CONTACT:
Kenneth Diggs (DGS) 202.580.9361; [email protected]
Darrell S. Pressley (DGS) 202.698.7703; 202-997-9017; [email protected]

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray today unveiled the stunning architectural design for the new Ballou Senior High School set to open in August 2014. Mayor Gray was joined by Ward 8 Councilmember Marion Barry, City Administrator Allen Y. Lew, Deputy Mayor for Education De’Shawn Wright, and Department of General Services (DGS) Director Brian J. Hanlon at the community celebration at the Ward 8 school.

“From the classroom technology and state-of-the-art band room to the parent resource center, childcare center and a health/dental center, the new Ballou will exemplify how a high-tech high school can provide learning and health and family services for an entire community,” Mayor Gray said.

Ballou’s modernization will feature energy-efficient mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems which will help to reduce energy consumption. The facility will also feature daylight and rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and photovoltaic panels to generate electricity. Classroom technology upgrades will include data projectors, classroom sound enhancement systems, and computer labs and flexible learning spaces. In addition, the school will be ADA-accessible and achieve a LEED for Schools Silver rating.

“The design for the new Ballou High School exemplifies the type of learning environment that we want for every student in the District,” said De'Shawn Wright, Deputy Mayor for Education. “It truly reflects the city’s commitment to ensuring that we provide all our students with the tools and resources they need to become successful young adults.”

Upon completion of Phase 1 (July 2014) and Phase 2 (January 2015) of the modernization, the new Ballou will serve 1,400 daytime students and up to 900 part-time evening students.

“The design for the new Ballou High School will serve as a national model on how to use technology to support learning in the classroom, in energy and sustainability systems, and teach the next generation how it can protect the environment now and for generations to come,” said Brian J. Hanlon, DGS Director.
Ballou Senior High School design features set for the 2014 school opening include:

• Thirty-seven classroom spaces, 13 science and bio-technology labs, 15 classrooms for specialized education, multiple group activity learning spaces.
• Six dedicated spaces for the visual and performing arts; a greenhouse; an exhibition-style teaching kitchen with classroom space; a state-of-the-art auto-tech lab complete with lifts, paint booth, and classrooms; computer labs; and numerous specialized spaces to support the school’s various student programs.
• A new athletics wing complete with a competition basketball gym that features an indoor running track, and a an auxiliary gym to provide additional recreation space.
• An eight-lane, 25-yard competition swimming pool; a fitness center with new state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and health classrooms. This space will overlook the new football stadium and auxiliary field which will be completed in Phase 2. The auxiliary field will provide an additional venue for multiple sports as well as simultaneous outdoor band practice space.
• The auditorium will feature state-of-the-art design elements aimed at enhancing both the students’ and community’s experience. This will be one of the largest assembly spaces in Southeast Washington.7
• A new cafeteria central gathering space with exciting views of the new spacious courtyard. The two-story cafeteria will have abundant natural light provided by floor-to-ceiling windows.
• A media center/library with high-tech features and abundant natural light.
• Other spaces include a band room with sound reinforcement and recording capabilities, media production lab and studio, a parent resource center, a childcare center and a health/dental center.

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