In December 2023, team members across Bodwé Group celebrated the design completion of the Many Farms High School renovation and expansion project in Many Farms, AZ. The project was a result of one of the first school facility assessment projects completed by Seven Generations A+E, a Bodwé company, in 2021 for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Following the work of the initial assessment, our team was awarded the contract to complete the full design of impressive new additions and a $156M complete renovation of the existing school facility that will serve students, faculty, and staff, most of whom are Navajo Nation citizens. The renovation and expansion of Many Farms High School is the single largest capital investment project from the BIA and will positively affect generations of Indigenous students.
The renovation and expansion of the Many Farms High School ensures that the school reflects the cultural identity and traditions of students and staff who will live, work, and learn here. It will provide a safe, inspiring learning environment for generations of students to thrive academically while staying connected to their cultural heritage.
Marking another important project milestone, we were honored to have team members present at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Many Farms High School last week. The event held on December 4, 2024, included an opening and closing prayer, remarks from guest speakers such as Tony Dearman, Bureau of Indian Education Director, and Dr. Buu Nygren, Navajo Nation President. Students and alumni participated in the ceremony as well, with closing remarks from Many Farms High School Alumni and Braves and the high school band playing the recessional.
This project stands as one of the largest interdisciplinary efforts our team has undertaken, spanning nearly all of our design disciplines including architecture, interior design, master planning, civil engineering, MEP engineering, site development, and more, and crossing several market sectors. Across Bodwé Group, over 80 team members were involved in the Many Farms High School project to some capacity. In addition to the Bodwé companies of Seven Generations A+E, Blue Star Integrative Studio, WBK Engineering, and The Steelhead Engineering Company, the project team included 14 other subconsultants.
The impact of this project extends past the physical building. The renovation and expansion of the Many Farms High School ensures that the school reflects the cultural identity and traditions of students and staff who will live, work, and learn here. It will provide a safe, inspiring learning environment for generations of students to thrive academically while staying connected to their cultural heritage. We are proud to have been a part of this pivotal moment in the history of Many Farms High School and look forward to seeing this project take shape as construction progresses.
