Architects Reveal Plans for New MacArthur Elementary School

8/9/2012 (Updated 10:54:27 PM)

BINGHAMTON -- Architects who are working on redesigning the flood-damaged MacArthur Elementary School gave new details about the project to the board of education this evening.

After the damage from the September flood, architects say that they will have to remove most of the old school, but may use some parts of it-- such as the old courtyard.

They will build the new school higher to prevent flood damage, and make it a net zero energy building.

"Respecting the memory that's embodied in that building seems so important to this community," said Peter Larson of Ashley McGraw Architects.  "We'd like to respect it rather than just removing it and getting it off site."

Parents reacted positively to the plan.

"I think that it's an interesting design and they're coming up to really work with the flow of the river and different things," said Nicki Chanecka, whose daughter attends St. Francis Elementary School.  "So I think it would work well."

The architects say they are aiming for a Christmas 2014 move in date.


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