Manchester Public School, nestled in an industrial area of Cambridge, Ontario, is bordered by rail tracks, factories and a major arterial highway.  The original building from 1917 with only 3 classrooms has grown over the decades to a school with well over 300 students, with on average of about 26 employees plus dozens of volunteers.

The Waterloo District School Board commissioned Kingslandvto provide architectural services for designing an addition, executed over the course of several phases, to replace a previously built 4-classroom addition circa 1953 and a gymnasium addition constructed in 1967.  Major renovations compliment the design of a new addition as does our sensitivity to the original architectural charm and character provided throughout the existing three levels with magnificently high ceilings, and wooden floors along with the many windows in the classrooms.

The scope of work associated with this revitalization project encompasses a re-modeling of the floor plans to meet the School Board’s current functional program, accessibility requirements, building envelope and physical plant standards.   A much larger library, a gymnasium complete with change room facilities, a new administration area, new SERT office/workroom, four additional Kindergarten classrooms required for full day Kindergarten, a barrier-free elevator, barrier-free washrooms and six additional teaching spaces/classrooms were to be incorporated. In addition, modifications needed to be made to the parking area, landscaping and location of the children’s play structure.

With the gymnasium addition from 1967 removed, Kingslandvwill be able to re-establish and bring prominence to the main entrance of the original Manchester Public School building.