Fremont Elementary School underwent a major transformation as part of Phase 1 of East Syracuse Minoa Central School District’s $49.8 million Capital Improvement Project. The project focused on increasing student safety and security, improving existing and providing new indoor and outdoor learning spaces, and upgrading building technologies and infrastructure.

The existing 40,000 SF building, originally designed by King + King in 1962, received a complete gut interior renovation and new 3,500 SF cafeteria/learning commons addition. The design team worked with the district to reimage the layout of this K – 5 building which included reconfiguring classrooms to include flexible learning zones, small group instruction rooms, and break out spaces across all grade levels. The main hallway of the school was transformed into a new ‘STEAM’ corridor by relocating the Band, Music, Art, Library/Media Center, and the Maker Space in close proximity to one another. The main entrance was also relocated to the center of the building, creating a new and welcoming environment for all students, staff, and visitors.

Upgrades to existing spaces also included the gymnasium, kitchen/serving area, administrative offices, and building-wide infrastructure (HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and IT) replacement throughout.