With a building of over 175 years old, Springfield PSD was looking for renovations to bring existing conditions back to its original state-of-the-art facility standards.
How do we transform an aging facility to house a modern, robust curriculum for future generations, while keeping its historic charm?
The reinvigoration of Springfield High demands a thoughtful blending of the school's rich history, embodied in its sturdy brick and limestone, with the agility of modern programs. This interweaving of tradition and progress forms the heart of our design. To achieve this, we've focused on four core principles:
- Restore Texture
- Connecting Community
- Opening views
- Crossing time
The building was designed to replace several small, aging elementary schools with one larger facility that accommodates small learning communities and future education changes through its unique modular design.
Completed in 2022, the 11,519 s.f. gymnasium replacement consisted of all new flooring and paint work, bleachers, new basketball equipment, dedicated locker rooms, and new bathrooms. Environmental branding was added to the space, featuring the school colors throughout, as well as the school logo on the exterior of the building. Renovations were also done to the lobby, adding in environmental branding and creating a welcoming space for students, staff, and the community.
The district first partnered with BLDD in 2010 to develop a comprehensive facilities assessment and improvement strategy that addressed both immediate challenges and long-term aspirations. This partnership came at a crucial time as the district implemented its “Righting the Ship” initiative, a strategic plan designed to ensure fiscal stability while maintaining educational excellence.