A central core of common use spaces and administrative offices anchors this double-wing design. The core houses the Media center, Gymnasium, Multi-Purpose Room (Cafeteria and Stage) and Music, Art and Activity Rooms.

The two wings initially contained twenty classrooms, two kindergarten rooms and resource rooms, divided into separate upper and lower elementary wings to house 550 students. Expansion capabilities were planned to increase the number to 650 and three classrooms were recently added to the upper elementary wing for part of that growth.

Operable partitions are effectively used throughout the building to provide flexible use of spaces. A partition between the gymnasium and multi-purpose room opens for whole school or community programs. Partitions between pairs of classrooms allow team teaching and shared activities when opened.

Two extremes and careful siting of the building allow separate bus and auto traffic loops for safety. The two wings frame common landscape and playground areas. The pitched roof provided opportunities to vary ceiling heights and shapes within the building.

Budget
$6,000,000

Size
60,000 s.f.

Owner
Portage Public Schools

Consultants
Design/Interiors
TMP Associates
Bloomfield Hills, MI

Engineering
TMP Associates
Bloomfield Hills, MI

Construction Manager
Miller-Davis Company
Kalamazoo, MI