Renovation / Modernization


WMU Aviation Center Expansion Nears Completion

Upgrades to the College of Aviation at Western Michigan University’s campus in Battle Creek, Mich., are almost complete. The $20-million renovation project includes new classrooms, labs, a simulator bay, and a research center, and it takes the education aviation center from about 16,000 square feet to more than 60,000 square feet.

WIU to Open Digital Rec Center This Fall

Western Illinois University, located in Macomb, Ill., is set to debut its Digital Rec Center (DiRC) in fall 2021. The center will play home to the university’s eSports team and offer students a space for competitive gaming, console gaming, a virtual reality station, and more.

Concrete Slab Falls from UW-Madison Campus Building

A large concrete slab, part of the façade of Van Hise Hall on the campus of UW-Madison in Madison, Wis., fell three stories and crashed near the building’s entrance on Sunday. No injuries were reported.

John Muir Language Academy Rendering

San Diego Unified School District Breaks Ground on Two Modernization Projects

The San Diego Unified School District has officially begun modernization projects on two of its schools: La Jolla Elementary School and John Muir Language Academy. California builders C.W. Driver Companies broke ground on both construction projects last week.

University of Pennsylvania Biotech Commons

UPenn Library Transforms into High-Tech Hub

The University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, Pa., is in the process of revamping its outdated biomedical library into what a press release calls “an open center for cross-disciplinary learning, prototyping, and collaboration.” The university is working with Voith and Mactavish Architects LLP (VMA) to finish the renovations by June 2021 and open the building to students for the fall 2021 academic semester.

University of Minnesota boathouse

Specialty Contractors Waterproof University Boathouse Practice Tank

Two Minneapolis contracting firms recently partnered to make some long-needed repairs to the University of Minnesota’s on-campus boathouse.

Before Renovations Begin, Iowa Middle School Schedules Asbestos Abatement

The Perry School Board of Perry, Iowa, is still accepting construction bids for its $10 million renovation project of Perry Middle School. Before the renovations can begin, the school is pursuing a month-long asbestos abatement project. School Board President Kyle Baxter attributes the reluctance of contractors to submit bids to the renovation project’s tight turnaround time once that abatement is finished.

U Kentucky College of Design Shares Plans for Tobacco Warehouse Renovation

U Kentucky College of Design Shares Plans for Tobacco Warehouse Renovation

The University of Kentucky has revealed the plans for its new College of Design (CoD). The institution intends to renovate a century-old tobacco warehouse and turn it into a "vibrant and interactive learning space for design students." The design was done by Studio Gang, in collaboration with Louisville-based architect-of-record K. Norman Berry Associates (KNBA).

Byron Nelson High School. Courtesy of Perkins and Will.

Expansion and Renovation Completed at Byron Nelson HS in North Texas

The three-story, 75,000 square-foot expansion and renovation of the campus provides added capacity to a rapidly growing population in the Northwest Independent School District. The project was headed by Perkins & Will.

Man speaking in a video conference.

How to Keep COVID-19 from Negatively Impacting Learning Space Design

Here are five ways that K-12 school districts can keep their learning space design projects on track in a world where social distancing rules and shutdowns interfere with normal operations.

The 333,606-square-foot high school includes the addition of railing infill panels made by Banker Wire, a manufacturer of woven and welded wire mesh for architectural and industrial applications.

Wisconsin HS Renovation Features Wire Mesh Infill Panels

The 333,606-square-foot high school includes the addition of railing infill panels made by Banker Wire, a manufacturer of woven and welded wire mesh for architectural and industrial applications.

The new culinary lab at Downers Grove South. Each lab contains six large work stations that look like kitchen islands that faces a teacher demonstration station at the head of the class.

High School Culinary Makerspaces Draw Inspiration From TV Food Shows

Community High School District 99, located just outside of Chicago, is harnessing foodie culture to revamp culinary arts facilities at two of their high schools — Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South.

Spaces4Learning recently launched Schools In Focus, a podcast spotlighting K-12 school design, planning and management.

Introducing Schools In Focus Podcast

<em>Spaces4Learning</em> recently launched a podcast focused on K-12 school design, planning and management.

Shanghai American School library

Fostering Creativity and Collaboration

A new library transformed into a bright, energetic space to study and connect.

revitalizing historic facilities

Revitalizing Historic Facilities

Existing campus structures can be adapted to new life and new uses with a creative approach to restoring and modifying them from the ground up.

Turnkey Renovation Solutions for A+ Aesthetics

A few solutions to minimize renovation costs and support sustainablity goals.

Palo Alto High School staff envisioned a library that would feature updated technology, natural light, and a more functional, open layout with clear sightlines and improved circulation patterns.

Palo Alto High School's Library Transformation

Palo Alto High School staff envisioned a library that would feature updated technology, natural light, and a more functional, open layout with clear sightlines and improved circulation patterns.

Nebraska SD Breaks Ground on New Gym, Commons

Osceola Public Schools in Nebraska held a groundbreaking ceremony for a $7.7 million new building that will be constructed between the elementary school and high school. The 26,000-square-foot addition will include a daycare, a new kitchen facility with updated equipment, a commons area and a new gymnasium that will improve the elementary school’s PE program.

Gemini Middle School, outside of Chicago, debuted several changes as they began this school year including an expanded cafeteria with learning stairs.

Gemini Middle School Reveal New Changes, Continues Construction

Gemini Middle School unveiled new renovations as they welcomed their doors to more than 1,000 students from 6th to 8th grade. The expansion and remodeling cost $33 million and is expected to be fully completed by the end of the year.

Marist High School, a Chicago-based Catholic school, transformed a former monastery into a high-tech science wing with a planetarium.

Monastery Converted to High School Science Wing with Planetarium

Marist High School, a Chicago-based Catholic school, transformed a former monastery into a high-tech science wing with a planetarium.

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