BCPS, Walter P. Carter & Lois T. Murray Elementary/Middle School, Baltimore, MD

“Size:
152,659 SF

Highlights:
MP/FP Engineering
Feasibility Study
LEED Gold Certified”

The Walter P. Carter / Lois T. Murray project for MSA / 21st Century schools in Baltimore City combines the student populations of two existing schools and co-locates the special needs program of the Lois T. Murray School.

Walter P. Carter Elementary/Middle School was constructed in 1974. The school had floor area of approximately 75,400 SF on two levels, with a capacity of 404 students. The two co-located school programs have separate entrances, distinct but approached from a shared plaza space. The wings of the building are organized as classroom blocks that lock into a center section containing destination program elements - cafeteria, gym, media center, and community rooms.

SETTY services include MP/FP engineering design, LEED, BIM/Revit Modeling and Construction Administration towards this renovation. SETTY also provided MEP/FP Feasibility study for the Walter P. Carter Elementary School.

The project scope aimed at doubling the size of the school building to approximately 153,000 SF. The proposed program combines two previously separate school buildings – Walter P. Carter ES/MS and the elementary grade levels of Lois T. Murray Elementary – into one facility with two distinct identities.

This plan organization allows the two school programs to operate independently and to each have their own identity, enables sections of the school to operate independently of one another, and in particular will facilitate the use of the school for community purposes after school hours.

The project provides dedicated space for community organizations, including a food pantry and flexible community meeting space that was designed in a participatory charrette environment with members of the school community.