Albert Harris Intermediate School
Martinsville City Public Schools
Martinsville, Virginia
Spectrum Design developed a program for this 750-student intermediate school (3rd-5th grade) for the City of Martinsville. Built originally in the 1920’s, The Albert Harris School was formally the African-American high school for Martinsville. In conjunction with the administrative staff the project’s goals were defined and realized by the design approach. Input from the staff, the City, and the community was extensive in developing the program for the planned renovation. The goal to create a first-rate intermediate school that would provide a cost-effective solution to the desired increase in square footage while embracing the African-American heritage of the community.
To accomplish the design objectives, the administration, kitchen/cafeteria, media center were all relocated to the core of the facility. The classroom wings were organized into neighborhoods for each of the three grade levels. These three neighborhoods contain workrooms, guidance, individual instruction areas, science labs, computer labs, toilets and storage. Site issues were addressed by separating the parent drop-off from the school bus areas. The school has become an excellent example of renovating an old building into a bright, welcoming center for education and opportunity.