In November of 2013, Southwestern Middle School sustained tremendous damage when a tornado tore through southern Tippecanoe County.

Fixing the damage required 84,350 square feet of reconstructed space. In the east wing, reconstruction work included classrooms, corridors and the entire roof. Reconstruction in the west wing included the main entry lobby, offices, cafeteria, band rehearsal area, the entire gymnasium and the roof over the gymnasium and cafeteria.

Also included in the project scope were several new additions. At the school’s west entrance, a new atrium leads to the gymnasium lobby. Down the hall from a new concession stand are restrooms, an athletic office and a classroom. In the center of the facility, a new choir room replaces the for­mer courtyard. At the front of the school, a new main entrance welcomes guests into a sunlit atrium lobby adjacent to new administrative spaces.