The School District of Philadelphia’s (SDP) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) identified the need to upgrade and replace critical building systems at Ethan Allen Elementary School. As a result of the initiative, an addition will consist of thirteen (13) classrooms and a gymnasium, a connecting corridor to the existing building, cafeteria, and kitchen renovation. It will also include other support spaces, such as storage, IT and janitorial closets, a strategically-placed elevator to improve building circulation, stair exits, an accessible exterior ramp, staff restrooms; and gym office, equipment and mechanical/electrical rooms.
The proposed design will incorporate a blended brick to complement the existing masonry façade while also portraying a more contemporary visual aesthetic. Renovations to the building will also require building envelope expertise to repair and restore the decorative Art Deco terra cotta tile. The Elementary School is a 3-story building constructed in 1920. Therefore, facade remediation, as well as removing the existing roof and drains, and assessing conditions on the auditorium roof will be addressed.