North Forestville Community Center

As Architect of Record and Prime consultant, MIMAR provided architectural design and construction administration services. Once conceptual design was finalized, MIMAR generated three-dimensional digital model; then digital model was used to create artistic rendering. The owners chose to alter the facility so that it could serve the adjacent Elementary School during the day and various community purposes during the evening. The new portion of the structure connects with the elementary school’s existing multipurpose room, integrating this part of the older structure into the new facility. The new multipurpose hall is refurbished with a modern basketball court and bleacher seating serves court sports and large group meetings, supported by new restrooms, storage rooms, offices, and a two-story, split-level entry lobby. An elevator was also added to assures that the three-level facility is ADA compliant. Interior finishes are designed to meet functional requirements and provide ease of maintenance. The building exterior facade consists of masonry walls with Exterior Insulation Finish System EIFS, brick and a glass curtain wall. The exterior image of the building was developed in harmony with the existing building. The design of new building is contextual and complimentary with existing building at the same time creates sense of place like exterior room and generate more contemporary image. The site for the new addition was located on steep grades, worked very intensively with civil engineers to generate very viable design solution. After several considerations the HVAC system was located on lower roofs of the building to keep out of public sight. Due to the nature of the site, the entrance is located at mid-level between lower and upper floors. The addition is connected to the adjacent building at both levels and provides access to an existing multipurpose room. MIMAR programmed the structure and supplied several alternative designs from which the owners selected the best option. They generated a three-dimensional rendering of the chosen scheme and engineered the work to make use of the steeply graded site and was intensely involved in construction contract administration. Design elements and features: An elevator and an open staircase serve all three levels, meeting ADA requirements. In addition, an elevator and an open staircase was added to serve all three levels, to meet ADA requirements. The Board of Education and Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commissions desired to develop this facility to serve two purposes. During the daytime it would be used by the North Forestville Elementary School and in the evenings will serve various community needs.