Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

New Jersey Day School Opens New Science & Entrepreneurship Building

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/08/26

Saddle River Day School (SRDS) in Saddle River, N.J., recently celebrated the grand opening of the new Dr. Kristen Walsh Hall of Science & Entrepreneurship, according to a news release. The school partnered with DIG Architecture on the 32,000 square foot facility, completed on a 17-month construction timeline in time for the beginning of the new school year. The new hall is the cornerstone of the school’s larger Building the Future Campaign.

The building includes 15 academic classrooms, four smaller instruction rooms, four science labs, and dedicated flex spaces for engineering, business education, and robotics, the news release reports. The classrooms were designed to feature flexible layouts, live terminals and tickers attached to Bloomberg, and a 12-by-6-foot video wall.

“Good school design comes down to function, adaptability and how well a space brings people together,” said DIG Architecture CEO Jeff Venezia. “At Saddle River Day School, we intentionally designed a modern STEM and business hub that respects the school’s most-historic landmark while giving students the tools they need to succeed. By deploying an intensive ‘boots-on-the-ground’ approach, we were able to pay strict attention to quality at every step and deliver this magnificent building in time for the start of the 2026-2027 academic year.”

The exterior aesthetics, including building materials and color palette, were chosen to complement existing campus buildings, including the historic North Hall. The building also includes a 3,000-square-foot open common space for student interaction and community connections, as well as a new admissions center.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wold Completes Geothermal Projects at Two Minnesota Schools

    Wold Architects & Engineers recently announced that it has completed two geothermal expansion projects for Mounds View Public Schools in Shoreview, Minn., according to a news release. The work at Highview Middle School and Irondale High School serves the district’s long-term goal of reducing energy costs and dependency on non-renewable fuel sources, as well as improving building performance.

  • Designing the Bridge Between Inclusivity and Independence in K–12 Schools

    Fostering independence is fundamental to learning and development for K–12 students. It offers many proven benefits, such as enhanced confidence, problem-solving, decision-making, and social skills. However, this foundational objective loses its impact if it’s not accessible and adaptable to all students. Inclusivity plays a critical role in cultivating independence and healthy autonomy for students, fostering positive student learning outcomes by uniting pedagogy with the physical learning environment.

  • University of Rochester to Break Ground on New Student Life Center

    The University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., recently began construction on a new Student Life building, according to a news release. The first floor will contain campus-wide gathering, program, and rehearsal space; the second floor will play home to the Greenbaum Center for Jewish Life.

  • Washington State District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Cheney School District No. 360 in Spokane County, Wash., recently announced that construction has begun on a new elementary school, according to local news. The district held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 18 in Airway Heights for the yet-to-be-named school, which is scheduled to open in fall 2027.