Working with New Orleans-based firm Trapolin-Peer Architects, VMDO provided a detailed analysis of the existing facilities of Benjamin Franklin High School to establish a comprehensive scope of repairs, renovations, upgrades, and expansion necessary to provide state-of-the-art facilities in support of the mission and strategic plan of the School and promote educational excellence. VMDO worked alongside an engaged community to support Ben Franklin’s academic achievement and recognition at a national level. The School shares its site and some of its programs with the nearby University of New Orleans.

Trapolin-Peer and VMDO compared the current school campus to a prototype baseline facility program to establish the facility’s needs. In addition to addressing the parameters outlined in the school’s Strategic Plan, the program allows the school to adapt to changes in technology and educational pedagogy, supporting learning for decades to come. Analysis considered the conditions of the existing wayfinding and civil, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire protection systems to establish a ten-year program for repairs, renovations, and possible additions to upgrade and extend the service life of the existing facility.

Finally, a conceptual master facilities plan implemented the agreed-upon prototype baseline program within the physical limitations of the existing building and established an actionable plan to inform and guide future capital planning decisions.