Haddonfield Public Schools – Bond Referendum

Photos by Matt Wargo

The Haddonfield Public School District, located in Camden County, NJ, delivers K-12 education to 2,700 students in four schools. The District schools occupy approximately 20 acres of land with a total of 461,400 square feet of building space.

The iconic Haddonfield Memorial High School, constructed in 1927, and the Elizabeth Haddon Elementary school, constructed in 1913, are excellent examples of colonial design and contribute to the historic Architecture of Haddonfield.

Becica Associates provided Architectural and Engineering services for the project, which included a detailed condition assessment and project formation study as part of the District’s long-range planning efforts. BA’s study prioritized facility needs to address aging infrastructure, building façade and structural deterioration, classroom air conditioning, and upgrades to educational space.

Reconstruction, renovations, and repairs were needed at the Haddonfield Memorial High School and Stadium, Central Elementary/Haddonfield Middle School, Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School, and J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School. Restoration work required careful detailing and material selection to preserve the historic character of the schools. Work generally included masonry façade restoration and complete exterior wall replacement, structural repairs, and window and roof replacement. Upgrades to heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and building automation control systems were also included. Site work consisted of replacement of underground utilities, storm drainage, sidewalks, and vehicular drop-off areas.

Pinelands Regional High School

Pinelands Regional School District, Little Egg Harbor, NJ, provides 7-12 education to 1,600 students in two schools.

The Pinelands Regional High School was constructed in 1978 during a period of rapid growth in the region. The school serves roughly 800 students in 193,000 square feet of building space with 55,400 square feet of exterior wall area.

Alerted by the telltale signs of moisture intrusion and underlying deterioration of the façade, the District retained Becica Associates to evaluate the condition of the building’s façade.  BA performed several investigations which revealed deterioration of the plaster soffits and brick masonry veneer and significant primary structural steel corrosion. Critically affected portions of the building were deemed unsafe to occupy.

As a subconsultant to Garrison Architects, Becica Associates provided design and construction phase services for work on 55,404 square feet of exterior wall and 800 square feet of concrete floor slabs and related steel beam floor framing. All exterior doors, windows, and brick veneer were replaced. New continuous air barrier cavity insulation and drainage systems were installed. Approximately 15,000 square feet of full thickness exterior wall was replaced. Remaining exterior CMU backup wall was braced or reinforced for resistance to wind pressures.

Upcycle

Photos by Ronnie Bruce Photography

Becica Associates LLC (BA) assisted MRB Properties in their efforts to transform the Grant Building, constructed in the early 1900’s as a retail establishment, into a thriving exercise and yoga studio. Amenities include a yoga and barre studio, cycling room, lite eatery and juice bar, retail area, offices, toilet rooms, showers, and changing areas.

BA provided a structural condition assessment and Architectural and Engineering Services including design for structural alterations and interior fitout for the 4800 sq. ft. facility. The electrical system was replaced and new roof top heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units were provided.

The original brick party walls were left exposed and new luxury vinyl imitation wood flooring was installed. The windows were replaced and the original tin ceiling, plaster work, and wood mouldings were restored. Existing brick party wall openings have been infilled to provide retail display areas and storage for exercise equipment. Interior lighting fixtures and custom fabricated furniture tie into the exercise cycling theme.