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Grosse Ile High School
Grosse Ile High School Originally constructed in the 1950’s, Grosse Ile High School was completely remodeled andenlarged during the 2007-2008 school year. A bond issue, successfully passed in May 2007, provided the district with $15,000,000 for district-wide improvements. Some small projects at Grosse Ile High School were funded by the sinking fund or the existing operating budget, but the majority of this project was paid for by the district’s bond. The planning for this facility involved a multi-phase approach. The original building was severely outdated, both aesthetically and functionally. The aesthetics of the building were most easily updated by creating the new addition along the existing frontage. The new addition includes new administration offices, a new main entry, an expanded instrumental and vocal music suite, a new cafeteria and new media center. The district desired to implement many sustainable elements into the facility to achieve greater financial and environmental efficiency. The design team approached the district with a plan to reorganize many of the larger spaces, allowing the public student spaces exterior wall access for maximized daylight. The building’s white roof removed heat islands and significantly reduces the heating and cooling costs incurred on a daily basis. To further increase efficiency, the facility operates on an automated building management system, uses electric lighting and controls, and has an implemented system for effective stormwater management. The building and all of the integrated systems have been fully commissioned. The existing cafeteria and media center were undersized and outdated, making the construction of a new cafeteria and media center a priority. The additions were designed with curved exterior walls featuring large spans of glass and allowing maximum natural light into these spaces. In contrast to the former building’s rectangular form and limited windows, the addition curves to form a fluid edge similar to the nearby shorelines of Lake Erie. The cafeteria addition was carefully placed to allow the existing kitchen space to serve the existing cafeteria during construction and make an efficient switch to serving students in the newly constructed area. An outdoor patio was created to allow students the option of eating outside during the warmer Spring and Fall months. The media center originally housed the stacks, workstations, group study and individual study spaces in one large room. The design incorporated the school’s wish to accommodate two classrooms simultaneously, one utilizing the computer laboratory while another uses the stack and study space. This space now has the capability for simultaneous use, with individual study spaces able to be isolated for effectiveness. Also, the expanded stack and study area, along with the lounge seating, are all modular allowing for variations that fit unique needs at the necessary time. A security option installed in the computer lab is the constant visibility of the computer monitors in the lab, allowing teachers to constantly oversee content. The new circulation desk is centrally located to provide optimum supervision for the library staff and teachers. The new administrative offices were designed to fit many of the needs expressed by the school leadership in initial planning and design sessions. The original space included a main office, counseling office, administrative offices and a staff work room. The new space, which includes the building’s new main entrance, now houses expansive reception space, three administrative offices, a space for disciplinary action, the office of the Athletic Director, a conference space, expanded storage, a sick room with restrooms and space for two medical beds, and separate male and female staff restrooms. A portion of the vacated administrative space became an expanded staff work room and a flexible instructional space. In response to the specific requests of the faculty, the guidance offices were relocated into existing space, and placed in a more quiet area of the office complex to allow enhanced privacy and confidentiality. The guidance counselors also requested a space with windows that would create a more inviting environment for the students. In addition, a shared conference space was created within the counseling department. The career center, also located within the counseling area, can now be expanded into six work stations and is adjacent to the media center. The re-use of existing space was very important to achieving all of the objectives within the proposed budget and schedule constraints. The existing cafeteria was converted into specialty classrooms, including vocational training spaces for student interested in healthcare or childcare. The existing media center was remodeled and expanded to became the new central office, now more strategically located to monitor and control the new main entrance. An important addition, in the form of a new elevator tower, was added to the second floor to help the district achieve compliance with ADA regulations. The completely remodeled gymnasium features new lockers, bleachers and flooring. The new science laboratories were bolstered significantly by the building-wide technology updates and new furnishings. The new furniture was not only added in newly constructed or renovated spaces, but was also implemented throughout the school. Core classrooms received many updates, mainly in the form of furnishings, hardware and technology. The bond issue called for new flooring, ceiling and a replacement of all of the cabinetry in every classroom. Most of the existing chalkboards were replaced with markerboards and each classroom received a new projection screen. Additional storage, as well as access to computer stations, was developed for classrooms based on a capacity of 30 students.
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