Bancroft Elementary School Modernization

The old Bancroft campus consisted of five adjoining buildings totaling 94,000 sf.  Originally constructed in 1923, numerous modifications were made to the base structure: three buildings were added in 1932, 1961 and 1973, along with an addition constructed in 1938.  Due to the site’s topography, the buildings adjoined at various misaligned levels.  

Integrating ideas from a completed feasibility study (which SK&A also contributed to), the modernization of the campus included the demolition of two of the existing buildings as well as the previous expansion.  A new unifying building addition was constructed, knitting together the remaining historic structures with the new facility and providing a simplified circulation pattern within the reconnected campus.  

The completed project features multiple courtyards; a new multi-purpose “Curiosity Center” media area; and new outdoor playing fields.  The project’s superstructure primarily consists of structural steel framing in combination with a limited area of cast-in-place concrete construction.  Structural steel framing includes composite steel, open web joists and long-span roof construction.  Concrete construction is limited to the floor framing above the garage and plaza.

The existing buildings to remain were analyzed to support new mechanical equipment and provide large openings in the existing bearing walls at the connection between the old and new building. The modernized school will serve over 550 students and is LEED for Schools Gold certified.