to know our work helped bring this modern, welcoming campus to life – and that it will continue to make a difference for years to come.

Est. Cost: $53.5M

Halford Busby has worked on over 200 K-12 education projects for more than 30 Independent School Districts within the state of Texas. You can read more about the k-12 entities that we’ve worked with. Learn more about this project at BRW Architects’ website.

References

1. Dallas Independent School District (DISD) – Project scope and bond program details referenced from internal scope summaries and district documentation.
2. BRW Architects – Project design details, square footage, and architectural renderings sourced from:
   • BRW Architects. Bryan Adams High School Renovations & Additions.
     https://www.brwarch.com
     (Photo credits and architectural narrative).
3. Halford Busby Internal Documentation – Construction cost consulting services, scope alignment analysis, and savings identification derived from Halford Busby project records and estimating reports.
4. Construction Documents:
   • 001_Bryan Adams HS_Scope of Work Summary_100CD.pdf
   • 001_Bryan Adams HS_100%CD Review Project Manual Vol I.pdf
   • 001_Bryan Adams HS_100%CD Review Project Manual Vol II.pdf
   • 001_Bryan Adams HS 100% CD Review Drawings Vol 2.pdf
     These documents informed references to square footage, systems upgrades, code compliance, and project alternates.

Contact Halford Busby to tap into our experience with cost estimates for education.