Ivan G. Smith Elementary School
Danvers, Massachusetts | June 10, 2024
Introduction
The original Ivan G. Smith Elementary School was built in 1973 and awarded the Architectural Award of Excellence in 1975 by the American Institute of Steel Construction. The school served thousands of families in the Danvers, Massachusetts location, providing K-5 education through its innovative, open classroom designs. It was a resounding success
Fast forward nearly half a century, and the school was in desperate need of massive updates. The facility had systems issues related to electricity, safety, and the like, the open classroom design had become outdated, and the school lacked a performing arts center. Rather than embark on a sweeping renovation, the town of Danvers opted for new construction, earmarking a $52 million budget to build the new Ivan G Smith Elementary School.
Today, 465 students grades K-5 enjoy optimal learning environments in an impressive and modern 83,000 square foot facility.
The Story
The school district prioritized thoughtful accommodations for visual, music, and performing arts in the new building. Decision makers sought to ensure that arts areas would be positions for public access with close proximity to the platform between school’s gym and the cafeteria. The goal was to situate the performance platform in two directions to allow for smaller performances facing the cafeteria and larger performances facing the gym. Through Tappé Architects’ innovative design, this clever configuration was beautifully executed, as were numerous STEM project spaces and new media centers situated within grade-specific learning communities. The school design also included extended learning zones outside of classrooms to accommodate project-based learning.
The team also focused on the design of the main lobby entrance to ensure that the space would be welcoming, creative, and bright for children entering each morning for their day of learning. For this constantly busy, high traffic area, the specifiers sought a flooring option with durability to withstand constant action yet stylish to support the aesthetic requirements. They found that Crossville’s Moonstruck porcelain tile collection hit all the right marks. Moonstruck provides a subtle, natural stone look with striations and a sandstone-like texture. The generously proportioned 18”x36” field tiles were expertly installed with minimal grout lines to create an expansive appearance that enhanced the beautiful, curving architecture of the hallways, as well as the lobby. The tile brought continuity to the overall design.
The specification of Crossville’s Moonstruck collection not only answered the technical performance and desired design style; it aligned with Tappé Architects’ priorities in product selection. Crossville is a U.S.-owned and operated manufacturer with products that are sustainably, responsibly made and ideal for the demands of educational institutions.
Conclusion
With the combination of Moonstruck’s lasting style and long-term performance, Ivan G. Smith Elementary School will be able to serve thousands of children and their families in the new school facility for another half a century to come.
