Francis A March Elementary School

429, Reeder Street, Easton, PA, United States

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Francis A March Elementary School

429, Reeder Street, Easton, PA, United States

Firm

Architecture FURST PC

Type

Educational › Elementary School

YEAR

2009

SIZE

25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft

BUDGET

$10M - 50M

The Francis A. March Elementary School, a neighborhood school on
College Hill near LafayetteCollege was first built
in 1913 and expanded once in 1927. In
the age of demolish and replace, the Board of Directors decided to maintain
this grand, old historic building. It will undergo a complete renovation, which
includes a new 3-story addition. Over $1.2 M of masonry restoration work will
return the exterior of the building to its original splendor. New windows,
doors and other exterior refinement will enhance the site and improve the
building security and safety of the student playground. The new addition will contain
an elevator, art room, 2 classrooms and a new modern food preparation kitchen.
The school,
eligible for the National Historic Register, required extensive masonry repairs
including complete removal and replacement of the brick parapets, cleaning and
resetting limestone trim and repointing all brick joints. New energy efficient
windows in the style of the original windows will retain the architectural
design of the early 20th century.
The interior of the building will undergo a complete face lift
and replacement of all mechanical, electrical and fire protection systems. New
student toilet rooms, ADA
accessibility and modernizing of the educational spaces will not compromise the
original woodwork or character of the school which has seen generations pass
through its doors. All hardwood floors will be refinished and new whiteboards
will be inserted into existing chalkboard frames.
Although not
officially a LEED Certified building, the building will be provided
air-conditioning and other “green’ Building features that will lower operating
costs and follow the same guidelines. The District elected to follow the
recommendations of the Design Team and implement a Construction Waste
management Plan. Therefore, all construction debris and waste will be separated
and collected by a LEED certified waste contractor. When reopened in 2009, the
400 student school will be unique to the District by the fact that it will not
only remain its oldest building 95 years but also one of its most technically
advanced and environmentally friendly.