Bloomington High School Fine Arts Renovation
The Fine Arts Renovation was the largest addition to Bloomington High School in 50 years culminating in an 11,000 SF addition and renovation requiring adaptable spaces for indoor band practice and classroom spaces. As the only available space on the site, the adjustment of major utilities and significant coordination was required. Despite the exciting challenges, construction was completed in 18 weeks. In addition to the unique double-sided design treatment you see in the windows, the project also included the successful implementation of complete site, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and acoustic treatment design.
- Organization: Bloomington Public Schools, District 87
- Type of Organization: Education
- Location: 1202 E Locust St, Bloomington, IL 61701
- Type of Project: Commercial Renovation and Addition
- General Contractor: Johnco Construction
- Project Size: 19,260 sq. ft.
- Unique Features: Garage door openings; acoustic ceiling, wall and glass treatments; room dividers for additional practice space; and storage for instruments. Stan Roller Acoustics has referred to this as the best divisible band room in the country.
Acoustics
As the primary location for band practice, managing sounds and acoustics was a must. Suspended ceiling treatments and wall panels absorb significant sound and reduce echo. The practice rooms and offices each have slanted windows to intentionally bounce sound down to the floors. And the heavy-weight curtains selected to retain heat in the winter and reduce heat in the summer, double as sound absorption as well.
Room Divider
The interior square footage and lines on the floor create a space where the marching band can practice their routines indoors regardless of the weather. But the large space is also easily divisible with a floor-to-ceiling divider that reduces sound to allow practices occurring on either side to not disturb the other, while having a dedicated HVAC on each side as well.
Storage
Storing large and small instruments in the same space required a unique layout. Keeping larger and heavier instruments near the front, and placing smaller lighter instruments near the back allows for better traffic flow before and after practices. The lockable spaces provide security, while the cage structure makes it easy for students to quickly see and find their instruments.
Since its inception, Bloomington Public Schools District #87 has worked with Scharnett Architects and Associates on all capital improvement projects. All projects were completed on time with minimal change orders and I could count on Paul to follow up with questions and or concerns in a very timely manner. Please keep in mind that we only had about a ten week construction cycle from start to finish and this in and of itself was a challenge. I would recommend Scharnett Architects a Associates without hesitation for your Architectural commercial needs. I would also be happy to discuss any of the projects in detail and the processes followed.
Colin Manahan