-
During the planning phase, community members discussed the status of Coolidge’s outdoor athletic facilities, possible upgrades, and access to the public and the neighborhood.
-
In order to maintain separation of the student populations, the building was divided vertically, with shared functions accessible via two corridors on the ground floor.
-
The distinctive copula was accurately restored using the original 1938 drawings—returning to its place of prominence as a beacon in the neighborhood.
-
The new Ida B. Wells Middle School was provided a separate entrance in a one-story addition on the south side of the site.
-
Designed on axis with a historic Lord & Burnham greenhouse, the middle school entrance leads to the shared dining commons.
-
The two service courtyards were converted into glass-topped atriums and included infill classroom additions topped with breakout areas.
-
In the auditorium, elements were returned to their 1940’s condition including restoration of metal supports for the wooden seats and plaster frieze around the stage.
-
The northern courtyard was utilized for a flexible arts commons, covered with a glass roof that filters daylight into the entire building.
-
Space recaptured from the former heating plant courtyard accommodates a large art room and flexible arts/dance commons.
-
On the ground and first floors, circulation was shifted into the arts commons, allowing space for the mass media center, broadcast studio, and practice labs.
-
The design combines traditional education spaces with extended learning spaces, providing flexibility for informal student and teacher gatherings.
-
The infilled arts and science classroom addition culminates in an open student plaza that overlooks the commons.
-
Classrooms include a variety of flexible furnishings, providing learning environments that engage students while developing them as change agents for the community.
-
In the fourth floor library, the structure of the historic cupola and roof structure were exposed, offering insight into the building’s historic construction methodologies.
-
Copyright Joseph Romeo
-
Copyright Joseph Romeo
-
Copyright Joseph Romeo
After a complete modernization and restoration, Coolidge Senior High School in Washington, DC was re-imagined for a science, math, computer technology, media, and arts focused curriculum. Built in 1940, the 318,000 sf Georgian-style school had been expanded in 1987 with the addition of a 91,400 sf sports complex—the Frank Williams Center. In addition to the high school, a new co-located middle school was added to the site. The design-build team focused on restoring the historic structure while creating educational programs for two distinct schools.
The high school remained in the northern half of the building while the new Ida B. Wells Middle School was provided a separate entrance in a 12,600 sf addition. Two exterior service courts were enclosed with soaring glass roofs to accommodate an arts commons, shared dining commons, and a variety of classrooms. Historic preservation efforts included restoration of the cupola, replacing all original windows roof tiles, recreation of a historic greenhouse, as well as interior restoration of the auditorium. The LEED Gold school incorporates sustainable features including energy efficient mechanical systems, a green roof on the addition, low VOC materials, and a stormwater management system.
Coolidge Senior High School
Category
Combined-Level School
Description
Project Location:
Washington, DC
Architecture Firm
Architecture, Incorporated and Fanning Howey
Reston, VA
www.archinc.com
facebook.com/realarchinc
linkedin.com/company/architecture-incorporated
twitter.com/realarchinc
Photography By:
Copyright Joseph Romeo
Share