This morning, we held the ribbon cutting ceremony for Garfield Elementary School. The Department of General Services, MCN Build and Studios Architecture came together to bring Mayor Muriel Bowser and DCPS’s vision to reality.
James A. Garfield Elementary is the first public school designed by an African American architect (William Sidney Pittman) in DC. We completely modernized the historically deemed 1909 wing, a second wing built in 1956, and added 25000 GSF of all new space.
From design to construction, we have completely changed the game. This school is also one of the first to be modernized with an early childhood development center, where families with kids 6-24 months now have access to daycare year-round. Everything in this space is sustainable, equitable, and intentionally crafted to create a safe space to learn and grow.
Since I was a kid, I’ve been obsessed with man made marvels. I would sit in my room as a kid, drawing plans for big cities, and one of my favorite things to create was schools. Growing up, I spent the end of every the summer helping my parents and set up their classrooms for the year.
As a product of public schools and the son of 20+ year public school educators, I don’t care what color, gender, or political view.. there is nothing more important than the investments in our community and education.
In this state of the art facility, I wish these young scholars much love and success. I send BIG BIG love to the admin, faculty, and staff that will grow and pour into these kids. Happy back to school!
Brailsford & Dunlavey, Inc.
District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS)
DC Department of General Services
MCN Build
STUDIOS Architecture