The Historic Douglass High School Education & Development Campus
2023 I Completed
LOCATION
Leesburg, VA
Discipline
SECTOR
Project Type

















Project Details
The Douglass School project in Leesburg, VA, represents a significant architectural achievement, blending historic preservation with modern interior design. Originally established in 1941 by the local African American community as the county’s only high school for Black students until 1968, this project, completed in 2023, pays homage to the resilience and determination of the community.
Led by MOYA, with Beyer Blinder Belle as the Architect of Record, the interior design firm meticulously preserved the school’s original layout, materials, and iconic auditorium, while integrating modern amenities to meet contemporary standards. This 70,000 SF project, with a construction cost of $27 million, utilized a Design Bid Build delivery method, ensuring that both the historical and functional aspects of the building were honored.
The rehabilitation of Douglass School involved close collaboration with architects, engineers, and consultants to transform the building into a multifunctional space. Today, it houses departments of Loudoun County Public Schools, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, as well as offices for the Edwin Washington Society, the Loudoun Douglass Alumni Association, and the local NAACP chapter.
Recognized in both the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places, this project highlights our expertise and its partners in combining architectural design services with a deep respect for historical integrity. The revitalized Douglass School now stands as a symbol of enduring heritage and modern architectural excellence, continuing to inspire future generations.
Facts & Figures
Client
Loudoun County Public Schools
Size
70,000 SF
Status
Completed
Completion Year
2023
project cost
$838,000
Delivery Method
Design–Bid–Build
Construction type
Tenant Fit-Out
Collaborators
GENERAL CONSTRUCTOR
Gilbane
Architect of Record
Gilbane
MEP
Global Engineer
STRUCTURAL
1200 Architectural Engineers
civil
Rinker Design Associates
Envelope
SGH
landscape
LSG Landscape
code
Jensen Hughes
IT/AV/Sec
Convergent Technology Design Group, Inc.