RIDGEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, RIDGEWOOD, NJ

a. Project Description: Demographic projections and an obsolete group of buildings, some of which are almost 100 years old, created the need for the “High School of the Twenty-First Century” in the words of the owner. After a careful feasibility study with various alternatives, the present program was decided on. Major elements include a new multipurpose campus center with seating for 800, a three-story laboratory and classroom building, and a new gym complex. Various renovations to the existing buildings were also planned.

b. Special Challenges: Across 100 years of architectural design, the existing building consisted of a great variety of forms and materials. The new design ties together the existing disparate forms, which vary from Romanesque to contemporary. The community architectural preservation groups are very pleased with the new project. Also, the very tight site required careful planning in order to fit in the expansion and various new needs. Entrances on the existing rambling complex were difficult to discern, so several new entrance areas are provided, with landscape design celebrating their importance.

c. Project Facts:

1) Location: Village of Ridgewood, NJ
2) Occupancy: August 2000 through August 2001, phased
3) Grade Levels: Nine through twelve
4) Site: The mostly built-up site required demolishing two obsolete existing buildings.
5) Gross Area:
Additions: 75,000 square feet
Renovations: 20,000 square feet
6) Construction Cost: $17,300,000
7) Total Project Cost: $18,900,000
8) General: The project was under budget and on schedule. The entire community is pleased with the project.

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