Meigs Middle School

Pomeroy, Ohio

Firm

SSOE, Inc.

Client

Meigs Local Schools

Area

67,800 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$7,700,000

Completion Date

07/2003

Set in the rolling hills of southern Ohio, Meigs Middle School is designed to enhance the high-school campus, take advantage of the views of the valley and enhance educational opportunities.
A lodge-like character was developed for the exterior in response to its natural setting. Exterior materials were chosen for their longevity, cost-effectiveness and design-enhancing potential. Good planning and value engineering kept the project within budget, and system selections were made with a focus on long-term operating costs.
A major design component was the alignment of grade levels in the district. The sixth grade traditionally has been associated with the elementary schools. In order to ease the transition of those students, sixth-grade classrooms are set in their own wing, giving them a smaller-scale “neighborhood” within the larger building. Seventh and eighth grades are stacked in the opposite wing. Shared functions occur in the building core, which serves a dual purpose—it allows the classroom wings to be secured and the core areas, such as the gymnasium and dining spaces, to be used for community functions.