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Windber Area Middle and High School

Windber Area Middle and High School
Windber Area School District

2301 Graham Avenue
Windber, Pennsylvania 15963

completed:2016

School

Capacity:899

Building Area

New Construction:31,821 SF
Renovated:98,500 SF
Total:120,650 SF

Although the Windber Area School District experienced a significant decline in student enrollment (of nearly 70%), at the same time, the aging school facility could no longer meet the educational goals of the District. McKissick Architects developed a strategy to alleviate the District's excess-outdated space by demolition, renovation, and addition. The design was a challenge amid the structure’s tight in-town location/site footprint. Nearly 50% of the original structure was demolished, allowing for site improvement. The site design reconfiguration improves the school’s access and safety, with a new bus loop separate from the automobile circulation lanes, and the addition of 112 parking spaces. The construction of the single two-story addition features pertinent areas, anchored by the Knowledge Commons. This anchor space, which adjoins the Guidance Office, the Library, Administration, Faculty Planning, Dining, and Small Group Study spaces, represents a collaborative area at the heart of the school. Other renovations include the conversion of a former locker room into an 8,300 square foot multi-lab STEM Center, and relocating the District Administration offices to one wing of the building.

Windber Area Middle and High School