Completed in January 2021, and targeting LEED Silver certification, the Northwood Middle School addition and renovation project seamlessly integrates a 48,900-sf two-story classroom addition and an 8,400-sf performing arts/storm shelter addition into the existing structure for a total of 121,420 sf completely modernized learning environment. The $38.3M project serving primarily minority, low income and military families included all new furniture and state-of-the-art technology.

The project was driven by the need to replace an aging 1950s facility with a vibrant learning environment designed to facilitate diverse learning styles and support innovative teaching methods. The final design represents the culmination of a multi-year process that combined a comprehensive facilities assessment with a community-based planning committee to help shape and inform the development of a long-range facility plan. 

In alignment with the District's new strategic vision, the school now features a variety of flexible spaces created specifically to promote collaboration and provide natural places to nurture each student’s emotional, social, and intellectual needs. At the heart of the school is a connected library media center/dining commons that fosters connections between learning, wellness, and social experiences. Adjacent and connected to this core are STEAM Labs, Maker/Art Labs, Communications Media Arts Labs, and an outdoor learning patio with planting beds for vegetable gardens. The dining commons serves as pre-function space for the new performing arts spaces and provides visibility/adjacency into the fitness center. 

Rather than closing and replacing this facility as was previously considered by the community, the District retained the neighborhood school as a “sense of place” for community activities before, during, and after school. The exterior architecture presents a completely transformed image of the neighborhood school. A curved facade gracefully bends to gather and welcome visitors and serves to protect a 250-year-old swamp white oak tree on the property. Other trees removed for demolition were milled into boards and installed throughout. The sophisticated sweeping facade and bold roofline, combined with playful windows and a colorful interior, exceeded the stakeholders’ expectations for a design that would be a visible signal this is special place where students learn and thrive for generations.