FORT WORTH, Texas—Fort Worth Country Day school is pressing forward with a $25 million school building for students in grades 1 through 4. The 37,720-square-foot Annie Richardson Bass Lower School will replace the campus’s existing Lower School, which was built in 1964.

As designed by San Antonio-based Lake|Flato Architects, the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School will feature a 2,130-square-foot library, commons area, science labs, a first-and-second-grade wing as well as a third-and-fourth-grade wing. Sustainability elements of the school will include LED lights, rainwater collection as well as drought-resistant landscaping capabilities being imagined by Dallas-based Hocker Design. Due to the area’s climate, a tornado shelter is also a part of the plans.

The designers are working in concert with the general contractor, Linbeck of Fort Worth. The Annie Richardson Bass Lower School is due to debut in 2025.

Eric Lombardi, head of school at FWCD, called the Lower School a chance to foster an exceptional learning environment while being energy-efficient and delivering on safety promises.

“It will have a strong connection to our campus’s amazing outdoors, while also giving our faculty and students first-class spaces to inspire the highest level of elementary-appropriate learning,” he said.

The Lower School construction is part of FWCD’s “Forward Together” campaign aimed at increasing the district’s educational opportunities for the years to come. Thus far the campaign has raised over $31 million in improvement money.

Ìę

Ìę

The post Fort Worth School Starts Work on Replacement Lower School Building appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

FAIRFIELD, Ct.—Architectural firm S/L/A/M Collaborative has been hired by Sacred Heart University to reimagine the campus’s multipurpose William Pitt Athletic & Convocation Center for a new era. S/L/A/M’s design entails rotating the athletic court 90 degrees and bringing the spectator bleachers closer to the gameplay. The reconfigurations will also create more practice rooms for SHU’s teams as well as add a VIP seating section, new video screens and modern light and sound systems.

The redesign aligns with changes the school is making after SHU moved from the Northeast Conference to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). S/L/A/M Collaborative aims to complete the renovations in time for next year’s basketball season.

“We’re excited to see the Pitt Center evolve and become a premiere sporting arena,” said SHU President John J. Petillo. “We are committed, more than ever, to providing our student-athletes with a competitive environment. Renovating the Pitt Center with state-of-the-art features is part of that process. It’s important we show our Pioneers we are dedicated to their success.”

Added Judy Ann Riccio, SHU’s director of athletics: “We can’t wait to see the Pitt Center transform into a dynamic athletic facility. This transformation along with a conference transition means more opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive.”

No general contractor has yet been announced for the project.

The post S/L/A/M Redesigning Sacred Heart’s Athletic Center appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

PASADENA, Texas—San Jacinto College is moving forward on its new Center for Biotechnology at the Generation Park Campus. Conceived in conjunction with McCord Development, Inc., the new facility will provide training in such areas as good manufacturing practices (GMP) in simulated environments.

Students will be able to earn an associate’s degree in applied science design in biomanufacturing technology. The program will also offer continuing education credits for post-graduates.

“The Center and the overall components of the Biotechnology program will play a vital role in meeting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the biotechnology sector,” Dr. Brenda Hellyer, chancellor of San Jacinto College, said of the center. “We are committed to equipping our students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the dynamic biopharmaceutical industry.

“Our vision is to not only meet the workforce needs of today but
also shape the future of biotechnology education and training in our region.”

Ryan McCord, president of McCord Development, said that his firm is working to ensure that San Jacinto College will continue to play a vital role in the Houston area’s life sciences programs.

“The world-renowned [National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training] program will provide quality workforce training in the pharmaceutical manufacturing space, strengthening Houston’s ability to attract and retain world-class companies in the industry,” he said.

The Center for Biotechnology will be ready for the spring term of 2025.

Additionally, San Jacinto College is also celebrating the opening of its new, 4,000-square-foot Biomanufacturing Training Program at the South Campus, home to an intense two-week training program of theory and practice.

“We are taking a significant step toward meeting the growing demands of the biotechnology sector right now,” said Dr. Christopher Wild, executive director of San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology. “This program is designed to provide a seamless entry into the field for new professionals, with a focus on practical experience and exposure to industry practices.”

