Story

Nestled in DC’s West End, the John Francis Education Campus serves 680 students from Pre-K through 8th grade, and after this transformation, it does so in nearly 143,000 square feet of bright, modern, and thoughtfully designed space. With new additions bookending the campus, the design honors the building’s 1920s and 1950s roots while introducing state-of-the-art spaces built for today’s learners. The campus now includes a two-story library, a full-size gym, a dining commons, tech and science labs, a renovated auditorium, and even a vibrant community garden that supports the school’s nutrition program. We led the design-build team from start to finish, tackling every challenge head-on—including a major redesign of the MEP systems when available land for geothermal wells was unexpectedly reduced. This led to equipment delays, but through careful coordination and planning, we kept the project on track and delivered it on time, with cost savings returned to the District. The west side of the campus now features a striking three-story addition that faces a busy, mixed-use neighborhood and fits right in with its surroundings. On the east, are the gym, athletic spaces, kitchen, and specialty labs. At the center is the heart of the school—the original building, fully modernized and upgraded while keeping its character intact. It now houses classrooms, student services, the library, dining areas, and the discovery commons. Sustainability was a major goal from day one, and we’re on track to achieve LEED Gold certification in 2025. Despite the tight post-COVID timeline and some late-stage changes, we met all of our efficiency goals. Our team delivered excellent results through a fast-tracked MEP commissioning process, achieving low air infiltration rates across the campus—a big win for long-term building performance. One of the most inspiring aspects of the project is how it connects students to the natural world. With Rock Creek just behind the school, the landscape team created outdoor learning and play areas that feel like a true extension of the park. The result is a campus that doesn't just support academic growth but encourages environmental stewardship and hands-on exploration. In addition, the 250-seat auditorium was fully renovated, updating it with a new stage and theatrical lighting while bringing it up to code. Integrating these high-occupancy systems into a historic building was no small feat—but it brought exciting challenges and invaluable learning opportunities for our junior staff. Structurally, the project combined a mix of old and new. The original building is a four-story structure with steel and masonry elements, while the additions are framed in steel, clad in ACM panels, and feature high-performance glazing that complements the historic windows. A variety of brick finishes tie everything together and reflect the character of the neighborhood. MCN is proud to have played a part in building a future-ready school that stays true to its history.