El Monte, CA

Fernando R. Ledesma Continuation High School Gym, MPR & Fitness Center

High School

New Construction

Multi-Use / Joint-Use Building/Space

2025 Outstanding Project

This post was originally published on this site.

Once marginalized by inequitable facilities, Fernando Ledesma High School now pulses with purpose—anchored by a 15,000 sq. ft. Multipurpose Room, Gymnasium, and Fitness Center designed for “at-promise” students. This new campus addition brings dignity, access, and energy to the school.

The design concept—Bodies in Motion, Building in Motion—emerged through community engagement and storytelling. It draws from the neighborhood’s geography, local history, and student voice to create a building that reflects who they are— and who they can become. Movement is embedded in every element, serving as both a learning tool and inspiration for physical, mental, and social wellness. Through its form, systems, circulation, and outdoor areas, the facility mirrors the dynamic relationship between the human body and the built environment—reflecting a healthy body in motion.

Flexible spaces support PE classes, leadership events, karaoke lunches, and district-wide programming. Materials and systems prioritize transparency, passive cooling, daylighting, and student safety. Since opening, PE participation has increased by 30%, behavioral incidents have dropped to zero, and student engagement is universal.

Now a regional resource, the building realizes the district’s vision for equity, community support, and academic success through wellness. Motion is not just a theme—it is a transformation.

Architect

Architecture for Education, Inc. (A4E)

41 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
architecture4e.com
Olivia Graf, Associate AIA, Partner | Design Principal
626-356-4080

Design Team

  • Huckabee, Construction Manager
  • Freddy Arteaga, Principal
  • Edward Zuniga, Superintendent

Owner/Client

El Monte Union High School District
El Monte, CA
Norma Macias, Director FMOT

Key Stats

  • Grades Served: 9–12
  • Capacity of Students/Occupants: 603
  • Size of Site: 0.34 acres
  • Gross Area of Bldg./Space: 15,103 gsf
  • Space per Student: 25 sq. ft.
  • Cost per Student: $17,909
  • Square Foot Cost: $715
  • Project Cost: $10,799,241
  • Occupation Date: 12/7/2022

Award Issue

Fall 2025
— Outstanding Project

Photography

@2024 Inessa Binenbaum

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Architecture for Education, Inc. (A4E)