Mount Pleasant Middle School/Elementary School

Livingston, New Jersey

Firm

Design Resources Group

Client

Livingston School District

Total Cost

$5,067,840

Completion Date

03/2003

The original Mount Pleasant facility was built to serve as two distinct schools. The elementary school was built in the mid-1950s, and the adjacent middle school followed soon after. A subsequent expansion in 1964 connected the two buildings. Growing enrollment and curriculum requirements resulted in a decision to expand and renovate.
As part of the expansion, the middle school wing received a new, centrally situated Informational Media Center. It can be accessed directly from the play area, rear parking area or an existing inclined lift at the main entrance. The media center contains a large translucent skylight designed to provide natural, yet diffused, lighting above the informal reading area.
The elementary school wing also received a new media center. The existing library was altered to provide the school with a much-needed additional kindergarten classroom. This new media center’s walls were bayed out to take maximum advantage of the north light and, at the same time, provide a pleasant storytelling area for the lower grades.

“Skillful control of color and light.”—2003 jury