The Pine River-Backus High School Office Remodeling project, located in Pine River, MN, focused on a more identifiable and welcoming high school entry, renovated high school offices, and updates to the hallways. The work for the project addressed three key factors for the school: ongoing maintenance, accessibility, and safety & security.
A new high school entry canopy and high school office addition provides a distinguishable entry but also remains fitting with the existing school. Both passive and active features allowed for better security at the high school entry. Vestibule glazing now provides visual access to all who enter and exit the building, which also makes the entry much more inviting and friendly.
Issues such as hallway floor cracks were fixed and the flooring material was changed to linoleum to prevent further cracking problems. In doing so, there was the opportunity to highlight the school colors. School identity was further displayed in the main entry with the school logo.
The changes made to the office plan eliminated ADA issues throughout the space, providing an efficient and accessible high school office.
Though the overall scope of the project was relatively small, the impact was far reaching. It changed the way students, staff, and visitors interact and experience their everyday environment to work, learn, and play.
