Summary

• Architect: Tower Pinkster Titus Associates
• Completion: August 2006
• Function: Public Elementary School
• Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan
• Size: 67,607 sq. ft.

Project Details

The elementary school to replace Henry Paideia Academy was the first of GRPS’ 2004 Building Improvement Plan projects to break ground. The new three-story school was situated on the same site as the former Henry Paideia Academy and presented a daily challenge to ensure the safety of the students and community. The biggest hurdle of the project was the tight site which did not allow for storage or lay-down space. Tight schedule coordination and pre-planning was necessary to arrange on-time delivery of materials. Rockford also carefully planned for egress of pedestrians, buses, and traffic around the school. Once the 2005-2006 school year was complete, Rockford demolished the old Henry Paideia Academy and finished the site work for the new playground and parking lot.

Before and during the project, Rockford undertook a neighborhood communication program to help educate those near the project on its milestones, including forums held at the churches adjacent to the school. Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Academy features a rooftop salad garden, a regulation size gym, and community rooms. This community school brings new heart to the Henry Street neighborhood.

“The Rockford Team is very polite and courteous. They are always willing to help you in any way imaginable. The Rockford Team is at your service where you need them. Thank you all for a wonderful working relationship we have constructed here.”

Jerry F. McComb | Principal | MLK Jr. Leadership Academy