To connect the expanded areas with the original building, an existing corridor acts as the common area to route foot traffic to the new multi-purpose room, gym, and classrooms. The area where the existing building level meets with the expansion is a split level configuration. DCI Engineers reinforced the floor systems for the occupancy change. For the existing building, DCI analyzed the existing structural framing and general building integrity; and detailed the HSS strongbacks and reinforcement framing to strengthen and tie-in the URM walls to the roof framing. The project team designed a foundation drain to the existing cellar-type boiler room to address the site's high water table. The team configured a below-grade elevator stop a few feet above the boiler room floor, with a set of stairs extending the rest of the way to access the ground level. This was a value-added design that mitigated the cost of more rock excavation and the need for an elaborate foundation drain.
