Bester Elementary School – New Construction

Gipe Associates, Inc. performed a feasibility study to determine whether to renovate the existing building or build a new elementary school.

The feasibility study focused on the relative merits of building a new facility on site versus modernizing the existing facility. The study looked at how each option would meet or compromise the needs of the education program as well as the estimated cost of each option. The study took into account that the original 1930 building resides in the Hagerstown Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been designated by the Maryland Historical Trust as worthy of preservation.

It was determined that a new building would be most feasible.  Gipe Associates provided design for the MEP systems for the new 71,670sf school.  The Bester Elementary School is heated and cooled via a geothermal water source heat pump system of 96 boreholes with 173 ton capacity.

The facility strengthened the overall instructional program by incorporating technology needed for student engagement and academic success. Technological enhancements included interactive white boards, laptop computers, internet access, and document cameras in each classroom for student use.

Project Type: K-12,