From 1891 to the future: the architectural evolution of Santa Monica High School
In short: A hilltop campus overlooking the Pacific Ocean has undergone a century of transformation. From its first graduating class in 1894 to recent high-tech expansions, discover how this California institution has physically reshaped itself to meet the needs of generations of students.
Founded in 1891 following the passage of the Union High School Law, Santa Monica High School (known as Samohi or SMHS) has occupied several locations before settling at its current 601 Pico Boulevard campus. The school's architectural history is marked by significant milestones, such as the 1912 opening of the History Building, which initially served just 50 students. By 1921, the campus added the Greek Amphitheatre, a classical Greek-style structure funded by a $30,000 municipal bond to honor World War I veterans.
The mid-20th century brought further expansion. In 1937, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed Barnum Hall, originally intended as the city's Civic Auditorium. By 1952, the campus reached its current 33-acre size with the addition of Science and Technology buildings. More recent decades have seen a shift toward modern infrastructure, including the 2015 opening of the Innovation Building and the 2021 arrival of the Discovery Building, which introduced a new cafeteria and pool.
The school is currently in a period of significant structural renewal. The original History Building was demolished in 2021 to make way for the Exploration Building, which opened for the 2024–25 school year. Similarly, the South Gym was replaced by the Gold Gym in 2024. Looking ahead, the school continues to evolve, with the demolition of the Business Building scheduled for summer 2026 to facilitate the construction of the Student Services Building, expected to be ready by the 2028–29 school year.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Santa Monica High School
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