SWBR completes $22.5 million renovation of School at Springbrook; Project team includes: Keplinger Freeman and M/E Engineering

SWBR Architects has completed the $22.5 million renovation of the School at Springbrook, a non-profit organization that serves those with developmental disabilities. The upgrades include a new gym, cafeteria and classrooms, three eight-bedroom residences for 24 students attending the school at Springbrook. Each residence has two separate and distinct residential wings consisting of four bedrooms, living room, den, dining room, mud room and accessible bathroom. Students with autism are supervised 24/7 and special recreational and educational programs are suited specifically for their needs. The improvements are all in an effort to have more space, better facilities, and improved services for the community. "It's all accessible. It's safe, it's beautiful, it's open. It's there and it will meet their needs," said Patricia Kennedy, Springbrook CEO. SWBR provided all professional design services with the exception of civil engineering and landscape architecture. This was done by Keplinger Freeman Associates in Syracuse. M/E Engineering was the project engineer for the mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. "I think if you have a disability and you have an environment that's tough to work in, it makes disabilities even more severe," said Kennedy. "So this environment allows them to achieve the most independence they possibly can and we have given them many choices as well." The renovations were funded by grants and donations. The entire project created 120 new jobs in the area.