The post San Jacinto College Expanding with Pair of New Facilities appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

BEVERLY, Mass.—Construction management firm Connolly Brothers has been awarded the New England chapter of the Design-Build Institute of America’s (DBIA-NE) Silver Award for its design-build work at New England Academy’s new South Shore campus, located in Marshfield, Mass.

Earlier, Connolly was selected for the 40,000-square-foot buildout at New England Academy’s North Shore campus in Beverly, Mass., built in 2014.Ìę Based on that successful project, the firm was tapped for the South Shore campus, whose campus offers laboratories, classroom space, administrative offices and a full-service gymnasium complex.

Connolly was recognized for the rapidity of its design-build model, which brought the South Shore campus from conception to completion in less than a year.

“Were it not for our confidence in Connolly’s ability to get the job done right, we would not have been so bold in pursuing an expedited timeline,” New England Academy CFO/COO John Vogus said.Ìę “Many additional students’ needs can now be met in this new educational and therapeutic setting.”

Connolly worked with such partners on the South Shore campus as electric and plumbing engineering firm BLW Engineers, structural engineers JSN Associates, civil engineer Stenbeck & Taylor, Inc., framing contractor Shawnlee Construction, framer Metro Walls and McDougall Bros. Enterprises, which provided additional site work.

“Thank you to New England Academy for once again entrusting us with your campus needs,” Jay Connolly, president of Connolly Brothers, said of his company’s work.Ìę “We value this honor and appreciate DBIA’s work in promoting the highest professional standards — ‘design build done right’ — in our field.”

Connolly Brothers previously received the Design-Build Institute of America for its work on Great Marsh Brewing Company and Harmonic Drive’s regional manufacturing headquarters.

“Connolly Brothers has been a great partner in helping New England Academy achieve its campus dreams and providing a space where our students can flourish,” added New England Academy Founder and Executive Director Dr. Ryan Plosker.

The post Connolly Brothers Wins DBIA-NE Award for Massachusetts Academy Project appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

DENVER—At the CSU Spur school at the National Western Center, the new Hord Coplan Macht-designed HYDRO Building offers students and the public interactive exhibits and other amenities to teach them about water conservation. The $85 million HYDRO Building features public art, interactive exhibitions and laboratories also focused on the important issues surrounding water use.

The design by Hord Coplan Macht features a large lobby and three levels connected via a “river eddy” staircase to a bridge on the top floor. The architects seamlessly integrated the 1930 McConnell Welders Building into the new structure, which emphasizes the importance of water sustainability especially in drier states such as Colorado. Furthermore, keeping the old McConnell Welders Building in place headed off the emissions equivalent of nearly 400 metric tons of carbon dioxide.

On the outside, the designers have incorporated a concept called “One Water,” a technique that shows, via educational materials, how interconnected the entire planet is in terms of the limited amount of water that exists.

The motif for the HYDRO Building entails a metal scrim artwork that mimics the look and flow of water itself. The building’s exterior features a textural concrete panel in a flowing pattern, while the upper levels entail gray and blue glass. The construction materials offer those inside the building the ability to see for some distance on the outside as well as for people on the outside to observe what is happening within.

The HYDRO Building emphasizes stormwater usage and other innovation techniques. A green roof encompassing 7,500 square feet will support CSU Spur research on water reuse and vegetation, while promoting habitat for local wildlife to thrive. The building’s innovative systems save over 20 percent of energy and use less water, while the exterior lighting scheme meets LEED requirements.

“We wanted the Hydro building’s design to encourage visitors to enter the building and learn about the importance of water in the West,” Jennifer Cordes, principal at Hord Coplan Macht and market sector leader for the firm’s higher education practice, said in a statement emailed to ßäßäÓ°Ôș. “We designed the building to make sure that the building stood as a beacon of sustainability within the campus by featuring thoughtfully chosen materials and environmental impact.”

SmithGroup served as associate architect on the project. JE Dunn was the project’s general contractor.

