The new building is located in the Ocean Parkway Special District adjacent to the elevated F train. The main entry was selected based on connection of the school to the adjoining neighborhood that forms the home of the student body. A tight ‘as-of-right’ zoning envelope informed the arrangement of a vast array of spaces including Gymnasium, Auditorium, Student and Faculty Dining, Worship and Study spaces, as well as other classrooms, labs, and exterior terraces. To achieve this, the building excavates deep below grade (and below water table) to accommodate necessary functions. The result is a 114,000 SF, 6 story above grade plus 2 full stories below grade building for a student population of 700.

PKSB assisted ownership in analyzing multiple site zoning scenarios, lot procurement and merging, balanced with the needs of the community. Multiple zoning and environmental designations provided a complex site map. PKSB worked closely with the school administration and building committee early in the design process to determine project goals and space planning requirements. All indoor and outdoor spaces were designed to accommodate current and future school enrollment within the available site restrictions. Multiple concept designs were developed and vetted with the users of the spaces including students, department faculties, and selected staff and donors.