Project Overview

WCSD managed the renovation of a two-story former office building in Des Moines into a campus for Why Not You Academy (WNYA) in two phases. Phase I of the campus renovation was completed in March 2021, and WNYA opened in the fall of 2021 to a founding class of 9th graders. At full enrollment, the school and campus will accommodate 416 students in grades 9-12. 

In September 2022, Phase II of the campus renovation was completed. During this final phase of construction, the remaining areas of the building which included 2,500 sf of office space and 12,000 sf of first floor warehouse space were converted into school spaces. The renovation included reconfiguring walls/doors to create four additional standard classrooms, three specialty classrooms (two science labs and a sound studio), as well as advisory spaces and offices. The improvements will include upgraded lighting and controls, a new HVAC system, new windows on the first floor, and all new finishes. Additionally, a covered exterior deck has been added on the west side to allow for outdoor space directly from the first floor classrooms and adding a sidewalk for improved connection between the west and east sides of the building.