Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Northview High School expanded over the years from its original 1961 construction to include additions in 1971 and 1998. While newer portions were in fair condition, original portions were outdated and connected by long, narrow corridors. Following a bond passage in November of 2011, the architect conducted a facility assessment and determined that the best solution would be to demolish the middle third of the 270,000 square foot building and construct a new 100,000 square foot addition. To be able to meet this goal and stay in budget, much of the older, poorly functioning areas in the center were removed and connected to the newer additions at either end of the building with an appropriately-scaled 2-story academic wing. This new addition opens onto a student commons featuring two clearly-defined entrances - one for visitors and students arriving by bus, and the other for staff and students arriving by car. Accordingly, bus, car and pedestrian circulation zones have been reorganized for safety and security. Features of the new 2-story academic addition also include offices, a districtwide copy center, kitchen and cafeteria, locker commons, science and computer labs and new classrooms with shared learning spaces. A 600-foot-long, curved glass wall connects the two existing portions of the building, enclosing the interior student concourse. The facility assessment also identified the need to replace the high school’s natatorium and make several improvements to athletic facilities. The existing pool was transformed into a new fitness center and a new 13-lane pool was designed with expanded bleacher seating, locker rooms, and a wet classroom. Other athletic improvements include renovations to the existing gymnasiums, a new athletic director’s suite, locker rooms, an aerobics studio, batting cages, restroom facilities, an indoor track and a school spirit store. These additions were completed in December of 2014.
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