05/21/02

Yesterday we had another meeting of the RHS Design Team. We reviewed two new schematic designs that the architect did using the input we provided two weeks ago.

The first design showed the running track on the south side of the property running east to west, with new construction on the north side of the property. Starting from the northwest corner, there would be a parking lot, then a new gym, then the "commons" which would be attached to the 1928 addition at that point. The library would be in the space where the auditorium is now (if it is not landmarked) and the auditorium would be in the space where the girl's and boy's gyms are now (if they are not lankmarked). The old gyms would be removed along with the smoke stack. An additional structure would be added to the 1928 building to accomodate the flyloft for the new auditorium. The rest of the space inside the existing 1922 and 1928 buildings would be for classrooms and support areas. This scheme alowed for natural light in all spaces and some interesting inside and outside gathering areas for students.

The second scheme showed the running track at the north end of the property running east to west, with new construction to the south of the property. Starting in the southwest corner running west to east, there would be a parking lot, a new gym, and a covered outdoor gathering area. The "commons" would be alongside the west side of the 1922 building, attached to the building (not a good idea, would really detract from the existing facade). The auditorium would remain an auditorium, being upgraded to accomodate needed requirements. The library would be in the existing old gyms, and a new addition would be added to the 1928 addition, extending the third floor and wrapping around the existing gyms. This scheme also had lots of daylight and some interesting gathering areas outside the building, but the inside layout of the spaces was less desirable, and the areas inside for student gathering were not as nice.

We began to review these schemes as they relate to the criteria set up at the beginning of the project, and will continue to do this at our next meeting on June, 10, 2002. These schemes are preliminary, and will continue to be worked on as we go through the process.

Any question? Just email me. Thanks. Andrea Wilson