In 2020, the Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free School District, one of the largest in New York State, embarked on an ambitious Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to optimize its facilities and better support the growing needs of its student population.
Photographer: Kim Smith Photo
As a design partner, CPL was tasked with transforming spaces at Kenmore West High School, Herbert Hoover Elementary and Thomas Edison Elementary, focused on meeting immediate needs while positioning the district for future success.
Classrooms were redesigned with flexibility and technology in mind, featuring dual touch screens, mobile charging stations and writable walls that foster collaboration and independent learning. These tech-enabled spaces also cater to varied student and teacher needs, ensuring adaptability for evolving pedagogies.
Beyond the classroom, our K-12 practice team‘s approach included vital infrastructure improvements, upgrading mechanical systems for greater energy efficiency and comfort. Window replacements maximize natural light, creating brighter, healthier learning environments, and secure, single-point of entry vestibules with intrusion-resistant glass and surveillance cameras boost safety, providing peace of mind for staff and families.
Traffic circulation was another core consideration, with redesigned transportation loops and expanded parking to streamline student drop-offs and minimize neighborhood disruption. Kenmore West received a new canopy at its main entrance for weather protection, and Hoover and Edison Elementaries added bollards and lit planters to increase visibility and protect students on sidewalks.
Design emphasizes inclusivity, with Hoover’s new wheelchair-accessible playground and sensory rooms across the district providing spaces for all students to engage and reflect, reinforcing support for diverse learners. Strategic branding also promotes district pride and unity; public spaces were infused with Kenmore-Tonawanda’s signature blue and white, whereas student-centric areas feature each school’s unique mascot and colors.
Completed as the third phase of a long-term CIP, these enhancements prioritize holistic well-being, equipping Kenmore-Tonawanda students, teachers and their communities to face tomorrow’s challenges with confidence.
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