Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School is undergoing a $46.4 million transformation that includes the renovation of the auditorium and performing arts building and the construction of a new gymnasium, natatorium, cyber cafe, media center and 65 teaching stations that can accommodate up to 1,500 students. The majority of the existing structure will be demolished once students relocate to the new facility.
The school's new commons area, which includes a cafeteria and small auditorium, faces Larned and McDougall, where it is visible from Jefferson Ave. "Its anchors the corner of this exceptional site," says Jennifer Mrozowski, a spokesperson for Detroit Public Schools. The facade includes 1,000 square feet glass panels that are situated to best capture natural light -- a contributing factor to the school's anticipated LEED Gold-certification.
Jenkins/Granger, a 49 percent Detroit-headquartered firm, is the design/builder for the MLK project, and TMP Architecture is the architect of record. Construction began in the summer of 2010 and will be complete by fall of 2011.
The project is funded by Proposal S, which enables DPS to access $500 million in federal money for school
capital improvement projects. Seven new schools will be built, six will
be renovated and the entire district will see technology and security
upgrades. All work must be complete by fall 2012 to comply with federal
guidelines. "We made a promise to voters to do these projects on time and efficiently," says Mrozowski. For more information go
here.
Source: Jennifer Mrozowski, Detroit Public Schools office of communications
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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