![]() |
Students gather at the entrance to the new high school, which incorporates both new construction (above) and adaptive reuse of three vacant buildings. |
The story of the Trenton Daylight/Twilight High School is one of renewal and rebirth—both of the classic buildings that symbolize the city's past and the youth that represent its future.
The $39 million, 101,000-sf urban infill project locates the high school—which serves recent dropouts and students who are at risk of dropping out—within three existing vacant buildings. Twin, five-story structures that date to the early 20th century serve as bookends for the new campus, which also takes in a new three-story building and an open plaza in a secured courtyard.
The Building Team, led by general contractor Joseph Jingoli & Son and architect USA Architects, had to deal with existing buildings found to be structurally unstable and “squeezing” mechanical systems into the historic buildings. Working closely with the city and residents led to the inclusion of amenities like a 9,000-sf community room. The project also achieved a high level of community participation: 56% of construction dollars were awarded to minority- and women-owned companies, small business enterprises, or local companies.
“This high school project is very impressive,” said Walker C. Johnson, FAIA, principal with Johnson Lasky Architects, Chicago, and honorary chair of BD+C's Reconstruction Awards judging panel. “With Trenton being in a severely disadvantaged part of the country, the strong emphasis on high school education and rehabilitation of community buildings is extremely valuable.” —Dave Barista, Managing Editor
Related Stories
K-12 Schools | Feb 8, 2017
'Fabrication Hall' introduces Wyoming high school students to career paths
The hall offers bountiful natural light with enough space to build large-scale projects.
Architects | Jan 19, 2017
Harley Ellis Devereaux merges with Deems Lewis McKinley
The combination is expected to bolster HED’s presence in northern California and the K-12 sector.
K-12 Schools | Dec 14, 2016
Expanding possibilities for America's K-12 schools
Bigger buildings, more outdoor space, and greater involvement from the private sector are among the trends marking the new generation of schools.
K-12 Schools | Dec 12, 2016
Building a nation of super schools
AEC teams are being asked to design and build schools with enough flexibility to adapt to changing pedagogies.
School Construction | Oct 23, 2016
As construction rebounds, education sector spending flattens
Post-recession slump suggests a settling in at a “normal” level similar to the mid aughts.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
Novel construction approach speeds K-12 school projects
The Folia system uses pre-engineered components to deliver school buildings at 20% less cost.
Great Solutions | Aug 23, 2016
11 great solutions for the commercial construction market
A roll-up emergency department, next-gen telemedicine center, and biophilic cooling pods are among the AEC industry’s clever ideas and novel innovations for 2016.
K-12 Schools | Aug 4, 2016
First Look: New Sandy Hook Elementary School blends safety and nature
The new Sandy Hook Elementary School has been carefully designed with state-of-the-art safety measures to keep students safe.
| Aug 1, 2016
K-12 SCHOOL GIANTS: In a new era of K-12 education, flexibility is crucial to design
Space flexibility is critical to classroom design. Spaces have to be adaptable, even allowing for drastic changes such as a doubling of classroom size.
| Aug 1, 2016
Top 80 K-12 School Construction Firms
Gilbane, Balfour Beatty, and Core Construction head Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest K-12 school sector construction and construction management firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.