The post New HYDRO Building at CSU Highlights Water Conservation appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

SANTA ROSA, Calif.—The Tubbs Fire of 2017 wrought severe destruction to the Sonoma Valley, destroying not only vineries but also local buildings and school facilities. Cardinal Newman High School is rising from the ashes, adding a new two-story classroom that will be the school’s single largest building project since the fires. The building was designed by Quattrocchi Kwok Architects (QKA) and Bisbee Architecture + Design. Wright Contracting is overseeing construction duties for the new building.

The 24,000-square-foot complex offers an art studio, a quartet of student collaboration rooms as well as 18 classrooms, many of which will be dedicated to courses not previously offered at Cardinal Newman. Designed by QKA to be sustainable, the new building features such elements as energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems as well as low-flow plumbing fixtures.

“The opening of this classroom complex marks significant progress in Cardinal Newman’s overall facilities master plan and reveals enduring commitment by administration, faculty and the community to provide students healthy, flexible and well-equipped spaces to learn,” QKA Principal John Dybczak said of the work. “It’s been an honor to guide this collaborative effort and to see our passion for next-generation learning environments support the school’s educational vision and the healing of our community.”

“Celebrating the completion of this striking campus addition contributed to the renewed hope and excitement this school year has brought,” added Cardinal Newman President and Interim Superintendent Linda Norman said of the expansion. “We extend our gratitude to our generous and supportive donor community and to our local project partners who remained flexible amidst the backdrop of the past year—and who share our enthusiasm for seeing students regain a sense of normalcy after so many challenges. We are thrilled to watch students and faculty take full advantage of the resources this modern space provides.”

Cardinal Newman also added the North Classroom Building in 2019 and has since broken ground on a library and new Student Life Center.

The post Northern California Prep School Continues Rebound from Fires appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

LOS ANGELES—Landmark Properties has begun construction on The Standard at Los Angeles, located at 3900 S Figueroa St. only a few blocks south of the University of Southern California (USC) campus in Los Angeles. The firm will build a new, mid-rise apartment building with 1,236 beds across 429 units while renovating five existing townhomes comprising 48 beds. Landmark Construction, the in-house general contractor for Landmark Properties, is managing construction on The Standard at Los Angeles with an expected opening of August 2026. The architect on the project is HED.

“We’ve been looking for opportunities near USC for a long time and we’re excited to be able to deliver a project of this scale to the students of USC,” said Wes Rogers, President and CEO of Landmark Properties. “The location boasts remarkable access to academics, athletics and neighborhood amenities while the size of our site will allow us to deliver something truly unique to the market.”

Situated at the east side of the 160-acre Exposition Park – boasting world-class museums, educational and sport and entertainment venues such as the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and BMO Stadium – The Standard at Los Angeles will include a mix of floorplans ranging from studios to five-bedroom floorplans. Residences at The Standard at Los Angeles will be fully wired for high-speed internet. Every unit will feature luxury vinyl tile flooring, Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats, private baths and in-unit washer/dryers as well as gourmet kitchens with ample cabinet space, stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops.

The amenity package at The Standard at Los Angeles will be one of the largest by square footage in Landmark’s portfolio, including over 60,000 square feet of interior and exterior amenity space. On the rooftop, residents have access to a resort-style outdoor pool area with a sun deck, Jumbotron and outdoor grilling stations. The expansive clubhouse spaces will be anchored by the rooftop clubroom adjoining the 24-hour fitness center with an on-demand yoga/fitness studio. In addition to multiple study lounges throughout the interior space, The Standard at Los Angeles will give the students opportunity to unwind or study al fresco in an interior courtyard with various seating areas and a micro-market for grab-n-go dining convenience. Covered garage parking will also be available to residents.Ìę The project will be designed to LEED Silver standards as a part of Landmark’s overall commitment to sustainable development.

The Standard at Los Angeles is Landmark Properties’ second community in Los Angeles. The firm’s first foray into the Los Angeles market, The Mark at Los Angeles, serves the University of California Los Angeles campus.

The post Luxe New Student Housing Community Breaks Ground Near USC appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

COMPTON, Calif.—The Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees unanimously selected DLR Group to design the new Centennial High School. In a monumental decision for the district, DLR Group’s design was selected from a field of six submissions in a design competition for the new high school.

