Camden High School

The conditions assessment included the site’s utilities infrastructure, new topographic survey and site planning for future potential demolition and/or additions. The investigation further defined the conditions of the building envelope, with sensitivity to the historic exterior masonry, MEP, emergency power and communications/security systems evaluations, and the testing and investigation of hazardous materials. The antiquated mechanical and electrical systems at the original High School was of particular concern as it was tied to the operations of the school’s other facilities and the neighboring Forest Hill Elementary School.

The assessment report thoroughly illustrated existing conditions with photos, floor plans, and testing results, by building element/fixture type, location, size, materials, and condition rank (new, fair, end of useful life, contains HazMat, ADA compliant, etc.), as well as concepts with cost options.

Ultimately, the client decided to demolish the existing buildings and build a 270,000 sf, two-story replacement high school, which now serves 1,200 students in 9th-12th grade. Three district magnet schools were consolidated into this large campus building, creating four career learning communities: Health Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Arts, and STEAM (new); each with dedicated classrooms, learning resource centers, as well as individualized spaces specific to their respective programming:

Brimm Medical Arts–science and medical arts labs, and autistic sensory room 

Big Picture Learning Academy–entrepreneurial lab, makerspace, art room, cosmetology lab and student lounge 

Creative Arts Morgan Village Academy–music and dance studios, tv studio, textile and digital graphics labs and blackbox theater

STEAM Academy–construction technology lab, cisco lab, science engineering and robotics labs

Reverence for the original Camden High School and its iconic role in the Parkside neighborhood’s history, growth, and presence as an anchor of the city was a prominent theme within this project. Such iconic pieces as the arch from the former school’s main entrance and others were incorporated into the final design and will be on display in both the school lobby and meditation garden which will also incorporate a sculpture evocative of the community mascot. The meditation garden was developed during a workshop with Camden students. 

Common spaces, also accessible to the community, include the cafeteria, auditorium, main/ auxiliary gymnasiums, weight room, JAG classroom, ROTC classroom and daily living skills classroom.