Washington Drive Elementary School Additions

The Washington Drive Primary School was closed by the Harborfields Central School District from 1984 to 2001. BBS was retained to completely renovate the building and increase its size by 150% – for use as a K-2 facility. It is a successful case study in how to effectively and adaptively re-use existing district assets to keep up with growing demand for education facilities within local communities. The newly renovated and expanded Elementary School included 28 new classrooms plus brand new library, gymnasium, and cafetorium space.

In the building’s 34-foot-high atrium, students walk across a linoleum map of Long Island with the North and South Forks at the entry door, and Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty at the Library end. Within the 2,270-SF library, the seating area – shaped like the bow of a ship – features various nautical motifs that can be found throughout the building, paying homage to the school’s location within a coastal community. All of the school’s elements utilize this concept, and have been widely embraced by the children and faculty.

Project Facts