After a fire at Whatcom Middle School on November 5, 2009, Reid Middleton, Inc. developed an innovative building replacement strategy in which new concrete perimeter walls wrapped the existing building, and the damaged interior framing was replaced with new concrete-on-metal decks with structural steel framing. This unique approach met the project's three critical objectives: (1) Preserve the historic character of the iconic community building, (2) allow the construction to begin immediately in order to meet the project's aggressive schedule, and (3) replace the building in a cost-effective manner in order to meet the budget approved by the insurer. The result was a new school building that meets the modern programmatic needs of the School District and preserves the iconic main entry and architectural character of the original 100-year-old building. Additionally, the existing auditorium and gym buildings were seismically retrofitted and united with new classroom wing. In order to expedite the project schedule, Reid Middleton, Inc. worked closely with the City of Bellingham to phase the project such that construction could progress prior to the completion of the design. Through an uncommon level of collaboration between the owner, the design team, and the contractor, construction was completed in time for Whatcom Middle School to reopen for the 2011 academic year.