North Colonie is undergoing a $106 million capital project that will create new and flexible learning spaces for hands-on, project-based learning in STEAM. Additional classroom spaces will address continued enrollment growth and security upgrades will strengthen safety at each school.
We have been loyal customers of CSArch since its organization in the early 1990s. In fact, we were their first public school client and have maintained a very strong working relationship since then."
Shaker Middle School Addition
A new two-story classroom addition was constructed at Shaker Middle School to accomodate grades 6-8. Each hall was purposefully assigned a unique color scheme with general classrooms, science classrooms, and innovation labs to establish familiarity and manage increasing student enrollment.
Elementary Classrooms
Elementary classrooms encourage creativity, independent thinking, and physical and emotional safety. Kindergarten classrooms feature designated areas for peer interaction and lessons, with colors used to promote visual connectivity and delineate meeting areas.
Cafeteria Addition
A new cafeteria at the middle school will accommodate increasing student enrollment and features flexible furniture options intended for socialization. A new servery line with updated equipment and appliances will alleviate congestion and improve flow between spaces.
Library Media Center
A gut renovation of the library media center at Shaker Middle School added substantial shelving space, flexible furniture and comfortable seating, as well as much-needed ceiling and carpet replacements.
Athletic Improvements
The new turf field allows for use by various sporting programs. The use of synthetic turf acts as a natural shock absorber to create a safe and stable surface for athletes and increase savings on maintenance costs. A new concession building separates the field from the 8 new tennis courts, consolidating the athletic complex to improve space utilization.
Rock Climbing Wall
A 24-foot rock climbing wall offers five climbing routes of varying difficulty that can be used at the same time. The climbing wall uses a belay system that provides built-in safety measures to automatically lower students to the ground.
Project Scope
Studies concluded that the district's enrollment will increase by more than 900 students over the next decade. Additions and renovations at the elementary schools and the conversion of Shaker Junior High School into a 6-8 middle school will accommodate the increase.
The project includes: a new athletic field, expansion of the library/media centers, multi-use labs, and project-based learning classrooms at all elementary schools. At Shaker Junior High School, the project will construct a new hall for grades 6-8, create additional technology, music, and art classrooms, expand the cafeteria, renovate the auditorium, and move student services to the front of the building.
Location
Latham, New York
Size
211,000 SF
Estimated Completion Date
2022
Program
Athletic Fields, Academic Classrooms, Library Media Center, Science Labs, Fine Arts Classrooms, Cafeteria, Auditorium, Safety and Infrastructure