Baldwin H.S. Architecture Wins National Outstanding Design Award

The announced on Monday that its renovation of has earned a national recognition by American School & University (AS&U) magazine.

Baldwin High’s $65-million renovation was recognized with an Outstanding Design award announced in the Winter 2011 edition of AS&U’s Architectural Profile, an annual program recognizing outstanding design projects in schools and universities throughout the United States.

“The national recognition we’ve received from leading experts in architecture and sustainability further support our belief that we’ve built one of the best schools in western Pennsylvania,” said John B. Schmotzer, Baldwin-Whitehall School Board president, in a press release.

The 2011 Architectural Portfolio honorees were selected by a jury including three expert panelists: John R. Dale, a principal with Harley Ellis Devereaux in Los Angeles; Paul C. Hutton, a principal with Hutton Architecture Studio in Denver; and Christopher O’Brien, Director of Sustainability, Office of Sustainability, at American University in Washington, DC.

The jury cited the Baldwin High School renovation’s network of corridors and its enclosed courtyards lighted by large skylights which function as places for assembly while providing natural light for interior classrooms. The publication also recognized Baldwin’s incorporation of specialized labs, instruction rooms, gymnasiums, natatorium and state-of-the-art technology, including a world-class auditorium.

“Our goal with the renovation of Baldwin High School was to provide the residents of the district with a facility worthy of what the teachers do here every day,” said George L. Pry, a B-W School Board Member and a member of the renovation’s project advisory committee, in a press release. “We believe we’ve achieved a high school that advances the learning environment in every possible way but has been kind to the taxpayer.”

The renovation project was completed in 2009 at $2.8 million under its approved budget.

The renovation included demolition of most of the existing building (established in 1939) and created opportunities for new classrooms, science labs, special program areas, athletics facilities, a new library and more. HHSDR Architects & Engineers in Pittsburgh managed the project.

“The facilities available in the Baldwin-Whitehall School District make it possible for a talented, highly skilled and devoted team of educators to prepare the students in our care for successful futures,” said Dr. Randal A. Lutz, the district’s assistant superintendent for elementary education, in a press release. “As a graduate, district resident and parent in our district, I couldn’t be more proud of our facilities and our investment in the finest possible education for the children of our community.”

Lutz will .

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