Additions and Alterations at Virgil I. Grisson School No. 7
Students and staff at Rochester City School District's School #7 were welcomed back into their school after two years of sharing a building with another school with a grand re-opening and ribbon-cutting event on September 26. The addition and renovation project at the school was a full building-wide upgrade to fully re-invent the school for 21st century learning. The 68,202 square feet building was originally constructed in 1966 and there have been issues over time with the existing building: outdated technology and air handling systems, poor security, circulation and inadequate space for art and music. Some primary educational programs were delivered in separate portable modular classrooms, forcing students to go outside to get to these classes in a separate building. Not a favorable situation, particularly during the harsh Rochester winters.
The primary goals to bring the facility into the 21st century included a controlled secure entry, fully renovated classrooms, new library, new stage, upgraded serving and cafeteria facilities, new roof, windows and doors. The addition portion was added to improve educational delivery, eliminate the portable classrooms, and improve circulation. All classrooms were renovated to improve team teaching, allowing for one to one laptop integration, and greatly improve acoustics. In addition, all HVAC, electrical, plumbing and security systems were replaced and new data/communications systems and full sprinkler coverage were installed. On the exterior, an outdoor reading classroom was created, along with new playfield and updated playground.