Riverside High School

Naval Armory-Turned High School

Riverside High School, the second campus of the Indianapolis Classical School System, welcomes students into the repurposed historic Heslar Naval Armory to learn within a real world environment. Constructed in 1936-89, the training facility once served thousands of enlisted sailors and provided inland access to water maneuvers on the White River, as well as radio communication and emergency response training during World War II. Today, the art moderne structure has been revitalized, turning it into a vibrant educational center.

This project, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, preserved original features while crafting modern educational spaces aligned with the school’s arts-focused curriculum. We managed preservation, architecture, and interior design, in addition to successfully securing state and federal tax credits through collaboration with local and state agencies for repurposing.

The renovated structure now includes updated mechanical systems and modern amenities, including a gymnasium for the Argonaut athletics teams, a two-story music room for the choir and instrumental music programs, state-of-the-art science labs, and a coffee shop. These enhancements ensure the facility effectively supports the school’s rigorous academic programs.