West Haven, CT – Antinozzi Associates Architecture + Interiors announced that construction is underway on the new Washington Elementary School, located in the Village neighborhood of West Haven.
The new 61,770sf school is being constructed on the same site as the original Washington Elementary School, the oldest continuously running public elementary school in Connecticut. The former building’s historic terra cotta “Washington School” tiles will be reconfigured inside the new building, reinforcing this continuity. The new school will be clad in brick masonry, like most of West Haven’s civic buildings. Sloped standing-seam metal roof accents, inspired by the surrounding neighborhood, are designed to reinforce Washington School’s integral ties to the community.
Construction underway
The new Washington Elementary building encircles an exterior courtyard at the heart of the school. The gymnasium, cafetorium, and media center spaces all face the central courtyard, giving the school a safe outdoor place to come together with pre-K and kindergarten playscapes in the center. The gymnasium features a North-facing glass wall into the courtyard promoting indoor and outdoor physical education.
While the exterior of the building speaks to its surroundings, the interiors use a planetary theme to encourage students to “reach for the stars.” Each educational space is designed to encourage a creative and imaginative environment. Vibrant colors throughout the interior also provide a means of wayfinding for the students. Contemporary furniture, from student desks and chairs to moveable soft seating, are designed to encourage the students to learn, grow, and reach for success.
Along with the project’s architect, Antinozzi Associates Architecture + Interiors, and construction manager, Gilbane Building Company, other key design team consultants include Consulting Engineering Services, MEP/FP; D’Agostino & Associates, technology; Hygenix – Division of Pennoni, environmental; Jaffe Holden, acoustics; Langan, geotechnical/traffic; Michael Horton Associates, structural; Raymond & Raymond Associates, food service; and Stantec, civil/landscape.
Construction on the new school is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2025.
