Drew Elementary is an existing three-story historic school building in the Bywater District of New Orleans. The 65,000 square foot building went through a full renovation, reusing as much of the existing historic fabric as possible including structure, exterior and corridor walls, windows and doors, trim, floors, and plaster ceilings. All MEP systems were replaced, and the building was equipped with a fully automated sprinkler system. All finishes were also upgraded.
In addition to the rehabilitation of the existing school, three small additions totaling 5,000 square feet were constructed: two restroom towers tying into the east and west wings, and a library reading room facing the courtyard. Two new egress stairs were incorporated into the east and west wings to allow for code compliance.
Site work included a new courtyard play area, new covered walkways to provide protection from the elements, and two ADA ramps to provide for accessibility.
Blitch Knevel successfully prepared Part I, Part II and Part III for National Park Service (NPS) and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to gain Historic Tax Credits for Drew Elementary.