The Kromrey Middle School project was a phased replacement of an outdated school facility. The building was replaced in two phases so that reconstruction would not interfere with the school schedule. The school is located along Pheasant Branch Creek Greenway, an open space corridor and trail network that follows Pheasant Branch Creek through residential neighborhoods to the 550 acre Pheasant Branch Conservancy. A trail connection allows teachers to take students into the greenway for real world study.
Given the school’s proximity to this natural area, it was important that native plants be used as much as possible to blend the seam between the school property and the greenway and reduce maintenance costs to the district. A 150 seat amphitheater extends formal classroom space into the landscape, with the greenway as the backdrop.