Phelps High School Receives Award at CEFPI Southeast Regional Conference (04/21/09)

Fanning Howey is pleased to announce that The Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) Southeast Region honored the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School, in Washington, DC, with the 2009 Architectural Design Award for “Best in Category” for additions/renovations projects. CEFPI, the only organization whose sole mission is improving the places where children learn, has a diverse membership of over 3,700 professionals who contribute to the development of quality learning environments. The Southeast Regional Conference was held in Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia from March 29 – April 1, 2009. Phelps High School, designed by Fanning Howey, in conjunction with Bryant Mitchell Architects, reflects the highest standards in educational programming, design and construction, and sustainability. In addition to reintroducing a critically needed vocational curriculum to the district schools, the Phelps campus is itself a showcase for the design and construction trades—serving as a dynamic, multifaceted learning tool with such features as displays of masonry patterns within the construction and exposed, color-coded building systems. The curriculum incorporates both advanced technology as well as traditional, hands-on skill development, with sophisticated energy monitoring tools, a welding laboratory, the computer-aided design peripheries, and heavy equipment simulators. Preservation of the historic structure was paramount, yet the District of Columbia Public Schools also sought to build a modern campus that would serve as a standard-bearer for the school district’s ambitious rebuilding program. The original building was restored to the fullest extent possible, including the preservation of exterior brick, interior and exterior woodwork, interior slate, and terrazzo floors. The main entrance was completely refurbished, including the original dentil molding and brass lettering. Many of the original steel and wood windows were restored for use on interior walls (some windows were discovered during the construction process) or replaced with high-performance window units that complemented the original architecture. "This futuristic school marks the launch of a new era of high-tech construction instruction in the District," noted Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. "Phelps graduates can look forward to well-paying jobs that can't be outsourced and trades that can never be taken away."