SK&A provided structural engineering services for the renovation of an existing school building into a modernized facility for a new all-male high school, particularly for young men of color. Originally constructed in 1966, the building was shuttered due to decreased enrollment in 2013. The project is located in northeast DC on a site adjacent to a community center/library. The project was implemented over two phases.
Phase 1 included the modernization of the building’s main entrance, which is centrally located and connects the structure via two wings—an academic wing and a multi-purpose wing. Additional modifications included: a new main office and administrative suite; a new, expanded library/media center; a cafeteria/multi-purpose room, music room, lab spaces and classrooms. Phase 2 of the project entailed renovations on the second and third floors, including the gymnasium and auditorium.
Structural work included introduction of new rooftop mechanical equipment and screen enclosures, new entrance vestibules and lobby, removal of a portion of the second floor to create the two-story media center, and extensive crawl space repairs to address significant deterioration.