The District obtained through conveyance a 6.7 acre property adjoining the existing elementary school site that formerly belonged to the Army. The former Armory Building will be deconstructed and the new building erected behind the existing elementary school, which will also be deconstructed, once the new building is complete.

The New Hallowell Elementary School will be sensitive to the site’s existing contours and will minimize disturbance to the site. The new building will have one and two story portions. Visitors will enter at the main level, which will house administration and shared, public functions such as the media center, gymnasium, and cafeteria. A bridge will connect these functions to the second floor of a two-story instructional classroom building that will step down with the site, and will be oriented to take advantage of natural daylight opportunities. The School’s exterior will incorporate masonry and metal elements in a manner sensitive to the surrounding community, while giving a new presence to the site. Site improvements will include a separate bus loop and parent drop-off areas, and a new bike path.

The building and surrounding site achieved USGBC LEED® Gold Certification. The new facility will include a ground-source geothermal HVAC system, energy efficient lighting, and a high efficiency thermal envelope which will further contribute to heating and cooling energy savings. The project was awarded for an Alternative & Clean Energy Grant, which will contribute $2,000,000 to the construction of the school. EI Associates has been successfully providing Grant Writing Services to clients throughout Pennsylvania. The total awarded ACE Grant is nearly $16,000,000 in last few years.