The Pelham Union Free School District held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 21, 2019 marking the beginning of construction for the replacement Hutchinson Elementary School. Following a two-year planning process that explored options for renovation vs. replacement, the District and the community elected to develop a next generation elementary school.
The design solution is a balance between a contemporary and traditional approach that creates a modern and progressive learning environment while allowing the new building to fit into the neighborhood and the aesthetic of the older buildings in the community. The 68,0000sf community school will have a central learning commons and MakerSpace surrounded by two floors of flexible classroom space with break out “front porch” space and adjacent small collaboration “pods” that extend learning and collaboration beyond the classroom.
The learning commons, gym and cafeteria are configured together in order to allow for community access after school hours and during the summer without compromising the security of the classroom areas. A single main entry located at the circulation loop and adjacent to the main office will have a secure vestibule and a dedicated security booth.
Outdoor spaces include a kindergarten play area, student garden and outdoor dining and gathering space. Following the construction of the new elementary school, athletic fields and a play space will be completed on the site of the former elementary school.
The building has also been designed to LEED Silver Standards and will utilize natural light, LED lighting, a green roof and efficient water and heating systems.
“KG+D is proud to partner with the Pelham Union Free School District to fulfill the promise made to the community,” said Russell Davidson, FAIA President of KG+D Architects, “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to collaborate on the development of a 21st Century building in a District committed to 21st Century learning.”
The work immediately commencing will include necessary site work which will continue into the fall of 2019 with construction of the building itself anticipated in winter 2019-20 with targeted completion and opening for September 2022.