Project Details:

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The Museum School of Avondale Estates, a Charter Elementary school operating within the DeKalb County School System, opened a state-of-the-art media center to students, parents, educators and community members in August 2019. The Dr. Alexandra and Dr. Anthony Webb Media and Learning Center features technology pods, a maker space, outdoor classroom and rain garden, as well as traditional library resources. 

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The Museum School was designed by architects from Lord Aeck Sargent, a Katerra Company and dedicated parents who wanted to bring an innovative education opportunity to DeKalb County. The museum-school concept is a proven model founded on research about how children learn best: through personal exploration and hands-on experience. By partnering with established learning and cultural institutions such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Fernbank Museum of Natural History and Zoo Atlanta, The Museum School of Avondale Estates claims an outstanding level of success and is recognized as a model for elementary education in Georgia.

Headley Construction provided professional services for construction of the new 4,500 square foot Media Center, as well as renovation and conversion of additional classrooms and teacher workspaces. The new Media Center is connected to an existing brick school building from the 1950s.

The project included a total renovation of the 22,000 sq ft school wings, and an elevated walkway to connect the renovated wing to the existing school building. Two separate school wing renovations required a complete gut of the existing school wings, a new roof system, a new HVAC system, asbestos abatement, new walls, new finishes, and new plumbing and electrical services and fixtures. Both renovation phases were on a tight summer schedule due to the fact that work had to be completed prior to the start of the next school year. 

Finally, with student safety and building longevity in mind, Headley Construction crews built an incredible new learning space utilizing a steel structural frame, and used an exterior wall system combining brick veneer, fiber cement panels, aluminum storefront, and exterior windows that provide students natural light for learning. The new Media Center courtyard and patio are accessible to students through an operable glass paneled garage door. 

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Services Performed:

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General Contracting, Value Engineering, Site Development, Erosion Control, Earthwork, Utilities, Asphalt Pavement, Aluminum, Landscaping, Site Concrete, Concrete Pavers, CMU and Brick Masonry, Structural + Misc. Steel, Metal Stud Trusses, Finish Carpentry, Waterproofing, Insulation, PVC Membrane Roofing, Doors + Hardware, Carpet, Educational Wall Covering, Exterior Finish Carpentry, Interior Finish Carpentry, Glazing, Exterior and Interior Painting, Wood Staining, Transparent Finishes, Interior and Exterior Furniture, Fire Extinguishers, Toilet and Bath Accessories, HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing

Photos by The Museum School + Art of Life Photography