Turner is proud to announce the completion of the addition and renovations of Blair Middle School in Norfolk, VA. Turner teamed with Sussex Development Corporation of Norfolk, VA, and RRMM Architects of Virginia Beach, VA, to build the largest middle school in Norfolk, VA. The project, which involved nearly doubling the size of the 86-year-old existing building, now measures 248,000 square feet in the heart of the historic community of Ghent.
The community's main goal was to preserve the school and its designation as a historic building. Turner worked closely with the community to keep the significance of the building while creating a modern facility for students and teachers. While the design kept the school's large, grid windowed façade intact, many components of the building were upgraded to meet modern codes. The upgrades included wider treads for a steep, granite staircase; an elevator that was added for the convenience of all; sprinkler systems; and a high-tech security system. The classrooms were improved with new technology systems, including computer projection systems in every classroom and new computer labs. The existing gymnasiums were renovated into a start-of-the-art media center and band/chorus suites.
