Amanda E. Stout Elementary School, Reading School District

Amanda E. Stout Elementary School Renovated for Expanding Community

Barton Education provided MEP engineering services for the historic Amanda E. Stout Elementary School that was originally constructed in 1934 for the Reading School District. The project included approximately 40,000 square feet of additions that allowed the once overcrowded school of 750 students to facilitate 1,250 students. 

The project was completed over the course of several years through extensive phasing that allowed the school to remain open throughout the construction of both the additions and renovations. 

The project included kindergarten through 5^th grade classrooms, administrative office space, a media center, computer labs, multi-purpose spaces, covered parking area and raised play area above the parking. 

The project included complete replacement of plumbing, HVAC, electrical and technology systems as well as installation of a new fire protection systems. The HVAC system consists of 4-pipe variable air volume air handling units with hydronic control reheat units to allow for both temperature and active dehumidification control. 

Sustainable design elements include low flow plumbing fixtures, air cooled magnetic bearing chillers and a rainwater harvesting system. 

The project serves not only the students of the Reading School District but the surrounding community as well.  It allowed the rehabilitation and continued use of a historic structure that serves as centerpiece in the community. 

The project cost of $23.8 million was more than $2 million under budget and was completed on schedule. 

The project achieved verified energy reduction, incorporated sustainable strategies eligible for LEED Gold Certification. The project won the following awards: Will G. “Bill” Rouse III Awards For Excellence from the Urban Land Institute, Philadelphia District Council, Construction Project Awards for  Outstanding Preservation, Restoration or Rehabilitation Projects from the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards, Special Citation Design Award from AIA Eastern Pennsylvania and Urban Renewal School of the Year Award from the United States Green Building Council, Central PA Chapter.