Hampden Academy now has a new 6,800 SF learning space on its third floor. The eight additional classrooms allow the third floor to become STEM focused, with new instructional space for math and computer programming rounding out existing science classrooms and labs. Relocated first floor math spaces provided room for new programs including a Maker Space for 3D printing, JROTC and additional special education space. This $2M project was made possible by federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding.
The design of the 2012 Hampden Academy building was done in a way to facilitate its future expansion. The existing building included structural steel, mechanical systems, and a concrete floor slab which were all originally designed to accept a future expansion to the third floor. That foresight proved important, as Hampden Academy has seen a 15.5% increase in enrollment in the past 10 years and now exceeds 800 students. Construction activities were coordinated so that the addition could be completed during the school year. The new expansion was designed to match elements of the original building, both inside and out.