LOCATION
DeGraff, Ohio
COMPLETION
2023
SCOPE
Addition
In August 2023, Riverside Local School District witnessed the culmination of a visionary milestone with Garmann Miller. The endeavor aimed not only to serve the healthcare needs of students and staff but also extended its arms to welcome in the broader DeGraff, Ohio, community with the Community Health & Wellness Partners Riverside School Health Center. The $2.8 million; 5,272 square-foot project also included the addition of office spaces and conference rooms for the central office staff.
Designing Beyond Boundaries
The focal point of the project was seamlessly integrating comprehensive health clinic into the school's infrastructure. The challenge lay in catering to medical needs within the school premises, especially considering the nearest healthcare facility was over 15 miles away. The design encompassed three examination rooms dedicated to serving the community, with one specifically earmarked for student use. Moreover, a separate space was allocated for behavioral health services, acknowledging the critical importance of mental health care.
Beyond healthcare concepts, the project incorporated office spaces and meeting rooms for the Pirates’ staff. This strategic inclusion aimed to foster direct accessibility, enhancing communication and efficiency within the school's administrative framework. With seven offices, two spacious conference rooms, a small meeting space, and two staff restrooms, the design addressed multifaceted requirements.
Architectural Ingenuity
The project wasn't without hurdles to overcome. Integrating the new roof extension with the existing building posed a significant challenge due to the complexity of the current roof structure. Garmann Miller's team navigated this obstacle by implementing a hybrid approach that blended membrane and standing seam metal roofing. This design strategy aligned the new building's roof with the existing structure, meeting the owner's specifications while overcoming architectural complexities.
Impact and Community Response
Including a dedicated examination room specifically for students was a testament to the project's commitment to accessibility and efficiency. By offering on-site medical care, the initiative streamlined healthcare delivery, saving valuable time for students and parents alike.
Feedback from the district and community has been overwhelmingly positive. The convenience of these added resources has garnered appreciation from the administrative and teaching staff. Simultaneously, the community has embraced the clinic and is grateful for the accessibility to immediate medical services in their town.
Riverside’s project addressed healthcare gaps, enhanced administrative efficiency and fostered community well-being. A client-first approach to design led to a transformation that transcends the boundaries of traditional school infrastructure. As Cindy Pottkotter, GM’s lead designer, aptly summarizes, “This project was about more than just designing spaces; it was about building bridges to better health and enhanced community connectivity.”