Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary Goes Green

After a year and a half of renovations, students and faculty will be returning to an updated and green Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary School in Falls Township next week.

The total cost of the renovation was $12.9 million, and now features a fully air-conditioned building with green elements such as solar panels, energy-efficient windows, plenty of natural lighting, and water-conserving fixtures.

“The ongoing project called for a lot of flexibility on the part of our faculty and staff, as well as the students and families,” said Principal Elizabeth Aldridge. “We are all very pleased with the outcome.”

The school, celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2013, now has a completely reconfigured driveway at the entrance of Walton Drive, with a loop for cars and a second loop for buses, and a 25,625 square foot addition that houses 14 new classrooms, a library, art room, and instrumental music room.

The cafeteria was expanded and now features an inner courtyard to provide for an outdoor learning experience.

“Concrete used for the project contains recycled flyash,” said Dan Jalboot, project architect of the Philadelphia Firm Daley & Jalboot.

“The woods in the new wing are FSC certified, and the floor tile is made from 60 percent quartz,” said Jalboot.

The gymnasium also received a complete make-over complete with new wood flooring, new ceiling, and new stage curtains.

“We are excited to be able to celebrate this important milestone for our school in a renovated, environmentally friendly facility,” said Principal Aldridge of the upcoming 50^th year anniversary.