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Architects present three preliminary options for Nittauer Elementary; town hall set for Jan. 14
Summary
RLPS Architects presented three preliminary concepts for Nittauer Elementary's future: modest additions and renovations (Options A and B) and a full new-building concept (Option C). The firm reported 217 participants in engagement activities and scheduled a town hall for Jan. 14 and follow-up board reviews in February.
RLPS Architects returned to the Manheim Township facilities committee with preliminary concepts for Nittauer Elementary, saying engagement (four focus groups and two surveys) produced consistent priorities: maintain the neighborhood elementary, address aging systems, improve traffic/drop-off, and provide flexible, 'future-ready' learning spaces.
"Overall takeaway is when we say, you know, what commonality between all the groups, the gymnasium is the best function in the existing," said Chris Linke of RLPS as he summarized focus-group feedback. Presenters said 217 people participated across focus groups and surveys and that community respondents repeatedly flagged parking and car/bus drop-off congestion, lighting upgrades and HVAC/air-quality improvements.
Architects described three concept-level options. Option A adds a right-side addition with a new main entrance, administration and counseling areas, a relocated gym and improved adjacent parking and drop-offs to separate after-hours public functions from daily academics. Option B adds a two-story classroom wing and extensive interior renovations while keeping the auditorium and gym, producing essentially 'like-new' academic spaces. Option C illustrated a new building placed behind the existing footprint to allow sequencing of construction with minimal student disruption, stacked instructional neighborhoods and a central courtyard.
Board members asked about auditorium capacity, kindergarten placement, and pedestrian connections to the adjacent Worthington neighborhood; presenters said a walkway connection would be included in later designs and promised capacity and sequencing details in the full report. RLPS said it will return Feb. 5 with cost estimates and a steering committee recommendation and expects to present recommendations to the full board on Feb. 19, with possible action at that meeting.
A public town hall is scheduled for Jan. 14 with tours and a presentation followed by public Q&A; the consultant encouraged community members to attend and review the full report when it is posted to the district website.
