Building over a D.C. Metro tunnel challenged the Bard High School Early College project team, who transformed a former elementary school into an institution dedicated to increasing higher education access for low-income and underrepresented communities by providing a free college program.

Natasha Pollione, MCN Build project manager, said the effort required “careful site planning, stormwater management and adjustments to the geothermal well placement. Through continuous coordination with MCN, PEDC and our subcontractors, we successfully navigated any conflicts affecting the geothermal well layout, keeping the project on budget and on schedule.”

Photo by Joseph Romero, courtesy MCN Build

Built to LEED Platinum and Net Zero Energy specifications, the school boasts a solar panel-ready roof, geothermal wells and numerous other sustainable elements. Sitework includes a hardscape plaza, sidewalks, parking with EV chargers, bioretention structures and an artificial turf playing field surrounded by a running track. The design-build team’s efforts complement the architecture of the neighborhood and provide community amenities such as a basketball court and public art.

Photo by Joseph Romero, courtesy MCN Build

The new school features well-lit classrooms, collaboration areas, a black box theater, gym, auditorium, cafeteria, science labs, studio, performing art spaces and outdoor learning areas.

To adapt the existing elementary school to a high school and early college program within the original building’s footprint, designers “prioritized multifunctionality,” says Kristina Vidal, senior associate at Perkins Eastman. “Spaces were strategically designed to serve multiple purposes, maximizing efficiency while enhancing flexibility.”

The 1960s-era building was recreated as a diverse “learning landscape” with a primary focus on civic presence.
Photo by Joseph Romero, courtesy MCN Build

She continues, “Through thoughtful spatial planning and design strategies, we transformed the limitation of the existing structure into an opportunity—creating a dynamic and high-performing learning environment that supports both students and educators.”