Projects Lafayette Elementary School

Lafayette Elementary School

Historic Renovation | Educational

"Gibbs has brought a team approach to the project to ensure a smooth construction process. Transparent communication made certain that any issues were resolved quickly, respectfully, and professionally. N-Y Associates, Inc. is proud to have been a part of this successful project team working with Gibbs Construction."
Michael G. Buisson, JR. AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

The historic Lafayette Elementary School building was constructed in the early 1900s in the Carrollton area of New Orleans. This open enrollment, tuition-free public charter school currently educates approximately 780 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade.

The renovation of this three-story 71,643-square-foot masonry and concrete structure began in late June 2020 and was completed in August 2021. The interior renovation transformed the kitchen, cafeteria, 33 classrooms, two conference rooms, art room, music room, faculty lounge, band room, administrative offices, telecommunications room, library, three computer labs, five special education rooms, a resource room, restrooms, and storage space.

Given the building’s age, extensive lead and asbestos abatement were required to make the building safe for students going forward. The project scope included selective demolition, hazardous material abatement, pouring of new concrete floors on the first and second levels, installation of a new elevator, and the installation of completely new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire suppression systems.

Finishes such as millwork, VCT flooring, carpet, ceiling tiles, window shades, and light fixtures were upgraded throughout the school. Running trim and cabinetry were installed to match the historic trim and other elements throughout the building. Historic interior plaster repairs were also executed.

A unique challenge the team encountered on this project involved the demolition of a staircase to install an elevator shaft from the ground level to the third floor. Due to limitations of the structure, a complete structural package had to be redesigned and built to support the new elevator. A new opening was cut into the façade to create a ground-level entry that allowed for ADA compliance. In order to drive piles, a skid steer with a helical pile driver was put into the shaft maintaining a 1-inch clearance on each side as it passed through the opening. Managing the tight parameters of the elevator shaft required precision and coordination and resulted in the successful addition of an elevator in place of the former staircase.

Exterior improvements including masonry and tuckpointing restoration, pressure washing, painting, roof repairs, and installation of new downspouts and leader heads were executed to make the structure watertight and revitalize its appearance. Additional exterior scope entailed cutting a new entry door into the façade to match the existing door as well as installing new playground turf.

The historic restoration of Lafayette Academy is a valuable asset to the Carrollton neighborhood offering a safe and rejuvenated environment for the students, as well as a visual refresh to all who travel past it.