Little Mountain Elementary School, School District of Newberry County

Awarded:

• Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, Historic Preservation Honor Award, 2013 
• Association for Learning Environments (A4LE, formerly CEFPI), Excellence in Design Honor Award, 2011

With its initial building constructed in 1909, Little Mountain Elementary required a multi-phased addition and historic renovation to create an educational facility for the modern student. Phase one included the construction of a freestanding cafeteria and kitchen, art and music classrooms, along with a four-classroom addition for elementary. A second phase required demolition of the existing kitchen and the addition of a two-story classroom building to the original 1909 two-story building. The remainder of the building constructed during the 1920’s was also restored, including the auditorium, a classroom wing, and the gymnasium — which was reclaimed after having been converted to classroom space during a previous renovation.

Our design process preserved the integrity and community connection to the original school, while creating a safe, efficient, and attractive environment through renovation and additions.