The Greater Hartford Classical Magnet School, grades 7-12 is an extremely important endeavor both programmatically and financially for the city school system.  With a shortage of available land for new construction and an immediate classroom need, the design/build team identified an existing 130,000 SF commercial office building.  They were able to design and renovate this space to accommodate the 700 student Classical Magnet program.  Additions were constructed to house the new black box theater and gymnasium.  The scholastic program includes general classrooms, science labs (classroom / labs), graphic arts, media center, computer labs, cafeteria, gymnasium, and performing arts. One third of the students were housed temporarily in one section of the existing building while the main academic wing was renovated.  Final renovations and additions were then completed as the academic wing was fully occupied.