The school approached STA to design a second floor classroom build-out for their existing gymnasium building. After the schematic design review with the Polk County Fire Marshall, it was determined that the requirements to meet the life safety code would not only disrupt the first floor classrooms, but also exceed any legitimate project budget.
At the same time, the Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy (PPCA) was chartered for 9th & 10th grades with the intention to share campus spaces with the Berkley Accelerated Middle School (BAMS). This increased need for classroom spaces directed the BAMS School Board to retain STA to design a new two-story classroom building that would compliment their existing campus master plan and provide flexible 21st Century instruction spaces. The new facility includes a demonstration science lab, computer lab, a home economics classroom, and nine other general studies classrooms with shared resource rooms. A covered bus canopy is also incorporated into the design on the back (northeast) corner off the campus loop drive.
Also an outdoor central space was developed that includes an amphiteather/outdoor classroom, an activity court, enhanced campus lighting and landscaping, as well as an improved waiting area for daily student dismissals.
