WalterFedy provided architectural and structural engineering services for a series of renovations at Elmira District Secondary School, including updates to the Special Education Classroom, LULA elevator installation, library, staff room, and change room.
Working with school staff and Facilities, we designed functional, accessible spaces tailored to program needs. The Special Education Classroom was upgraded with a kitchenette, sensory room, universal washroom, and two barrier-free lifts. Exterior work included replacing asphalt with a concrete, barrier-free walkway and updating parking to include accessible spaces. An in-ground garbage container was also installed. Interior renovations included converting part of the library into a classroom, relocating and upgrading the staff room with a kitchen, island, seating area, and adjacent washrooms, and constructing a new team change room with showers and full-height masonry walls for privacy.
This project involved complex renovations within an older facility not originally designed to meet modern accessibility standards. WalterFedy leveraged its extensive experience in accessibility upgrades and special education design to ensure that all renovated areas met current requirements while aligning with the school’s operational and educational goals. The entire team worked collaboratively to ensure required spaces were able to be occupied for school start and adhere to the timeline.
One of the main design challenges for this particular scope, was installing a LULA in the existing school, to serve a future weight room in the basement. It was important for this space to not interfere with other program spaces. Durable and cost effective materials were used in this renovation. The design intent was to keep as many of the existing features as possible, while still meeting the programmatic requirement from the school board.