Feedback on Andrew Wilson Received

HMS recently received this feedback letter  regarding our work on Andrew Wilson Elementary School:

Mr. Montgomery – I recently realized that you were the person behind the incredible renovation of the Andrew Wilson school in Broadmoor.  I wanted to just sent a quick note to let you know how much I admire the work that you and your firm accomplished for the students and the community.  I have had the opportunity to tour the school on several different occasions (one time with U.S. Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez) and each time I discover something new and wonderful about the building.  I wondered if you were doing any other school projects in New Orleans….I am hopeful that we will see more historic renovations similar to Wilson. I respect both your creative adaptation of connecting the historic building with the new wing and your mindfulness of the costs associated with operating and maintaining a public school through your design, and your use of energy conserving materials and equipment.

As we all work together to create a new public education system in Orleans Parish, I think we can all learn a thing or two about the facility side of education reform from you and your team.   I just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with the Wilson Project and that I hope to see more of your work throughout New Orleans.  Please let me know what school(s) you are working on next.

Kathy

Kathleen Padian

President

Board of Directors

NOLA 180

HMS Architects Design the New Fine Arts Annex for Adams Middle School

HMS Architects, a New Orleans based firm, has designed the new fine arts annex for John Quincy Adams Middle School. The ground breaking ceremony took place at a press conference last month.

As a critical part of a childs education, we wanted to reflect those values in our design for the Schools fine arts addition, said Charles Montgomery, Principal of HMS Architects. Our goal was to create something clean, simple and handsome, qualities we believe are integral to students exploration and discovery of art, especially music. The theatres floor is an example of how we incorporated the theme of music in the project, its a motif of piano keys.

The 6,600 square foot, state of the art facility will cost about 1.8 million and feature a performance area with seating for 250, along with a band rehearsal room for 150 students and a 20 by 30 foot proscenium stage for school plays, pageants and programs. Other design elements include a percussion practice room for 30 students, two dressing rooms, two faculty practice rooms, a stage shop and other supporting spaces and offices.
The annex will be finished and ready for students in the spring of 2010.

More about the Fine Arts Center at John Quincy Adams Middle School

More about Durr Heavy Constructions Awards
More about Citadels Awards