ALLENTOWN, Pa. – The Allentown School District is taking a step into the future with the design of its new Bridgeview Academy building.
“We want the building to glow and literally be a billboard for innovation. Driving up and down Union Street, people should say, ‘Whoa, what’s going on in there?'” said Michael Kelly, principal and president of KCBA Architects.
Renovation plans for Bridgeview Academy of Health, Science, Innovation and Technology were presented Thursday during the district’s finance committee meeting. The project includes a large gymnasium and an academic addition connected to the existing building by a “collaboration commons.”
Allentown School District | KCBA Architects
With glass and metal construction resembling a computer circuit board, the design offers a futuristic look.
“Wow. I feel like this is futuristic. I feel like this is a building that says it’s going to prepare our students for the future. I love every part of this,” said board President Andrene Brown-Nowell.
“Mindblowing,” said board member Audrey Mathison.
The common spaces allow education to happen anywhere within the building, Kelly said.
“We’re forging ahead, doing something very special behind those walls,” he said.
Officials said the building at Lehigh and Union streets would house 875 students in grades six through 12 when completed.
Allentown School District | KCBA Architects
The plan includes a new academic addition, community and collaboration spaces, upgraded building systems and a comprehensive renovation of existing instructional areas to support STEM, arts and career-focused learning environments. It also outlines the conceptual design, project scope, proposed phasing, timeline and an estimated total project budget of approximately $53 million.
Planned improvements will enable the district to expand educational opportunities for students in grades six through 12, with a focus on innovation, technology and allied health programming, while addressing critical space needs. Key features include a multipurpose center serving as both a gymnasium and auditorium, along with expanded food service facilities, including a modern cafeteria and a commercial-grade kitchen.
Allentown School District | KCBA Architects
Bridgeview Academy was formerly known as Building 21 High School and was renamed in the spring following a collaborative, community-centered process involving students, staff, families and the community.
The theme-based high school offers academic pathways in artificial intelligence, allied health and computer science, which are high-demand fields shaping the future of work and innovation, according to the district’s website.
Last month, the board approved bids for the new Family Engagement and Resource Center planned for the Bridgeview Academy site.
CMG of Easton will serve as general contractor with a bid of about $8.5 million; Albarell Electric submitted a bid of approximately $1.187 million for electrical construction services; and JBM Mechanical Inc. of Nazareth will provide plumbing construction services for $516,000 and mechanical construction services for $1.187 million. Combined, the bids came in $1.7 million below initial estimates.
As a districtwide “front door” to students, families and the community, the center would facilitate registration for and access to a variety of services.
The center would offer a variety of programs, including enrollment and registration services, a family and community hub for mental and physical health, workforce development, ESL classes, and family and social services, along with flexible programming through multiple meeting spaces.
The 13,750-square-foot building will be partially funded by a $522,205 Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority competitive community grant.
Officials said construction for the Bridgeview Academy additions and renovations will begin after completion of the Family Engagement and Resource Center, expected in late 2026.