Maplewood-Richmond Heights Senior High School, New Middle School

Maplewood, Missouri

Firm

Bond Architects, Inc.

Client

School District of Maplewood-Richmond Heights

Area

17,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$2,200,000

Maplewood-Richmond Heights Senior High School was designed in the early 1920s for 1,200 students. However, enrollment had fallen to 287 students. By consolidating the high school and moving the middle school into the freed-up space, the middle school is able to make use of the auditorium, performance gymnasium and cafeteria space. The proximity of the middle school to the high school will enable the middle school to offer advanced coursework that ties in with high school classes.
The unused south entrance was redeveloped to become the primary middle school entrance. The hub of the new middle school is the commons space, with a dramatic stairwell and large south-facing windows. It overlooks the redeveloped athletic complex. The intention was to give the middle school a sense of arrival and a distinct image that is different from the high school environment.
The reclaimed space for the new middle school was about 22,500 square feet, including an expansion to the cafeteria. The highlights of the new middle school include a commons and a classroom pod with operable walls between classrooms to facilitate large groups and team-teaching. The classroom pods include conference rooms/tutorial spaces and interactive technology in the classrooms.