ALLENTOWN, Pa. \u2013 The Allentown School District is taking a step into the future with the design of its new Bridgeview Academy building.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.”<\/p>\n
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Allentown School District | KCBA Architects<\/p>\n
With glass and metal construction resembling a computer circuit board, the design offers a futuristic look.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“Mindblowing,” said board member Audrey Mathison.<\/p>\n
The common spaces allow education to happen anywhere within the building, Kelly said.<\/p>\n
“We’re forging ahead, doing something very special behind those walls,” he said.<\/p>\n
Officials said the building at Lehigh and Union streets would house 875 students in grades six through 12 when completed.<\/p>\n
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Allentown School District | KCBA Architects<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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Allentown School District | KCBA Architects<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Last month, the board approved bids for the new Family Engagement and Resource Center planned for the Bridgeview Academy site.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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