Peabody Early Childhood Education Center

Washington, District of Columbia

Firm

R. McGhee & Associates

Client

District of Columbia Public Schools / Department of General Services

Area

38,000 sq.ft.

Total Cost

$7,000,000

Completion Date

08/2013

The George Peabody School, situated within the Capitol Hill Historic District, opened in 1880 and is listed as a D.C. historic landmark. The five-story, wood-framed brick masonry building is one of the largest schoolhouse examples of its type in the District of Columbia and occupies a prominent position facing Stanton Park.
R. McGhee & Associates provided design services for the complete rehabilitation and modernization of the Peabody School. The design focused on maximizing the efficiency of the pinwheel plan, re-installing the main hall as a gathering space, color-customizing floors for wayfinding, and coordinating exposed HVAC system elements with acoustical panels to control noise while maintaining high ceilings.
The energy-efficient light-harvesting system allowed deep clerestory lighting of the interior spaces while maintaining their historical character. A sensitively installed elevator provided ADA access and met historical requirements. New wood floors reinforce the warm interior look of classrooms.
The D.C. Historic Preservation, Commission of Fine Arts, and National Capital Planning Commission coordinated on the design with R. McGhee & Associates, which is seeking LEED Gold certification.

Additional Information

Cost per Sq Ft

$184.21

Featured in

2016 Educational Interiors Showcase

Interior category

Pre-K/Early Childhood Education

Product suppliers specified

Carpet by Milliken
Brick/Masonry by Dur-O-Wall
Ceilings by Armstrong World Industries
Ceramic Tile by Dal-Tile
Door Hardware by ASSA ABLOY
Flooring by Stone Source
Brick/Masonry by Blok-Lok
Ceilings by MBI Products
Ceramic Tile by Stone Source
Doors by Architectural Builders Hardware (ABH)
Insulation by DiversiFoam Products
Insulation by Fibrex
Elevators by Gillespie
Movable Partitions/Walls by Modernfold
Paint/Wallcoverings by Benjamin Moore
Plumbing by Kohler
Plumbing by Sloan Valve
Windows by MechoShade
Lighting & Accessories by Alera Lighting
Locks by Kaba
Auditorium/Assembly Furniture by KI
Classroom Furniture by KI
Computer Furniture by KI
Library/Media Center Furniture by KI
Lounge Furniture by KI
Multipurpose Areas Furniture by KI
Office Furniture by KI
Washroom Accessories by Bobrick
Washroom Accessories by Gamco
Washroom Fixtures by Bobrick
Washroom Fixtures by San Jamar
Washroom/Shower Partitions by Bobrick
Draperies/Blinds by MechoShade
Lockers by Republic Storage Systems
Whiteboards / Markerboards / Chalkboards by Forbo Flooring Systems
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