Collins Middle School | Salem, MA
Middle School Preservation
To create a central middle school within the Salem School System, the middle school program, which is currently housed in two facilities, was consolidated into one existing school, the Collins Middle School. This 150,000 square foot building, formerly a high school, was fully renovated and expanded with an 90,000 square foot addition to serve 1,100 students in grades 6 through 8.
The three-story building was completely reconfigured into a house system consisting of one grade per floor and organized in three cluster areas. The cluster areas house 100 students and contain two language and arts/social science rooms, two math/science rooms, and a cluster classroom. Located in the center of school, the existing auditorium/stage was converted into a large instructional media center which is a central component of the education program. The program also includes three science laboratories, a music area which contains a band space, choral space, and classrooms with three music practice areas. The existing outdated and undersized gymnasium and cafeteria were demolished to construct the addition which contains a new cafeteria, auditorium, faculty lounges, three art rooms, technology education rooms, home economics rooms and a full-size gymnasium with lockers. In addition to the existing classroom spaces, the renovation included new self-contained special education and administrative areas and a health clinic. A classroom wing was also added to accommodate the increased student population. One floor of the existing school was converted to office space for the school administration departments.
Renovations included all new mechanical/electrical systems, a new roof, refurbishment of classrooms, and upgrades to meet current building and handicapped-accessibility codes.
Situated on a steep, rocky 11-acre site, the major addition creates a new entrance to the school and provides a focal point for after school use. Site improvements included new planting, play areas, handicapped access, vehicular circulation, and additional parking.
This project was part of a comprehensive $39M new construction and renovation program to resolve overcrowding and inadequacies in the Salem Public School System.
Award: Design Citation, American School & University Magazine
