LOCATION
North Manchester, Indiana
COMPLETION
2023
SCOPE
Renovation & New Construction
Garmann Miller partnered with Manchester Community Schools to design and deliver a transformative project spanning both the junior-senior high school and elementary school in North Manchester, Indiana. The initiative included a blend of new construction and strategic renovations to enhance daily experiences for students, staff, and visitors.
At the junior-senior high school, the project centered around improving campus connectivity and modernizing key facilities. A new 24,226-square-foot dining and kitchen addition was constructed, complete with a corridor that now links the administration/junior high building to the high school. This enclosed hallway replaces the long-standing inconvenience of students walking outdoors through inclement weather to access the cafeteria. The existing cafeteria space was reimagined into a multi-media collaborative innovation lab, with an additional 1,605 square feet dedicated to the renovation. This new space serves as a hub for creativity and technology-driven learning.
The elementary school received updates to improve safety and enhance learning spaces. Two classrooms were removed to make way for a secure new main entrance and a reconfigured administrative office. The original office area was converted into a new STEM classroom, reflecting the school’s commitment to forward-thinking education.
The design process was met with a creative approach to scope and cost management. Multiple project alternatives were developed to maintain flexibility; while not all were implemented, the core vision was fully realized. One of the more technical design challenges was the creation of the long connecting corridor. Educational learning activity (ELA) spaces were strategically placed along the hallway, introducing façade variations and functional bump-outs that enrich both the interior and exterior design.
This project illustrates how smart design can overcome logistical and financial challenges to deliver spaces that are functional and enhance the educational experience.
