Project Brief

Faced with an aging junior high facility, growing student population and strong community sentiment for saving this historic building, Escanaba Area Public Schools hired Diekema Hamann to conduct a facilities audit and feasibility study for the district's junior high facility. The result of the study was an 85-page report detailing existing conditions, renovation options, square footage, cost for two options (renovation/addition and new facility), and a recommendation to renovate/expand the existing facility. The report was presented to the school board and community.

The addition totals 40,000 square feet and creates new general classrooms, science classrooms and a new gymnasium. The renovation of the 60,000 square feet of the existing facility occurred over two phases. The west section included a new media center, technical education center, music room, art, life skills, and industrial arts areas. The east wing renovations included the offices for the administrative team, meeting rooms, updates to the auditorium and cafeteria.

This project received a 2004 Governor's Award for Historic Preservation from the State of Michigan.