Location:

Boca Raton, FL

Size:

70,000 GSF

490 Students

Status:

Completed 2002

Boca Raton Elementary School, originally built in 1938, was designated as one of the first schools to undergo major renovations as part of a District-wide upgrading of schools over 35 years old. The small site (only four acres) presented many design challenges to develop a program that could accommodate 490 students. Working with the City of Boca Raton and School District personnel, Song + Associates developed a 2/3-story urban design concept that incorporates all requirements of the District, City and the local community. The layout surrounded and preserved the original gymnasium building to allow community participation to obtain funds and preserve the building. Off-street parking and major egress issues presented additional design challenges which were resolved through a collaborative effort of the City of Boca Raton and the School District of Palm Beach County orchestrated by Song + Associates. Near the completion of construction the decision by the district to raze the building allowed for a play area to be added to the site.