PS 32Q, The State Street School, is a SHPO-recognized historic building originally designed by William H. Gompert in 1925. To alleviate overcrowding, Velocity was engaged to design and provide construction administration services for a 46,000 SF building addition. The scope of work included a comprehensive analysis of existing floor plans to repurpose interior areas, as well as the design of a new addition that minimized impacts to the site’s open space while complementing the architectural character of the historic structure. Our team prepared and secured approvals from the New York State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO).
The project was delivered through close coordination between our architectural staff, in-house MEP engineers, and specialized consultants in structural and geotechnical engineering, energy modeling, landscape architecture, and cost estimating. This integrated approach resulted in a fully sustainable and accessible facility.
The final program included the 46,000 SF addition, select interior renovations, upgraded courtyard landscaping, and major improvements to the existing building, including boiler replacement, climate control systems, ADA compliance upgrades, and energy and water efficiency retrofits. Velocity provided architectural, MEP, fire protection, interior, lighting, landscape, site improvement, and construction administration services.
The addition also houses a 4,339 SF cafeteria with a full commercial kitchen, food serveries, a dietitian’s office, and supporting spaces. Two early work packages addressed the removal of temporary classroom facilities and the re-routing of egress paths. ADA upgrades to the existing building included classroom and cafeteria improvements, a new accessible lobby ramp at street level, and an elevator serving all upper floors to ensure full compliance.
The new addition meets SCA’s 2016 Green Schools Guide (LEED-equivalent) standards.
