Built in 1935 with subsequent additions in the 1940s, 50s and 70s, the 247,000 sf Anacostia High School was in desperate need of a complete renovation and modernization that would not only bring the school up to the highest educational standards, but would also serve to transform the school building into a simple, understated canvas for the art and lives of its students. Sorg Architects' design for the renovation of Anacostia High School meticulously restores the exterior of the original building and, using a strategy steeped in sustainable design practice, reuses the structure of the later additions to create a facility with an exterior whose appearance is in harmony with the historic proportions and details of the original building and whose interior spaces are made cohesive, simple and modern. The modernization of Anacostia High School provides the students with state-of-the-art technologies and communications capabilities, promotes a safe and positive learning environment, increases daylighting and views in the instructional spaces, substantially upgrades the cafeteria with a raised ceiling and the introduction of natural lighting, creates a new library and media center with vaulted ceilings, and provides flexible spaces for student and community gathering spaces. Anacostia High School is designed to LEED Gold standards.

Client: D.C. Office of Public Education
Facilities Management