SSD Northview & Ackerman

St. Louis Special School District

Northview High School, Ackerman Middle School & Neuwoehner High School

NARRATIVE
Northview High School serves students ages 14 through 21 with intellectual disabilities, mobility impairments, autism, behavioral disorders, cognitive delays, multi-symptom disorders, and emotional disturbances. Northview’s acclaimed curriculum provides its students with a personalized, traditional academic framework, while balancing it with “real world” exposure and life skills training. Because the students have a wide range of abilities, the school requires specialized learning environments that support each group’s physical, sensory, and educational needs. The new Northview offers a vibrant, bright, thoughtful environment designed specifically for the school’s student population. Common gathering spaces promote educational enrichment, personal and group interaction, and life skills training, while also inspiring independence and self-reliance.

Furniture selection was critical to ensuring a safe, functional and flexible environment. Furniture products and finishes were also selected in keeping with the organic, natural feel of the architectural design. Durable furniture and appropriate material selections that do not look institutional were also key to making the project successful.

Classroom furniture, task chairs and mobile storage units were sampled and coordinated so each school could try products before making selections. All classroom furniture was height adjustable to accommodate students of all sizes and those with mobility restrictions. Rocking chairs were added to classrooms designed for children with autism. Weighted and bolted furniture was provided in areas allocated for behavioral concerns. Large electric changing tables and lifts were provided to safely assist staff with lifting non-mobile students. Foam blocks, bean bag chairs, and intimate lounge seating were used in the school's sensory room. Modular lounge seating in commons areas provides students with hang out spaces and encourages interaction with peers.

Furniture selection and specifications were also completed for smaller renovations and additions within St. Louis Special School District, including Ackerman Middle School and Neuwoehner High School (architectural and interior design completed by others). These schools received the same care and attention regarding furniture as Northview. Separate product and finish selections, additional coordination, bid packages and installations were provided for these projects as well.

NORTHVIEW HIGH SCHOOL
Size: 100,000 SF New Construction

Cost: $29.5 M

FFE Product Cost: $755 K

Completion Date: Fall 2015

ACKERMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Size: 21,000 SF Renovation and New Construction

FFE Product Cost: $252 K

Completion Date: Fall 2015

NEUWOEHNER HIGH SCHOOL:

Size: 15,000 SF Renovation and New Construction

FFE Product Cost: $133 K

Completion Date: Fall 2015