Located in Midwood, Brooklyn, PS-217 is a historic educational institution originally constructed in 1925. JLGA was selected to lead the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the school, which is designated as a landmarked structure. This status required close collaboration with the New York State Office of Historic Preservation to ensure that all interventions respected the building’s architectural legacy.

The project consisted of the modernization of the existing 77,000 SF school building and the design of a new 34,000 SF addition. JLGA developed a phased construction strategy that prioritized minimizing disruption to students and staff while addressing critical spatial and infrastructural challenges. The modernization plan responded directly to the concerns of parents, teachers, and administrators regarding overcrowding, outdated building systems, evolving educational methodologies, and the needs of a multilingual student body.

The newly constructed wing provided contemporary, internet-ready classrooms and learning environments, offering much-needed relief from the undersized spaces of the original building and acting as swing space, enabling the renovation of the building to proceed floor by floor without interrupting the academic calendar.

Interior upgrades throughout the original school enhanced functionality and flexibility while preserving key historic elements. The design supports the school’s evolving pedagogical goals, including inclusive learning, technology integration, and support for a linguistically and culturally diverse population. Through sensitive design and strategic phasing, JLGA transformed PS-217 into a modern learning environment that honors its architectural heritage while meeting the needs of 21st-century education.