Judith A. Resnik Community Learning Center, Media Room

Akron, Ohio

Firm

Hasenstab Architects, Inc.

Client

Akron Public Schools

Area

53,405 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$7,400,000

Completion Date

12/2006

This 53,000-square-foot elementary school and dual-use community center includes 22 classrooms, a gymnasium, stage, cafeteria, and art, media and music rooms to accommodate 350 students. The new single-story structure replaces and emulates a Colonial Revival school circa 1929 and fits the scale of a current residential vernacular.
The building facade consists of a red brick veneer and white, double-hung windows. To reflect the style of the original school, round-top windows were used above each classroom, along with a gabled roof, arched main entrance and rounded, glass-block windows.
As students and visitors enter the school, the vibrant colors of the media room are visible through large glass windows. Maple bookshelves add to the warmth and inviting nature of the space, and a fun arch of colorful carpet insets directs the students into the media room.
The media room is designed to accommodate groups of students for
storytelling and research. The rear media wall provides a vivid backdrop for books and stuffed-toy characters on display. Stained maple furnishings enhance the room with warmth and a classic residential feel.