Modernized Instructional and Recreational Facilities
As part of Baldwinsville Central School District’s 2022 Capital Improvement Project, renovations at Durgee Junior High School focused on expanding educational opportunities while creating flexible spaces that better support students throughout the school day. The project also introduced a new Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) learning environment alongside a new competition-sized gymnasium, providing modern facilities that strengthen both academic programming and student life.
A Home for Competition and Community
The new gymnasium was relocated to the school’s former north courtyard, creating space for full-sized competition courts, expanded spectator seating, and improved circulation throughout the athletic complex. Designed to accommodate physical education classes, athletic competitions, practices, and school-wide gatherings, the facility serves as a central destination for students and the community.
A continuous band of translucent clerestory panels wraps the upper perimeter of the gym, filling the space with soft, diffused daylight.
Combined with generous ceiling heights and modern finishes, the natural lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere that enhances both athletic performance and the overall experience for players and spectators.
Expanding Hands-On Learning
One of the first spaces completed as part of the capital project was the new Family and Consumer Sciences classroom. Relocated adjacent to the school’s new kitchen and cafeteria, the redesigned space creates opportunities for expanded culinary instruction while allowing students to benefit from shared resources and closer connections to food service operations.
Designed with flexibility in mind, the classroom features multiple fully equipped residential-style kitchen stations alongside collaborative instructional space that easily supports demonstrations, group work, and traditional classroom learning.
The open layout allows instructors to transition seamlessly between lecture and hands-on activities while providing students with an environment that mirrors real-world culinary settings.
