Planning for a new high school in Ames, IA, began in 2017 after the district performed a study to assess the current high school and its facilities. The district decided to move forward with the plans and hired Story Construction as the construction manager for the project. It selected OPN Architects to design the new building, and Counsilman-Hunsaker was retained to design the new competition pool.

On April 3, 2018, voters approved a $110 million bond referendum for the project. The team broke ground on the new high school in June 2018, and it was completed for the 2022/2023 school year.

Located on the existing high school grounds, the new building will have state-of-the-art accommodations, including a competition pool, 40 proposed general classrooms, a 17,500 sq. ft. media center, an outdoor dining space, and 60,420 sq. ft. dedicated to the performing arts.

An open commons area inside the front entrance will be a gathering space for students, staff, and community events. Several safety features, including a secure vestibule and video monitoring capabilities, are incorporated into the building design to protect entries. Just off the commons area are the entrances to the fine arts auditorium and a 1,800-capacity competition gymnasium with an elevated running track.

The basement level contains a stretch 25-yard pool with starting blocks, a separate diving area for student use, and the high school’s swimming and diving teams. It will also house a physical education space, a practice gym, a dance and cheer room, and a weight room.