The announcement is a continuation of the relationship that DLR Group and CUSD share. Centennial High School will begin construction following the completion of Compton High School, which also features DLR Group’s design and scheduled to be completed in January 2025. The two historic projects reinforce CUSD’s commitment to provide exemplary educational facilities for its students and community.

“This signifies a continued fulfillment of the educational excellence for Compton Unified School District that we started seven years ago with Compton High School,” says DLR Group Principal and K-12 Education Leader Jesse Miller, AIA, DBIA. “These two, brand-new high schools coming online shine a light on the commitment the community and district have made so that their scholars have every opportunity to excel in the ever-changing world.”

Compton is one of the oldest and most notable incorporated cities in Los Angeles County. The district serves approximately 20,000 students in 37 schools. Centennial High School is one of three comprehensive high schools in the district and has an enrollment of approximately 1000 students.

DLR Group’s integrated design team will work with students, staff, and community stakeholder groups to design a campus that celebrates its rich history while incorporating flexible learning environments that support the district’s vision of providing an innovative educational experience.

“We’re excited to select DLR Group for the design of the new Centennial High School,” says CUSD Board President Denzell Perry. “They presented a bold, aspirational, and modern design that complements the look of the new Compton High School, while capturing the history and legacy of Centennial. This project signifies the Compton Unified Board of Trustees’ long-term vision and commitment to our district and community, creating state-of-the-art new schools that will elevate our scholars and city to all-new levels.”

The post DLR Group Tabbed for Design of New Centennial High School in Compton appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

FORT WORTH, Tex.—Fort Worth Country Day (FWCD) school, the oldest college prep institution in the city, is expanding its footprint with the addition of a nearly 33,000-square-foot lower school building, to be called the Annie Richardson Bass Lower School, which will host some 350 students in grades 1-4.

The $25 million project, due to be completed in the spring of 2025, will replace the former Lower School first constructed at the 104-acre campus in 1964. Among the scope of work for the new Lower School are a 2,000-square-foot library, commons area, two dedicated science labs, a first- and second-grade wing, third- and fourth-grade wing, as well as a dedicated playground and sports court.

Project partners include Lake|Flato Architects of San Antonio, landscaper Hocker Design as well as general contractor Linbeck of Fort Worth.

Sustainable design features will include LED lights, rainwater collection and planting of grasses and other flowers native to the region. In addition, storm shelters will exist at the new building to deal with severe weather in the tornado-prone region.

“Our new Lower School is designed to create exceptional learning environments within classrooms and communal spaces while delivering dramatic improvements for safety and efficiency,” Eric Lombardi, head of school at FWCD, said of the project. “It will have a strong connection to our campus’s amazing outdoors, while also giving our faculty and students first-class spaces to inspire the highest level of elementary-appropriate learning.”

Funding for the work came from FWCD’s “Forward Together” Comprehensive Campaign, which helped raise $31 million from the community.

The post Fort Worth Prep Commences Work on New Grade School appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.

LEXINGTON, Ky.—Contractor and architect Marrillia Design has given the Kentucky Wildcats a whole new common area at the state’s flagship university campus. Working in conjunction with Mark Arnold and Bell Engineering, Marrillia has opened up a portion of Rose Street that has been closed for nearly a decade as the school has sought to re-envision the campus’s design.

The new Alumni Commons offers a gathering space for students, faculty and visitors. The design for the commons offers water features, tables and umbrellas, gardens, and other amenities. The commons is meant to be a place for students to discuss not only coursework but also to meet and talk about their favorite shared activities. Performances are also envisioned for this unique space at the heart of the campus.

The work required refurbishing certain buildings along Rose Street, including the 1962-era Chemistry-Physics Building, which now hosts new lab spaces. A nearby parking structure has also been redesigned. Rose Street sees nearly 20,000 daily crossings via foot traffic, the university reports.

The UK Alumni Association pledged $3 million to the $9 million project in 2022. The association and other organizations ultimately agreed on the name of Alumni Commons to honor those students who have previously walked these hallowed byways.

Marrillia Design and Construction is based in Lexington, making the firm a logical choice for this uniquely homegrown project.

The post Marrillia Design Delivers New UK Commons appeared first on ßäßäÓ°Ôș.