News & Insights
Photo courtesy of: Greg Land
Photo credit: B&D
Hillbrook School celebrates the transformation of historic building as part of expansion
Hillbrook School marked a major milestone in its expansion with the Aug. 23, 2025 ribbon-cutting of the Moir Building, the second site on its downtown San Jose (Calif.) high school campus. The celebration came just in time for the start of the academic year, drawing students, educators, and community members to commemorate the historic building’s transformation into a vibrant center for learning.
The three-story Moir Building, located at 227 North First Street, dates back to 1894. Once a work-live space, hotel, and later the offices of a law firm, the brick-and-sandstone structure has been reborn as Hillbrook’s main academic building. With its dramatic skylight, bay windows, and carefully preserved exterior, the renovation blends modern classrooms and gathering spaces with historic character, offering students an inspiring environment in the heart of the city.
Founded in Los Gatos nearly 90 years ago, Hillbrook School today serves students from junior kindergarten through 12th grade. Its expansion into downtown San Jose reflects an intentional vision of “the city as a classroom,” connecting students directly with the region’s cultural, civic, and educational resources while preserving and reenergizing historic buildings.
The ribbon-cutting of the Moir Building follows the 2023 opening of the National Guard Armory on North Second Street, which became Hillbrook’s high school building. Built in 1933 as part of the Works Progress Administration, the 20,000-square-foot Armory has been adapted into a facility that includes a state-of-the-art gym, design and maker labs, and classrooms. Its Spanish Revival character has been preserved while introducing the modern infrastructure needed for today’s students.
B&D s proud to serve as program manager for the transformation of both historic buildings.
“We were thrilled to partner with Hillbrook on this project,” said B&D Project Manager Cody Carpino. “It was a privilege to help bring such iconic buildings back into use, and we were excited to join last month’s ribbon-cutting to celebrate the school’s next chapter.”
Together, the Moir and Armory projects provide nearly 70,000 square feet of revitalized space for Hillbrook’s upper school, advancing the school’s mission while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of downtown San Jose.
