St. James Lutheran School
The first phase of the St. James Lutheran Conceptual Master Plan began with a dramatic transformation of the historic School building. The design features a carefully placed, ambitious new rooftop addition, taking inspiration from the existing building rhythm and materiality. The main addition features new daylit STEAM classrooms, restrooms, office space, and locker rooms and concession spaces to support the adjacent 4th floor gymnasium.
An additional major intervention expands the gym with a new mezzanine viewing platform for sporting event fans to watch from above, an experience not previously possible in its existing condition. Both of these additions required careful analysis of the existing structure, safety, and egress while maintaining the original character of the building.
The design also added a new secure entrance vestibule with better visibility and temperature control, addressed repairs and renovations to existing restrooms, and replaced existing windows with historically-appropriate, efficient, and secure glazing. All of these new and renovated spaces serve as incubators for creativity, learning, and collective celebration, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose that echoes the values of the St. James Lutheran School.