Elgin Academy Rider Media, Science & Fine Arts Center

In an effort to create a “campus hub” that could benefit all students, Elgin Academy created a state-of-the-art, multi-disciplinary facility. The four-story building houses math, science, music and art classrooms, a television studio, a student commons, a technology-driven library and media center, and a 300-seat theater and performing arts space. Construction required a 28-foot grade change across the site and the implementation of several environmentally-friendly techniques, including recycling 75 percent of construction waste, which led to a LEED Gold certification. The unifying nature of the space promotes a collaborative and creative learning atmosphere, encouraging students to work together to solve problems in innovative ways.