Renovation and expansion of North Park Community School to accommodate a new pre-K program and adapt to the evolving demographics of the North Buffalo neighborhood, where the school is found. The project aimed to attract more local students, offering a compelling alternative to private Catholic and independent schools.
The project includes a 15,000-square-foot masonry and bar joist addition featuring a cafeteria, six classrooms designed for the youngest students, and an administrative suite. The improved facilities provide ample space for the school’s full targeted enrollment.
In addition to serving its student population, North Park Community School offers a range of after-school and Saturday activities, as well as programs and services for the entire community. The school also partners with the Buffalo Zoo to offer specialized academic programming focused on life and environmental science.
Buffalo North Park Community School is positioned on a unique triangular school site, surrounded by residential properties, and eligible for the National Register as an example of a standardized school designed by the Buffalo Board of Education during a major expansion in the 1920s. The school is unusual for its primary façade projection overlooking the historic lawn area.
Given the school’s unique site, the addition was strategically placed on the service side of the existing structure. This decision enhances this façade while preserving the integrity and historic value of the primary façades.
The design thoughtfully integrates with the historic character of the existing school building, using a complementary material palette. With an intentionally humble street presence, the design features a one-and-a-half-story cafeteria with a curved curtain wall façade, which maximizes natural light and creates a modern, welcoming public entrance.
Situated next to the parking lot, the addition serves as the new public entrance for visitors to the community school. The site parking lot was reduced and reworked to accommodate not only student drop offs, but also back of house activities like delivery and waste disposal. The project included enhanced stormwater detention to meet the city standards.
Winner 2024 Buffalo Architecture Foundation's Community Award
