As part of a $16 million bond referendum, Gruzen Samton • IBI Group provided design services for the restoration of all schools in the Babylon Union Free School District. Work completed under this initiative involved three educational facilities and included both renovations and additions to these structures. For the project team, this complicated initiative represented a simultaneous, district wide effort to design and construct multiple projects. In addition to extensive building infrastructure and system upgrades, these complex projects involved extensive internal renovations to accommodate curriculum and program changes. Construction on all projects was carefully phased and scheduled to allow for continuous use of the respective facilities. The design team carefully monitored the estimated cost throughout all design phases, allowing for all projects to be completed on budget and within a tight schedule. All three buildings in the district benefited from the upgrade of their exterior envelopes and mechanical infrastructure. Similarly, renovations maximized energy use for the facilities. Our team of designers considered available resources and analyzed the Babylon school district`s existing grade school. They developed solutions for improved ways to utilize existing (limited) resources, as well as for producing more efficiently organized spaces in the school facility. In order to deliver facilities reflecting current technologies and contemporary teaching philosophies, Gruzen Samton • IBI Group reorganized the existing program in order to deliver a large library with appropriate support spaces. We created computer and music classrooms where the earlier library, a cramped and technologically ill-equipped facility, had previously stood. A learning center for specialized, small group instruction is now a reality because team members conceived of a way to convert two existing, underutilized classrooms. We also renovated the lobby entry, created a new art room, expanded and renovated multiple administrative offices, and transformed the cafeteria into a multifunctional food service, assembly and performance room. Babylon Memorial Grade School • extensive, 5,000 sf interior renovation • state-of-the-art media center • renovated cafeteria • mechanical infrastructure upgrades • exterior envelope modernization • increased energy efficiency
