Shared and Customized Spaces Support Key Mission of Collaborative Learning

To create learning environments for grades 8-12, the York Academy Regional Charter School planned to expand its campus with the construction of a stand-alone Upper School. In the spirit of the academy’s mission, plans for the school are focused on solutions to support the International Baccalaureate curriculum and collaboration among students and faculty.

To begin the project, Warehaus assisted with site selection and analysis. Zoning challenges required special exceptions and variances from the city zoning hearing board, which we helped secure.  The project also secured the approval of an informal permit review requested by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Our civil team managed a traffic control plan through implementation along with plan entitlement with the City of York and County Conservation District.

The school’s design is focused on the unique needs of the upper school curriculum. We partnered with the school to develop a classification of learning spaces, with customized seating and areas for collaborative learning. The facility features five academic houses – art and music suites, a black box theater, media center with maker space and a PIAA gymnasium. Additionally, a student-run coffee shop on-site will be open to the school and the public.