 |
|
Students gather at the entrance to the new high school, which incorporates both new construction (above) and adaptive reuse of three vacant buildings. |
The story of the Trenton Daylight/Twilight High School is one of renewal and rebirth—both of the classic buildings that symbolize the city's past and the youth that represent its future.
The $39 million, 101,000-sf urban infill project locates the high school—which serves recent dropouts and students who are at risk of dropping out—within three existing vacant buildings. Twin, five-story structures that date to the early 20th century serve as bookends for the new campus, which also takes in a new three-story building and an open plaza in a secured courtyard.
The Building Team, led by general contractor Joseph Jingoli & Son and architect USA Architects, had to deal with existing buildings found to be structurally unstable and “squeezing” mechanical systems into the historic buildings. Working closely with the city and residents led to the inclusion of amenities like a 9,000-sf community room. The project also achieved a high level of community participation: 56% of construction dollars were awarded to minority- and women-owned companies, small business enterprises, or local companies.
“This high school project is very impressive,” said Walker C. Johnson, FAIA, principal with Johnson Lasky Architects, Chicago, and honorary chair of BD+C's Reconstruction Awards judging panel. “With Trenton being in a severely disadvantaged part of the country, the strong emphasis on high school education and rehabilitation of community buildings is extremely valuable.” —Dave Barista, Managing Editor
Related Stories
K-12 Schools | Apr 21, 2017
The stadium effect
School districts that invested in their athletic facilities over the last few years have seen a tremendous increase in student morale and health, growth in campus culture, and excitement within their communities.
K-12 Schools | Apr 7, 2017
Is an alternative project delivery method right for your K-12 school district?
With California’s increasingly busy—and costly—construction market, it’s becoming more difficult to predict costs with a typical design-bid-build delivery method.
K-12 Schools | Mar 9, 2017
The future of education facilities: Creating spaces where learning happens everywhere
The art of designing schools lies not in just understanding what makes a functional classroom, but in how successful we are in creating a wide array of educational options for teachers and students within the school environment.
K-12 Schools | Mar 9, 2017
School branding: The impact on identity and engagement
What is school branding and why is it important? HMC Architects’ James Krueger and Barbara Perez weigh in on the topic.
K-12 Schools | Feb 22, 2017
Through the principal's eyes: A look at K-12 architecture
Anderson-Livsey is a K-5 school located about 30 minutes East of Atlanta in Gwinnett County and has an enrollment of 785 students.
K-12 Schools | Feb 8, 2017
'Fabrication Hall' introduces Wyoming high school students to career paths
The hall offers bountiful natural light with enough space to build large-scale projects.
Architects | Jan 19, 2017
Harley Ellis Devereaux merges with Deems Lewis McKinley
The combination is expected to bolster HED’s presence in northern California and the K-12 sector.
K-12 Schools | Dec 14, 2016
Expanding possibilities for America's K-12 schools
Bigger buildings, more outdoor space, and greater involvement from the private sector are among the trends marking the new generation of schools.
K-12 Schools | Dec 12, 2016
Building a nation of super schools
AEC teams are being asked to design and build schools with enough flexibility to adapt to changing pedagogies.
School Construction | Oct 23, 2016
As construction rebounds, education sector spending flattens
Post-recession slump suggests a settling in at a “normal” level similar to the mid aughts.
