New Facilities are Part of Multi-Phase Fine Arts, Student Commons & Dining Buildings Replacement Project
Photos courtesy of the Tamalpais Union High School District and QKA
Larkspur, Calif., Oct. 20, 2025 – Tamalpais Union High School District (TUHSD) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of new facilities at Redwood High School to support the school’s robust arts programming. Designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and being built by Wright Contracting, the new Fine Arts and Music Buildings make up the first phase of a replacement project that will also include a Multi-Purpose Eating Area Building in the project’s second phase. The projects are funded by local Bond Measure B.
“These new spaces at Redwood High School underscore the idea that art is essential to a well-rounded academic experience,” said TUHSD Superintendent Dr. Courtney Goode, “We are committed to fostering innovation, creativity and well-being among our students, and these modern and adaptable facilities will allow our students the opportunity to thrive. I want to personally thank our community for their support of our students, school and District.”
Replacing aging portable buildings, Phase 1 of the Fine Arts, Student Commons & Dining project includes a new Fine Arts Building and separate Music Building, along with a shared central courtyard. The 6,200 square-foot Fine Arts Building will include dedicated ceramics and arts classrooms, outdoor workspaces, student restrooms and storage. The 9,300 square-foot Music Building will provide large and medium ensemble rooms, instrument storage, a recording studio with practice rooms, a music library, office and lobby space. The new buildings will be connected by a covered walkway that will integrate the facilities with the school’s existing two-story Art classroom building.
Emphasizing connection to the outdoors, the project’s outdoor courtyard will allow for gathering, performances and displaying of work. Various seating areas and informal learning alcoves are inspired by the natural beauty of Marin, inviting students to interact with their surroundings.
“The new light-filled and professional quality arts and music spaces at Redwood High School reflect the district’s commitment to arts programming,” said QKA Principal Kevin Chapin. “Our design process was centered around providing modern and adaptable spaces that will encourage student exploration, and we are excited to see these new buildings come to life.”
Both buildings will incorporate high-performance strategies to align with the district’s sustainability goals. The new construction is designed to be energy-efficient and predominantly all-electric, with the exception of a new gas kiln for the ceramics program. The ceramics program will utilize several electrical kilns as well. Indoor environmental air quality was prioritized throughout and classrooms are oriented to provide abundant daylight. The buildings’ energy use will be offset by solar power and efficient plumbing fixtures will be utilized.
Phase 1 of the project is expected to complete August 2027, at which point construction will begin on Phase 2’s 4,600 square-foot Multi-Purpose Eating Area Building, which will provide a 3,500 square-foot flexible gathering space for students. The multi-purpose space will be used as an enclosed conditioned student eating area, as well as meeting spaces for various school and community groups. Also included in funding from Measure B, last month TUHSD broke ground on new Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and Music Buildings at Tamalpais High School.
About Tamalpais Union High School District
The Tamalpais Union High School District is a high performing district in a very active, supportive, and educated community. Currently approximately 4,500 students are served in three comprehensive high schools and two alternative programs. In addition, the Adult and Community Education courses attract hundreds of community members each year.
The staff of the District is highly trained, talented, and dedicated to their professions. Students have access to a wide range of programs and courses and perform well above the state and national averages on standardized assessments. Graduates are readily accepted into colleges and universities around the country. Our schools have been recipients of numerous awards, including California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School.
