ADDITION & ALTERATIONS TO a MIDDLE SCHOOL, union, nj

The Proposed Addition & Alterations to Central 5 - Jefferson School in Union, NJ incorporated a complete rethinking of an existing fragmented school design, which consisted of a section dating to 1910, and a section dating to the 1930’s. After evaluation, the project team decided to save and renovate the 1930’s component, while demolishing the 1910 component and replacing it with a new addition. 

The new state-of-the-art addition includes classrooms, a new central office/lobby/control area, art and music rooms, special education rooms, a 2,500 s.f. media center and a 850 s.f. computer lab.

The project also features several areas that are available for community use after hours. These area include the 5,500 s.f. gymnasium and locker facilities, a 2,500 s.f. multi-use room/cafeteria and full support kitchen, and a 4,500 s.f. auditorium with handicap accessible stage. The auditorium/stage feature professional grade lighting and sound systems.

A new elevator, which allows for handicap accessibility to all levels of the school, was located at the juncture between the existing building and new addition, adjacent to the main lobby/control area. The exterior facades of the existing building received masonry restoration and new windows throughout. The existing parking lot was expanded to sixty (60) car capacity, and a new specialized weather-protected bus drop-off area and canopies were added, along with several outdoor play areas.