Gilroy, CA

The original Gateway School, home to dozens of special needs students from across Santa Clara County, was burned down in 2008 in an act of arson. The school re-opened in 2010, better and brighter than before, in a new building designed by WMA.

Even though the remodel was the result of a horrible act, it presented an opportunity to add new features to the school making it better and brighter than before. The outside has a warm and welcoming feel drawing people in through the long shaded walkways through the front entrance. The playful color schemes tie the interior spaces together and even branch out to accent the outside. New spaces like the library implement large widows properly shaded to utilize the abundant natural light that flows into the spaces without the harsh glare of direct rays.