For some students, the school building they left in June doesn’t look exactly as they left it. In the cases of students who attend Jackson Local’s Amherst and Lake Cable Elementary Schools, the buildings in fact have changed. The K-5 facilities both underwent 12,000 square feet of construction that resulted in the addition of four classrooms and a science room. In planning for the future, the design provides for the addition of up to six more classrooms.

“The staff, students and parents are amazed and pleased by the results,” said Michael D. Schwartz, Jackson’s Buildings and Grounds Supervisor. “The addition blends into the existing building, and the exterior appearance makes the entire building look new.”

Another school-related project currently in progress is the new parking lot adjacent to Jackson High School. The addition of new lots made up of approximately 1,300 parking spaces, is in preparation for the new 150,000 square foot addition to the high school that Harris/Day has been awarded. The lots equipped with new lighting will be for both faculty and students.

Harris/Day and the school district have entered into a three-year project to upgrade the existing high school. This aggressive project will include the above mentioned 150,000 square foot addition and total renovation of the 300,000 square foot existing building. The three-story, $40 million project will include classrooms, a new cafeteria, lecture hall, new band room, a rehearsal space, and administrative offices. Current enrollment is 1,800. The addition/renovation project is designed for an increase up to 2,200 students.

“The design of the high school will allow for a more functional facility that will allow major functions such as food service, athletics, and our theater arts program to utilize the new main entrance and gallleria,” said Schwartz. “This will improve the overall function and access to these major areas.”

But there’s more! H/D is currently working on school-related projects for a couple of other existing school district clients – namely Chippewa Local Schools and the Wayne County Career Center.

H/D has been hired by the Chippewa Local School District to design and build a new 9,600 square foot bus maintenance facility. “We had a great relationship with the district during the planning of their OSFC pre-K-8 building in 2003,” said Scott Shively, H/D’s Vice President of Architecture. “We’re looking forward to working with them on this and future projects.”

A district-wide study is underway for the Wayne County Career Center. The scope of the project includes:
 - evaluating the District’s possible involvement in the OSFC’s VFAP program. (Ohio School Facility Commission’s Vocational Facilities Assistance Program).
 - analyzing current building conditions – architectural, mechanical and electrical systems
 - design concept for a new telecommunications programs and building addition

Designing and building schools whether they are elementary, secondary or universities, is a very satisfying feeling. “One of the  most rewarding parts of our job,” said Shively, “is the look on the student’s (and parents) faces when they see their new school building or the changes we’ve made over the summer break.” He continued, “All the long hours are worthwhile  when you know that what you’ve designed and built is fully appreciated by the students and community.”

Harris/Day is proud and grateful for the opportunities to work with area school districts. Together, we’re all striving for excellence – in education and educational facilities.