Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

Meriden, Connecticut

Firm

JCJ Architecture

Client

Meriden Public Schools

Area

73,210 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$8,600,000

Completion Date

09/1998

The renovation and expansion of the Benjamin Franklin Elementary School responds to the need for additional educational space on a limited urban site. The major components include a complete interior renovation, three-story addition, replacement of all windows to change the scale and character of the building, and the addition of a pitched roof.
A pedestrian bridge crosses Sodom Brook and the surrounding wetlands to reach formerly abandoned land that now serves as a dropoff area and a ballfield. The bridge not only provides access across the brook, but also allows students a daily glimpse into an active wetlands habitat and connects two neighborhoods with a new pedestrian path. The bridge is bright red to recall a nearby landmark called the Old Red Bridge. The three-story addition takes advantage of the site slope in order to provide a lower level and space for a new cafeteria, media center, music room and art pavilion.
Bright-red exposed structure throughout the school provides a three-dimensional textbook for teachers and students as the building becomes a tool for learning.

Photographer: ©Robert Benson Photography