Dorothy Height ES Modernization

Project Overview

Dorothy Height Elementary School is a public elementary school located in Ward 4. In recent history it operated as a charter school, with DCPS taking over operations after the DC Public Charter School Board revoked the school’s charter in 2015. A citywide school, there is no enrollment boundary. The modernization scope will include spaces for serving students from PK3 through 5th grade.

The modernized Dorothy Height building will be roughly 86,000 square feet. The existing building is considered contributing historic academic, and as such it is expected that the historic fabric be retained and enhanced through thoughtful and contextual additions. The school will receive a full modernization to bring it in line with the DCPS educational specifications.

Throughout the building, the modernization will address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Learning, instruction, and support technology will be brought up to cutting edge standards and capacity. Classroom square footage will be expanded/right sized to create an adequate 21st century learning environment and meet the DCPS educational specification standards. The new modernized design shall allow for physical education (gym) and dinning services (cafeteria) to take place simultaneously during the school day. Finally, discovery commons spaces, small group rooms, and resource rooms will be integrated into design to accommodate special projects, collaborative work, and individual pull-out instruction. Given the site constraints, the project team shall evaluate options to expand the existing footprint, while still prioritizing the existing outdoor features: playgrounds, outdoor gardens, and parking.

The modernized facility will serve approximately 558 students. As part of the design process, the design team will work closely with the school leadership, various DCPS Central Office departments, the Dorothy Height Elementary School-specific School Improvement Team (SIT) along with the wider community to better understand community vision and the unique Dorothy Height Elementary School culture.

Project Details

Project Location: 1300 Allison Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Ward: 4
Start Date: Fall 2021
Completion Date: August 2024
DGS PM: Alex Casey
Design-Build Team: GCS Sigal + Grunley (General Contractor), Cox Graae Spack (Architect)
Project Status: Construction Year #2
DCPS Contact: Gabriella Pino-Moreno